We have just pushed a Pre-Release for BETA 8 to the test branch. Some big changes have finally arrived for Space Impossible. It has been a long time in the making and alters Space Impossible in a number of key ways. We have improved nearly every system in game, from universe generation, to core gameplay progress, to component access, to adding trade items and supply and demand, to component balancing, to AI weapon handling and pathing improvements, to fabrication of items and components, to adding component salvaging, to moving around the universe and much more. These changes have all been done in order to make the game more focused while still retaining the key Space Impossible spirit. It is the biggest update yet. You should recognize and feel familiar with all the controls, but what will be noticeably different is how advancement is made, especially if you are use to low-effort/low-risking it. You will have to leave the first star system much sooner than you could previously linger. Money is more integrated into activities now. You will find more places to spend it, as well as more ways to make it. Money will be more difficult to earn just via piracy--though it can be still lucrative. Factions and standing matter more now than ever before. There is far too much to go into detail here, but it's out there, and it's all a better play. Here is a brief summary of some of the changes:

• New universe generation, pick size and shape in more realistic inspired galaxy structures
• Improvements to game progression, making it clearer when you're improving while also eliminating some traps and other unintentional too powerful shortcuts
• Materials have been streamlined to reduce unnecessary overcomplication while still retaining variety and choice
• New ways to make money with trade items, new ways to spend money
• Fabrication overhaul, elimination of time element with addition of source and destination options
• A number of new vessel building improvements including UI overhaul
• New "boss" enemies to deal with
• No longer have to build/maintain a space station--though still an option if you want--as you move about the universe
• A huge number of AI improvements, from navmesh generation and pathfinding to weapon selection and battle tactics
• A slew of of new weapons
• Faction system overhaul, faction matters more than ever before and is more rewarding than ever too
• With all these changes, old universes will not be compatible, but many/most saved vessel designs should be.

If you would like to check out this pre-release build all the usual things apply, it will have problems (some of which we know about) and universes created may not be compatible with the final release. Let us know your thoughts via the forums or on our discord If you still wish to give it a try check out all the changes and details here : https://steamcommunity.com/app/416240/discussions/26/3187990390962727684/ and how to access it here: https://steamcommunity.com/app/416240/discussions/26/3187990390962724405/