About This Game

Blackstar Ranger is a high-octane immersive first-person space combat game. From the seat of your advanced fighter, you will complete contracts for BLACKSTAR, the most esteemed Private Military Faction in the solar system. With 6DOF capability, you will battle emerging threats intent on consolidating power throughout the system.

Strap in tight, deep space fighter combat is visceral and chaotic. It takes a special sort to live up to the title of Blackstar Ranger.

DEMO FEATURES

The Blackstar Ranger Demo features the first contract mission from the full game. You will be tasked with defending Minerva Station from incursions of pirate fighters attempting to control the area. The mission is highly replayable and an excellent showcase for how overall combat will feel in the final game. 

The training range is also included in the demo. Here you will get instruction on your fighter systems from the AI trainer. An in-cockpit menu will allow you to select topics about your craft that you would like to learn. The training range also allows the player to test out systems and weapons on training drones and turrets. You can hone your skills in a non-lethal environment before ever accepting an official contract.

FULL GAME FEATURES

• Take on various heart pounding, highly replayable contract missions. Tangle with space fighters and capital ships to keep the company gratified while earning your reputation.

• The Blackstar training range provides a place to gain instruction on the various systems of your advanced fighter as well as put them and your weapons to the test.

• Full 6DOF (six degree of freedom) control with compensated and uncompensated Newtonian physics modes. These can be easily toggled during combat.

• The combat is designed primarily around the use of HOTAS, but the game also supports gamepad and keyboard/mouse controls. All controls are bindable with calibration and customization options. Support for the use of up to 6 controllers simultaneously.

• Player immersion was a primary design philosophy. The in-game UI is MFD and holographic based. No overly cluttered HUD keeps gameplay immersive.

• Physicalized projectiles ensure a realistic gunnery experience.

• Fully voiced NPC radio dialog and cockpit AI, with optional subtitles.

• Built-in MP3 player with bindable controls. Listen to your own collection of MP3s in game. The system will automatically reduce the music volume during NPC radio calls and return it after the voice communication is complete. Never miss any critical information.

• Ultra-wide screen support for menu UI elements. In-cockpit UI uses physicalized world elements and not overlays.

• Progression stats keep track of your pilot accomplishments. Victory badges are displayed on your cockpit dash to show off your fighter victories. A demerit system keeps the player honest, punishing them for things that Blackstar deems undesirable. A dedicated stats page is available to review your accomplishments. 

• Extensive user options, each with explanation. Options to control the audio level of many in-game sound effects.  Gameplay options such as target radar arrows, auto-targeting, rotational brake dampening, subtitles, and more.

• Difficulty levels to tailor the game to your playstyle or ability.

• Steam achievements.

THE FUTURE

Blackstar Ranger is not an early access title. The full game and demo, however, will continue getting updates after launch. I am a solo developer, and this game is my passion project. My plan is to continue to add new features and missions well after the game launches.

If you enjoy the demo, please consider adding the game to your Wishlist so you get notified when the full game releases.