Infinite Space

Infinite Space is a science fiction role-playing video game where players take on the role of protagonist Yuri, who leads a growing fleet of spaceships across different galaxies. The narrative is presented through non-interactive story cutscenes presented using 2D static images, while other elements including battles and exploration are presented using 3D graphics. The entire game is controlled by the touchscreen. Neither characters nor spacecraft are controlled directly, but instead use a style similar to a point-and-click game.

While the main plot is unchanging, many smaller elements feature a non-linear branching narrative dictated by choices from the player. These choices can determine a particular path through the narrative, or allow a new character to join Yuri's fleet. Travelling between planets causes a ship crew's fatigue level to rise, impeding their efficiency. Stopping at a space port or planet removes fatigue and replenishes the fleet's health.

Infinite Space is set in the far future, where humanity has expanded beyond the Milky Way to colonise neighbouring galaxies including the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (SMC and LMC), with travel between distant locations accomplished using Void Gates, constructs of an ancient civilization. A notable space phenomenon are Flux Sectors, areas of space where reality is in an unstable state. A recurring feature of the setting are groups called Zero-G Dogs, who act as mercenaries fighting with different factions and are alternately admired and despised. Key objects of power are Epitaphs, cube-shaped objects from ancient times that are said to open a gateway to a divine realm.

The two major powers in the galaxies are the Galactic Federation, formed from nations across the SMC and LMC; and the Lugovalian Empire, controlling a quarter of the known universe and now expanding towards the Milky Way cluster under the guidance of Emperor Taranis. The protagonist is Yuri from the planet Ropesk, the inhabitants of which have been banned from space travel. He is taken from Ropesk by Nia, a Zero-G Dog he hires to escape the planet. A key character is Kira, his sister who is initially taken hostage after his departure. Other key characters encountered by Yuri are the notorious pirate Valantin; Cico, a Lugovalian who later becomes the Empire's crown prince; and Patriarch Bogd, leader of the Holy Nation of Adis.

Infinite Space was co-developed by PlatinumGames, a company founded by ex-Capcom staff including producer Atsushi Inaba; and Nude Maker, a company founded by former employees of Human Entertainment including director and writer Hifumi Kono. The adult Kono had wanted to create a sweeping science fiction epic since his teens, though he had never imagined being able to do so. The project began when Inaba contacted Kono, having wanted to work with him since the pair's experience developing Steel Battalion. Infinite Space was unusual compared to PlatinumGames's other action-based titles, but Inoue pushed for something out of the ordinary to be included in their library.

PlatinumGames oversaw and supported production under Inaba. Nude Maker handled the core programming and creation of initial art assets and scenario, with expansion of aspects such as artwork handled by other external studios. The production was notably supported by Studio Nue.

Infinite Space met with "generally favorable" reviews, earning a score of 75 points out of 100 from aggregate website Metacritic based on 46 critic reviews. While critical reception of the game was generally positive, it saw a more mixed reaction from players in both Japan and the West.

Reception to the narrative was generally positive, with praise going to its writing and scope. Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu called the narrative enjoyably complex, with one reviewer noting its setting as "overwhelming". com noted homages to 1970s Japanese science fiction, while Edge Magazine praised the narrative as "neatly grafted" onto the gameplay systems. Eurogamer's Dan Pearson described the storyline as traditional while praising Yuri's characterization.