Gratuitous Space Battles 2 Enters Beta, Taking Pre-Orders

Gratuitous Space Battles was well received on Steam, where it enjoys a “mostly positive” rating among its users. Released in late 2009, the game—while still undeniably fun—feels mostly dated by today’s graphical standards.

As such, its developers at Positech Games have announced the development of a sequel, titled Gratuitous Space Battles 2. Now in beta, the game is available for purchase as a ‘preorder’—which nets you access to the game’s beta. It’s not too different from actually buying the game right now, but it lets its developers off the hook with the unpolished quality of the game. 

"There will of course be bugs, and myriad balance issues. And I will be adding some extra voiceover and a few other bits and pieces," the game’s developer Cliff Harris wrote on his blog. "But hopefully this is something you can play and enjoy right now. You get a download link, an online serial (for challenges, if you want to use them), and a Steam code for its eventual Steam release (the code obviously isn’t working yet)."

Like the first game, GSB2 is a top-down strategy game where you have to construct a fleet of space ships, position them, and send them to battle against an opposing fleet. You’ll be able to customize the loadouts of your ships, issue orders, and shape your fleet’s formation. 

Beyond better graphics, GSB2 will offer new ship classes, unique “designer ships”, and support for multiple monitors and mods.