In Control: Rocketry announced for PC

It isn’t exactly rocket science, but it is pretty close. Since the disastrous launch of Kerbal Space Program 2, which was so bad it could have been classed as one of Elon’s, there is sort of a gap in the market for rocket science-y games. As you can tell from my PhD in blowing up little green men and using such big words as “science-y,” I’m the perfect candidate to tell you about Electromechanical Softworks’ newly announced game, In Control: Rocketry. Announced yesterday, I think this might be a game that fills in that gap. Here is what the press release had to say:

“Maximum Entertainment today announced In Control: Rocketry, a spaceflight simulator developed by Electromechanical Softworks. The game gives players complete control over every aspect of an orbital journey, from bolting together the rocket to wiring the panel that steers it. Coming to PC via Steam, In Control: Rocketry is built on realistic physics and propulsion systems, and asks one simple question: [C]ould you actually fly this thing?

In Control: Rocketry has players design a spacecraft from thrusters, fuel tanks and capsules, then build the control panel that operates it, wiring together sensors, inputs[,] and outputs before testing the whole assembly and adjusting until it holds its flight path. Once airborne, players fly the craft themselves: working the panel, managing resources, and steering toward a destination using real orbital mechanics.” Ahh, I said I had a PhD in blowing up little green men; I usually get them to do the wiring.

Speaking of its features, the press release notes: “Construct Your Rocket: Combine thrusters, fuel tanks[,] and capsules into a spacecraft, where every part’s purpose and mass changes how it flies.

Wire Your Own Control Panels: Connect sensors, inputs and outputs to make the rocket fly.

Explore a Solar System: Orbit an Earth-like planet, travel to its moon, and journey to the far reaches of space landing, or crashing, onto strange new worlds, each with its own challenges and puzzles.”

Then finally, speaking of the progression path, “Progress unlocks genuine rocket and control panel parts that open up new destinations, while asteroids can be redirected and mined for resources. Missions run both unmanned and manned, the latter adding life support to everything else a pilot is already juggling. For players who would rather experiment than plan, Sandbox Mode is a place to test rocket ideas, practice flying, or build purely for the fun of it.”

As you might expect, with it just being announced, there is no word yet on an exact release date. The press release for In Control: Rocketry does note a 2027 release window on PC via Steam, but that’s as detailed as we’re getting right now, of course. I’m excited for In Control: Rocketry, albeit knowing I’ll mess up the wiring in at least six different places per launch. There is a level of seriousness on top of what we’re used to after years of creating lots of little green jam.