While not strictly retro, Astra Protocol Remake certainly has a retro vibe, featuring a monochromatic green display and limited controls.
I wasn’t aware of Astra Protocol until this week, but it looks exactly like the sort of game I’d have played on the Commodore 64 or Amiga in my childhood. It’s got the vibe of Super Star Trek, but with graphics.
Well, the game is being upgraded as Astra Protocol Remake, a new upgrade that you can sample via the work-in-progress form on the itch.io page.
What is Astra Protocol Remake?
Described as “a cult sci-fi survival game” Astra Protocol looks like it belongs on the cover of a 1980s Blake’s 7 VHS sleeve (and “Astra Protocol” certainly sounds like dialogue from that series).
“Your headquarters have been destroyed. Your allies are gone. You have no resources and are alone in the hostile reaches of outer space. The final words of your command linger in your memory – Initiate Astra Protocol.”
The minimalist look and stark difficulty adds some brutal reality to proceedings, and with a small spacecraft and dwindling resources, your biggest challenge is to stay alive longer than the last time.
Take a look at this:
The new version of the game utilizes a “modern rendering pipeline” and “shader-based effects” while aiming to stay true to the survival roots of the original.
Features of the new game:
- Modern rendering pipeline with shader effects
- Improved AI and collision detection
- Customisable control and display options
- Tight survival mechanics: manage shields, fuel, and weaponry
- Built on the engine powering future Astra Protocol titles
To assist in the development of this rebuilt game, players can try the remake and share their thoughts on mechanics, difficulty, and features as development continues.
- Play the Work-in-Progress Build: https://slicebar.itch.io/astra-protocol-remake
- Compare with the Original: https://slicebar.itch.io/astra-protocol
There is more to Astra Protocol than just this remake project, however.
If you like the look of it, check out Astra Protocol 2 on Steam, which has the heaviest retro sci-fi RTS vibes you’re going to find anywhere.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.