Space Wreck is a throwback to classic RPGs with a ton of charm

You can also Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield” Cyberpunk: 2077, I’ve been absolutely drowning in high-quality RPGs. But I’d be remiss to count out the indie scene, which is also producing fantastic games in the genre. One of these sleeper titles that shouldn’t slip under the radar is Space WreckA tribute to classic isometric games like the original A Fallout. It’s weird, punishing, versatile, and extremely compelling.

Space WreckThe game begins with a tiny refueling station. I assume the Captain’s role for a vessel which has barely avoided certain destruction. To repair the ship and finish our trip, I must go out to get supplies. Of course, nothing’s ever easy, and the first big haul I find — a shipload of fuel — is zealously guarded by automated security robots and a second crew of scavengers who aren’t in the mood to share.

Space Wreck has the statistic distribution and dialogue trees you might expect from a classic RPG, but the game’s campaign is also tooled to work like an immersive sim. The character that I first created was an affable generalist, who would charm any opponent. It was then that I realized every decision has an outcome. My refusal to learn science skills led me to break computer terminals.

Image: Pahris Entertainment

Beautiful – The Beauty of Space Wreck is that every time I foolishly close a door by failing to crack a terminal, there’s always a window. With a screwdriver, I can let myself into the station’s ventilation systems. You can also choose to commit indiscriminate killings if you roll correctly. After failing with the first character, I tried again using a hacker-type of character. It completely changed the way I played the game.

Space WreckIt can lead to surprising outcomes. If you don’t put points into Focus, for instance, your character might find themselves unable to follow a long conversation and they might just wander off. Some NPCs won’t even talk to you unless you pass an initial Charm test, and if you forget to unequip your weapon before approaching them, they might just assume you’re about to attack them.

There is still a problem that I need to solve Space Wreck’s many secrets, but so far I love the game for making me work through those challenges. Most RPGs give you a lot of choice. Space Wreck’s choices are serious business. The combat, for example, is totally optional. Space Wreck — because if you don’t build for it, you’re going to get turned into chunky salsa. It’s a refreshing, tiny RPG that captures the joy of classic games in the genre, and I’m hooked.