What's exciting me about Space Engineers 2 + why we might be playing the original for now

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses their excitement and concerns about *Space Engineers 2*, particularly in light of teasers and developments from the game’s creators. They express enthusiasm about new features like smaller grid sizes for more detailed designs, improved usability tools for building and painting, better lighting, and realistic damage modeling. However, they remain cautious about the absence of details regarding survival mechanics, water features, and the potential inclusion of mods like Build Vision. The speaker also hopes for better organization systems to manage large builds and a balance between creative freedom and survival gameplay.

Takeaways

• 😀 Smaller grid sizes will allow for more detailed designs and decorations, such as tables and chairs, and may open up opportunities for smaller drones or functional vehicles.
• 😀 Water mechanics, though not yet shown, are highly anticipated by fans who hope for features like dams, water wheels, and environmental hazards (e.g., radioactive leaks from reactors).
• 😀 The new blueprint system allows players to copy and modify sections of their builds, making the process much more efficient in both creative and survival modes.
• 😀 The spray paint gun and improved UI feedback for block interactions (such as welding, grinding, and painting) will make building more intuitive and user-friendly.
• 😀 Small conveyors in the game will offer both functional and decorative benefits, helping to streamline industrial designs without overwhelming the space.
• 😀 Lighting improvements, especially with ray tracing, will offer more realistic lighting effects that properly interact with the environment, enhancing the game's atmosphere.
• 😀 Improved damage models for non-deformable blocks will add more realism, with blocks showing both fracture damage and the ability to repair them partially, reflecting a 'lived-in' feeling.
• 😀 The user interface improvements shown so far seem promising, but there is a strong desire for more organizational features, such as folders and grouping systems for blueprints and blocks.
• 😀 There’s hope that a mod-like feature, such as Build Vision, could be incorporated into the game to allow for better management and control of blocks using a tablet or scanner.
• 😀 Overall, *Space Engineers 2* shows great promise, with major improvements in usability, decoration, physics, and lighting. However, many features (like survival mechanics) are still eagerly awaited.

Q & A

What new grid size features are expected in Space Engineers 2, and how will they improve gameplay?

The new smaller grid size will enable more detailed designs, especially for decorative items like tables and desks. It allows players to make functional, smaller builds, even creating tiny drones or vehicles, which was not possible in the original game due to larger grid sizes. Smaller grids will also help players create detailed, intricate parts of their ships or bases, improving both aesthetic and functional designs.

What potential for tiny drones or vehicles exists with the new grid system?

The hope is that with the smaller grid size, players will be able to create tiny, functional drones or even small vehicles like flying chairs or wheelchairs. This would be possible if new, smaller thrusters, power sources, and control systems are introduced for these smaller builds. While no official confirmation has been given, the potential for this feature is highly anticipated.

What is the status of the survival mechanics in Space Engineers 2?

As of the latest teasers, survival mechanics have not been fully revealed. There are hints, such as the inclusion of refinery and assembler blocks, which suggest survival will be part of the game. However, survival-specific elements like resource management, planetary survival, and environmental hazards have not yet been shown in detail.

How does the new blueprint and build system in Space Engineers 2 enhance gameplay?

The new system allows players to select, modify, and expand blueprints or build sections easily, which significantly improves workflow. This tool can be used in both creative and survival modes, offering more flexibility when constructing ships or stations. It also includes UI improvements like better connection indicators for smaller blocks, making the building process faster and more intuitive.

What improvements are expected in block welding in survival mode?

While no detailed information has been shared yet, the hope is that Space Engineers 2 will find a balance between the instant placement of blocks in creative mode and the manual welding process in survival mode. Players want the satisfaction of welding up blocks without the process being too tedious, especially for smaller grids.

What changes to block painting are expected in Space Engineers 2?

Space Engineers 2 will introduce a spray paint gun, which was a much-requested feature for the original game. Additionally, the game will offer visual indicators showing exactly which block is being painted, improving the accuracy and ease of the painting process. The hope is that this feature will be extended to other tools like welders and grinders, allowing players to identify blocks more easily while interacting with them.

How will lighting and visual effects be improved in Space Engineers 2?

The lighting system is expected to be much improved, with more realistic lighting that behaves properly within the game world. The new engine will allow for better effects, such as light not passing through objects, improving immersion. Ray tracing may be included, but the primary focus is on making lighting more realistic and usable in various building scenarios.

What is the role of non-deformable blocks and damage modeling in Space Engineers 2?

Non-deformable blocks will feature damage modeling that fractures the block when it is damaged. This is separate from the deformable armor blocks, which will still deform in response to damage. The hope is that this system allows for semi-repaired blocks, where partial repairs are visible, adding to the realism and storytelling aspect of the game, showing wear and tear on ships and bases.

How will blueprint and block organization be handled in Space Engineers 2?

The game is expected to have better organization tools for managing blueprints, blocks, and sub-grids. This could include folder systems or tree structures to help players organize large, complex builds, making it easier to manage and access various parts of their creations. This is especially important for players working with large grids and complex ship designs.

What is the potential for mods in Space Engineers 2, especially regarding Build Vision?

There is a possibility that the functionality of mods like Build Vision could be incorporated into the base game. One suggestion is to implement a tool like a tablet or scanner that would allow players to interact with blocks and grids through a more realistic in-game interface, without relying on external mods. This would provide similar functionality to Build Vision, making it more integrated into the game world.