I just wrapped up my latest run in IXION by Bulwark Studios, published by Kasedo Games. The way it balances city building and space odyssey is remarkable. According to one Steam user, it feels like Frostpunk in space, offering solid gameplay and a gripping backdrop. Meanwhile, another player called it addictive until a few transport bugs hit. Personally, I found its story chapters and hidden survivors especially compelling.
For strategy fans, the core mechanics shine. You juggle power, oxygen, crew morale, and hull integrity simultaneously. In addition, I mapped routes for miners, set priority queues on production trees, and tweaked Data Listening System tiers. Bulwark Studios built these systems in Unity, later optimizing them to support large station layouts. While it reminds me of Frostpunk’s depth, the addition of space hazards makes IXION feel unique.
As I explored every sector of the Tiqqun, I discovered Sector Six unlocks late-game data logs and three cryopods. Along the way, I completed 47 side quests—rescuing drift survivors and hunting down broken probes. That Data Listening System truly rewards thorough explorers. Moreover, I charted each emergency event, from hull breaches to power surges. Tracking every achievement felt satisfying, though a sandbox mode would have been a welcome option.
My first complete run clocked in at twelve hours. To optimize, I staged probe launches around resource nodes, reset roads, and rebuilt depots to eliminate logistics bugs. One helpful tip: group constructors near power hubs to cut travel time. Interestingly, a fellow speedrunner managed a nine-hour run by spamming drone relays. Although the glitches are frustrating, they also encourage creative routing, and mastering them can shave off precious minutes.
The story and pacing hook you early. In a dev blog, Bulwark Studios explained they wanted players to feel human fragility. Consequently, chapters introduce escalating threats—star storms, rival survivors, and more. Dialogues remain sharp, and lore logs drip-feed details on DOLOS A.E.C. and Earth’s collapse. It felt like uncovering a living novel every time I sent probes deeper into the unknown.
Visuals amp the mood. IXION runs on a custom fork of the Unity engine. The art team drew inspiration from classic sci-fi films and NASA imagery. You see bright control panels against dark void. Animations for emergency fire suppression feel dynamic. I saw smooth 60 fps on PC, though lower-end rigs sometimes dip during storms.
Audio stood out for me. Composer Lina Mora’s soundtrack uses haunting strings and low synth pulses. Track three, “Lament of Tiqqun,” plays during ghost ship encounters and really chills you. Sound effects—crackling pipes, distant alarms—alert you to breaches. Voice actors deliver crew pleas with perfect tension, especially when they question DOLOS’ motives.
Characters drive urgency. Each specialist on board has a small backstory you unlock. I love the robotics engineer who lost her family pods. That personal touch makes decision timers sting more. I wish for more diversity in crew portraits, but most arcs feel meaningful.
Challenge hits you from minute one. Resource scarcity, random hazards, trust meters all climb together. Some users noted difficulty spikes mid-game. I found adjusting difficulty in settings smooths the curve. You can tweak event frequency and resource abundance for more casual runs.
Replay value grows as you unlock new buildings and probe blueprints. There’s no sandbox yet, but each story chapter adds fresh threats. You can steer missions differently, rescue different survivors, or focus on mining rich asteroids. Compared to Surviving Mars or Frostpunk, IXION offers less freeform but more story depth.
I’ve hit 120 percent completion on my main save. I plan a second run focusing on maximal trust build, unlocking six full data tiers. Those hidden achievements deliver solid reasons to dive back in.
I’ll chase speedruns in each difficulty mode next. Optimizing EVA missions and probe launches could yield new world records. Even the bugs spark new routing strategies.
Final thoughts: IXION brings a fresh face to city builders in space. Bulwark Studios and Kasedo Games nailed immersion. It stands out with its tense story, deep systems and moody visuals.
If you’re looking for games like Frostpunk, Surviving Mars, Oxygen Not Included, RimWorld, and Cities: Skylines, each offers rich strategy, resource management, and endless replay value. From surviving brutal climates to building thriving Martian colonies, subterranean bases, or futuristic cities, these titles challenge you with deep mechanics and immersive worlds. Whether you enjoy moral dilemmas, AI-driven storytelling, or creative city layouts, these simulation and management games provide rewarding experiences for fans of thoughtful, strategic gameplay.
