Objects in Space is a debut 2D stealth-action space trading game with point-and-click elements, casting players as a ship captain navigating the Apollo cluster of star systems. Players pilot a customizable vessel, engaging in a loop of trade, bounty hunting, exploration, and scavenging, or combining these roles. The core gameplay emphasizes stealth, requiring players to run silent and plan maneuvers to avoid detection, drawing comparisons to Cold War submarine tactics. Combat remains largely avoidable for pacifistic players who monitor news and steer clear of pirate-heavy systems or uncharted regions. Success hinges on maintaining ship system quietness and going "dark" to evade enemy scanners while traversing dangerous shipping lanes.
Ships are fully customizable, allowing players to select individual components to design vessels for combat, shipping, or stealth. The economy operates on a complex contract system with over fifty employers, where reputation directly influences available passenger, cargo, or bounty-hunting missions. Objects in Space presents an open world where opportunities, stories, and events are time-based, offering varied experiences across playthroughs without a single linear narrative. Players explore 12 populated and 20 uncharted star systems, discovering derelict ships, wreckages, and communication beacons. Beyond the core sandbox experience, the game includes tense combat scenarios and multiplayer scenarios for competitive or cooperative play. A unique hardware integration allows players to construct DIY ship bridges with physical switches and buttons using Arduinos.
