GameSided Preview: Starborn Wanderers For iOS

“Starborn Wanderers” image courtesy of Game Inisght.

If you have wanderlust today (and you could stomach the price of gas), you might hit the open road and head across the country. In the future it could be a bit different, as in firing up the starship and zooming through entire sectors of space. At least that’s what it looks like in “Starborn Wanderers,” the newly announced sci-fi RPG from Game Insight. Prepare to customize, fight for freedom, and maybe squeeze in some wandering on your iPad.

Sadly, this is no vacation we’re talking about. In “Starborn Wanderers,” Earth has already been lost to an alien invasion, and humanity has had to escape to its new home of Terra Nova. But new threats are lurking, specifically an enormous hostile craft known only as The Ravager, and your job as a new cadet is only the small task of saving all of mankind.

You’ll get to do it your way thanks to a deep customization system for both your character and your ship. Make that ships, actually, since the game promises that you’ll eventually have a full fleet that can be upgraded and tailored to any play style. Fancy some more speed at the sake of some firepower? That’s your call.

Game Insight had a pre-release build in its meeting room at E3, offering just enough hands on time to show off the smooth turn-based space combat. In-between battles, the non-linear gameplay will free up players to pursue the main storyline or side quests, and if you’re not in the mood for seeing the stars, the game will take you directly to the location of your next mission objective.

There are also plans for a player-driven economy not unlike a light version of “EVE Online.” Mining will be one way to make a living, but you’ll have to work for it playing a mini-game rather than sitting around and watching the space rocks roll in.

Game Insight is looking to add to its lineup of casual games with some mid-core fare, and “Starborn Wanderers” is just the first step along that road. Look for it to hit the App Store during the third quarter of 2013.

Available for: iPad

Release date: Q3 2013