Much like Bigfoot, Red Dead Redemption on the PC and the DCS Merge, some say that Star Citizen is more a legend than an actual game. Today marked the day when they said ‘I’m so tired, let’s just put it out there’ and released for testing to everyone (that has an account) a new test version.
This version features the updated graphics engine and the new procedural planet tech. You can read all about what is actually in it here:
It’s been months (years?) since I installed, so let’s give it a peek:
Ok, install time. Mmm, 15 GB, that’s not so bad…
Ah, the other 25 GB is the ‘patch’. For those with SSDs, the entire thing on disk comes in at just under 39 GB installed.
Let’s give the Universe a go.
Space Ports it is.
Wake up sleepy head…
The station smells of noodles. Cabbage and noddles. I’ll keep my helmet on.
Why, hello there!
Snazzy new interaction menus with a ‘Glowy Pipboy’ thing.
I remember this, it’s the ship ordering place.
Ah, my cheap old ship. I never spent any real money, so a bucket for me.
The station is a bit more lively now.
Out the airlock, remember where we parked.
Space is big. Big and dark. Mainly dark.
Hmm, I wish I had that one. Lend me a couple hundred bucks would ya?
Ok, DCS this isn’t let’s hit the button and light this one up.
Pretty!
A dodgy egress.
I can see my noodle machine from here!
Not much to look at, my crate.
The Glowy Pipboy looks good, but it’s hard to use. You need a dark room. Here’s the local system map:
Let’s head for ‘Daymar’ which I think is a desert planet. Sand gets everywhere, so let’s make the jump Chewie!
Punch it! Argh…
Stop!
Ok, we’re here. Out of fuel already - what is this a F-350, I just left a gas station.
Nice planet graphics though.
Let’s head down.
Atmospheric planets, you seeing this Elite Dangerous? 
Let’s set down here, just about…
there?
Or there. Hmm, I’m bouncing. Plus can’t turn off the engines.
Nope, I can’t land. Let’s head for a structure on the map. Maybe you need to use a pad or something?
Here’s one!
Almost there, when suddenly…
So, still very early days. Technically impressive but some obvious optimization to do in terms of framerates and the like. You can definitely see the bare bones of a game here, as the ships, planets and the like are fleshing out. Very alpha still, but nice to visit again.
See you next year, Star Citizens! 
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