German indie studio Toukana Interactive, along with animation studio kurzgasagt, have released their next game via Steam Early Access. Star Birds ($19.99) has already hit the coveted Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, with nearly 1,000 reviews.
Star Birds is a space-themed resource management strategy game based around tiny asteroids. As part of a burgeoning avian intergalactic empire, players must scan, claim, and mine asteroids for precious resources. Facility and pipe placement in the fully rotational asteroids are key to optimizing the economy, and completing each challenge of the campaign.
Star Birds still maintains the studios’ chill vibes, with an emphasis on completing the puzzle-like challenges instead of a amassing a sprawling automation empire.
Plus, the colorful birds are super cute.
The Early Access version includes seven main story missions (including two star systems), as well as randomized Expedition Levels. Those who played the demo earlier this year will enjoy the addition of electricity, and icy asteroids.
I enjoyed the Star Birds demo, though it didn’t quite make my list of my favorite demos from the Steam Next Fest.
The full 1.0 version is about a year away, and will feature more buildings, asteroids, star systems, and continue the story campaign.
Toukana made waves several years ago with the release of Dorfromantik, a board game-inspired tile-laying builder that quickly became one of our favorite puzzle games. Dorfromantik has even been adapted into its own board game!
Star Birds is available now via Steam Early Access with a launch discount of 10% through September 24.
