How much is there to say about FTL at this point? If you already own it you already know how great it is. Being a fan of it, you would also know that the Advanced Edition is absolutely free to those who already own the main game. So it’s hard to really put a score to FTL and its… expansion? I guess it is an expansion. So this review will be an overview of FTL as a whole, and what Advanced Edition content adds to it.
In FTL, the goal is to pilot a space ship through eight sectors to save the federation from the ever pursuing Rebellion, leading up to a fight with the monster Rebel Flagship. You can play a variety of ships, all with different strengths, weaknesses and strategies. Along the way, you’ll encounter ships to fight, stores to trade with and upgrade your ship, and other encounters that may help or hinder your quest.
In addition to that, you also have to manage your crew and the systems they are manning. Manning a system grants bonuses to their effectiveness. For example, manning the engine grants a higher chance to dodge incoming fire, which is very useful. Not having a pilot manning the piloting system without auto-pilot brings your dodge chance to zero, effectively guaranteeing that you’ll get hit by enemy fire. Systems that are hit by enemy fire may stop working, and may also hurt the crew inside the room depending on the weapon.
FTL is a really interesting hybrid of Real Time Strategy, and almost turn based considering the encouraged ability to pause the action and input everything you want to do instantaneously. Get hit by a missile, pause, send your crew to repair the hull breach and get the oxygen working again. Enemies teleported on board? Pause, open the doors to outside space and suffocate them! All while trying to take down the enemy ship, or just get the hell outta there with a Faster Then Light jump when your engines charge. There’s a lot to think about, with many different ways to solve problems, and it’s always exciting.
So what does the Advanced edition add? I consider it an addition catering towards the already well versed in FTL. The game is made harder, both by adding a much requested hard mode, and with the new gameplay mechanics, scenarios, and weapons. Hard mode makes the currency ‘scrap’ harder to come by, as well as making the AI smarter and more considered when trying to destroy you. Even on easy, Advanced edition is way harder than normal FTL. After a couple of tries and getting an extremely lucky run, I barely beat the end boss. I have yet to beat the game on either normal or hard, and I’ve put a good 90 hours into normal FTL. I’m not sure if this means I suck or not.
What really makes Advanced Edition so much harder than the normal game is the new mechanics specifically designed to ruin your day. A Mind Control system can turn one of your crew against you for a limited time. They will destroy systems and attack your other crew. It’s a real pain in the ass,especially if they are a pilot, because then your dodge chance is zero and then, oh no, a missile has torn off my face, game over. To combat this, you also can also equip ships with a cloning bay instead of a medical bay, which while it’s operational will automatically clone crew when they die, albeit with a statistics penalty to that crew member.
Another new mechanic is a hacking system, which you can use to take over an enemy’s systems. For example, you could hack the weapons sub-system so they can’t use their weapons for a short period of time. It also locks the doors leading to the room, so enemy crew can’t get in to fix it. Trust me, there is nothing more soul crushing than getting your oxygen hacked on the final fight, and watching your crew slowly suffocate, nothing.
Along with new weapons and ship layouts for existing ships, there is a new race playable called the Lanius. The quirk with these guys is that they take all the oxygen out of the room they’re standing in. If all doors are open on a ship, they will steal all the oxygen. In addition, they do not take damage from lack of oxygen, so they can be fantastic units for suppression of enemy crew if used properly. Smaller changes include being able to man doors and sensors sub-systems for an automatic boost of their effectiveness.
A normal game of FTL is usually pretty nerve racking. Fighting a well equipped ship can have you up shit creek in a matter of seconds. In a way, the advanced edition just adds more tension and more elements to deal with. The tense and exciting nature of FTL is what makes it so special.
The good news is that you can play without the Advanced Edition content if you’re new, then turn it on once you’ve got a hang of things.This, combined with small UI and general fixes have made FTL easy to learn and understand, but hard to master.
This update wouldn’t be complete without some minor graphical updates and an awesome new soundtrack. Ben Prunty has shown his prowess with engaging ambient music, but Advanced Edition has some more trance sounding heart pumpers added to the usual ambience. It still fades seamlessly between the two, and I think the more energetic soundtrack will be something people appreciate if they aren’t crapping themselves trying to put out fires or something.
Last Updated: April 9, 2014
FTL: Advanced Edition | |
There was a hell of a lot of game in the normal edition, and the Advanced Edition only adds more of the good stuff - and for free too! There’s never been a better time to get into FTL.
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FTL: Advanced Edition was reviewed on PC | |
0 /
100
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Black Mage [Umar]
April 9, 2014 at 13:06
Cue Admiral busting a nut
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:12
HAHAHA Don’t say that! He goes nuts when you do! 😉
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:13
I SAW THAT
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
*Innocent look… ME? http://shechive.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/kit.gif?w=500&h=273
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:08
I SUMMON ERWIN!
VampyreSquirrel
April 9, 2014 at 13:12
Change “web” to Erwin…
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lppxc8rqhK1qmg43eo1_500.gif
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
loooooool
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:12
HERE!!!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:11
EFFFF TEEEEEEE ELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Love this game! I’ve only had one game with the new additions but I just know that come the weekend I am going to be stuck behind my PC jamming this
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:12
Man, can you imagine mixing this with Xcom? Shudder
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
I just came…
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:15
0-O lol Would be awesome. So the damage you take getting to a mission affects your troops on the ground. So much awesome.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:15
MAKE THIS NAO!!!!!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
How are you liking FTL btw? hehehe
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:18
Flipping awesome. Played it at Will’s place. He is also totally addicted to it.
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:19
Damn you. It belongs to us!! 😉
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:22
Hehe. I would love it if they put it on the consoles to man. Is it a two player game over PC?
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:23
Will be difficult on console, since:
A. Pointy clicky action
B. Difficult
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:26
What do you mean, that’s made for the Xbone and Kinect! “Fire missile” *Opens all doors on own craft = FUCK.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:30
LOL, I can see this happening
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:32
Laughing too hard at this
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:23
Nope. SP only. But they’re planning mobile, apparently. Not safe.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:13
9/10?
I can agree!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
I disagree. 10/10!!!!!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
LOL
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:13
I’ve got bad news for you on that first pic. You gonna die
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
Maybe you, I can turn it around!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:16
Four left of the hull, and he’s got a moerse laser and a beam> Eish man. I have much to learn. Should’ve made my handle Apprentice JJ
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:32
Beam can’t pierce shields so well. Definitely can still be turned around
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:35
That looks like a triple shot laser though. That’ll open up the shields and beams eat your hull. But I’m only 20 hours in. Much still to learn.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:37
Ion shields, other 2 guns hit weapons. That will be enough to bring one, if not both enemy weapons down as they are high cap usage. Then carry on hitting the weapons with your mains and the shield with your ion to keep em down.
Do not let up on hitting the weapons
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:38
Ah. I didn’t actually notice how many weapons the ship has.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:38
Yeah, always check what they have, and guess the power level, to disable them mid-charge
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:36
Beam can pierce shields yes, but only certain beams
(And on the Star Trek mod, more of them can do that)
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:37
ONE thing that I prefer of the Star Wars mod over the Star Trek one…the laser sounds.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:13
FTL is my time sink, so damn good.
Any person who ever watched a single episode of Star Trek and thought it was cool will totally love this game!
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:15
Wonder whether my 100 year old PC will play this. I remember playing a Trek game back in the 90’s on the PC that I was addicted to.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:21
Dude, the system requirements on this is lower than running Windows
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:14
I agree wholeheartedly on 9/10
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:15
No other game can make you feel like king of space and a total noob next in less than a minute more like this game!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:15
FTL has hurt me many many times. You think you have an epic ship and BAM. 1 fight turns you to mince
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:20
I hate retreating, but sometimes its necessary!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:21
Overconfidence is my biggest enemy.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:22
Greed is mine
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:23
Haha. Yours is at least logical. I destroy two ships like they’re space dust and suddenly I think I’m in a Super Star Destroyer.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:24
Actually exploration is mine, I’d risk the rebel fleet just to see what is at the next marker
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:16
Dark Souls can… minus the space part.
Ottokie
April 9, 2014 at 13:15
FTL has been lying in my steam now for a while…I think maby its time to try it out 😛
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:16
Shame on you.
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:16
Erwin might take offense to this
Ottokie
April 9, 2014 at 13:17
Yea i think he might XD
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:17
If you did not have an awesome avatar, I would have cast UTTER SHAME on you now.
Dude, you HAVE to try this, so damn epic!
Ottokie
April 9, 2014 at 13:18
I swear on this avatar pic that i will install it tonight!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:16
CLONE BAY FTW.
Man, I had an experience yesterday, accidentally destroyed enemy ship with my max upgraded combat away team on board!!!!!!!!
[cue the NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO]
BUT…..
CLOOOOONE BAY!!!
Got my dudes back, minus some skill points, but I GOT THEM BACK DAMMIT
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:17
Spock lives!
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:19
So they were all in red? You should have seen that coming man… #beginnermistake 😉
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:20
Actually grey machines, hehe, there is actually a “NO REDSHIRTS HERE” achievement if you keep all your guys alive until sector 8!!!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:21
That is but a distant dream for me at this stage.
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:17
I died really badly last night. Got some tips (about 300) from the Admiral. Did much better. Then died.
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:18
Same here in the beginning. He taught me all about boarding parties.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:19
Boarding is your friend. And the clone bay, do NOT forget about the clone bay!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:19
Me too. I’m really gunning with the boarding business now.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:22
ONLY board with Rock, Lanius and Mantis, the rest waste your time
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:25
I like boarding with the Mantis. What’s your favourite ship to use?
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:26
Lanius Cruiser Layout 2. Kestrel Layout 2, Mantis Layout 2 (4x teleport!!!)
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:27
I’ve been using mantis layout 2, really working for me. Wait….4x telelport? But the crew isn’t so great.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:28
Indeed, you can teleport 4 at a time (have not checked this on the AE if still so)
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:29
It is, but you start with only two Mantis in your crew. I think I actually use the layout A more, because of the larger starting crew.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:29
2x mantis at start is killer!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:30
Do you teleport your whole crew over? O_O
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:30
Yeah, there is an achievement for that as well too! (should you win)
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:32
Doing this tonight then.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:35
Let me know how that works out!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:37
Will do.
Norm the Horrible
April 9, 2014 at 13:26
Was all just part of his plan!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:19
My normal FTL hours are over 300….
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:20
I’m somewhere over 20. I feel so small.
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:22
Downloading Advanced edition now.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:24
Awwww yeah!!!
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:24
And this
http://www.gog.com/game/crusader_no_regret
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:25
Mandolorian / Senate Guard much?
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:30
Hahahaha Lucas never found out about this game
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:30
XD
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:25
Wow dude. I just had one of those epic time travelling moments to my past just seeing that cover.
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:29
That’s why I love their site.
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 9, 2014 at 13:46
Too soon. I’m still upset they didn’t finish the trilogy.
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 14:16
There was a third?
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 9, 2014 at 14:30
There was supposed to be :/
ToshZA
April 9, 2014 at 14:07
Omg. I remember those games. They were awesome.
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 14:16
I know right?
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:28
Stephen, you made me proud, this review is very well written, and I don’t believe it could have been done better.
This review gets the
[Admiral Chief Stamp of Approval]
Gr8_Balls_o_KFM_Fire
April 9, 2014 at 13:37
yyyEAH!
Stephen Snook
April 9, 2014 at 13:39
I’m glad 🙂
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:40
Seriously, while jamming the new version, I was making notes and trying to figure out how the hell am I going to find the words to describe my love and passion for this game, as well as how damn good the AE is.
You did me proud boy!
Stephen Snook
April 9, 2014 at 13:41
Well i love ftl too 🙂
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:43
I can see that. Your love for it made this review even more epic!
Have you played around with the mods prior to the AE?
I spent WAAAAYYYYY too much time on the Star Trek mod! Still need to try the Captain’s Edition!
Stephen Snook
April 9, 2014 at 13:44
I heard about some cool mods but I was pretty satisfied with the content so I never bothered. It’s freakin awesome though.
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:45
Star Wars mod is bit disappointing, very low detail, but the sounds are cool.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:45
Its still beta though
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:49
True. But that Star Trek mod is something else. Now all they need is to put in details like Wookies and R2 droids in the SW mod. That would be epic.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:46
TBH, after about 200 hours, I needed a change-up while waiting for the AE.
Spent about 100 in ST mod!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:29
For this price, and the download size, you will not get better value for money. Guaranteed!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:29
Seconded
Hammersteyn
April 9, 2014 at 13:30
Thirdedededed umm…..
Rince
April 9, 2014 at 13:32
You know what, this makes me so god damn happy. I am not talking about having the game (as I don’t, but will fix this err soon) I mean the reaction that people have to a game that is NOT a AAA and has a flipping huge following. So often we see jaded people who moan about this and that, so far all I see in the comments is admiration (AdmIRALatioN?) for the game. Just goes to show you don’t need 5 years dev time and a bunch of money to make something hugely popular. VIVA GAMING!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:33
Admiralation. LOL
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:33
I’m really supporting more indie games because of titles like FTL
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:34
Lol I love how when I scroll through the comments all I see really is Erwin’s avatar. He contributed to 90% of the comments on this article I think. Lol
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:41
Nah, more like 60%
There are some other damn good comments as well!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:35
VIVA!!!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:34
I wish it had Steam Achievements too!!!
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:36
It has trading cards at least. Love me some badges.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:37
I have like lvl3 badge on this, haha
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:35
If you can take one thing away from all my comments, its that FTL is a gem. And as @rincethis:disqus mentioned, its not AAA, and its effing brilliant!!!
Gr8_Balls_o_KFM_Fire
April 9, 2014 at 13:37
This looks horribly complicated O_O
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
April 9, 2014 at 13:38
It’s epic!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:39
Indeed, but horribly rewarding and horribly fun too!
Gr8_Balls_o_KFM_Fire
April 9, 2014 at 13:43
Cool. I can haz this on my laptop?
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:44
Dude, seriously low system requirements!!!
Gr8_Balls_o_KFM_Fire
April 9, 2014 at 14:01
I will be a Steam member soon 🙂 What else is good with low requirements?
That sounds so wrong XD
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 14:04
Don’t Starve is quite a good indie game. Nothing like FTL, but it’s kept me over 7 hours and I’ve only scratched the surface. Also low requirements.
Gr8_Balls_o_KFM_Fire
April 9, 2014 at 14:13
Got that gem on PS4 🙂 It’s effing discouraging when you survive 19 days then die
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 14:13
Haha. I agree. It really is.
ToshZA
April 9, 2014 at 14:04
You have to play Bastion.
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:39
Very easy to get into. You learn the little tricks and stuff over time. Just ask the Admiral in Space.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:40
Glad to help!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:42
http://www.ftlgame.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/LEGO_kestrel_small.png
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:55
Wow dude. This just blew my mind.
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 13:43
After AE came out my entire backlog list has been put on hold. This game just has that complex simplicity to it (yes, that’s a real statement) that makes it so much fun. Each time I die I take a breather, choose a new ship (or the same one) and start over.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 13:44
Good Guy FTL
Makes EPIC game
Gives you AE for free!
Kensei Seraph
April 9, 2014 at 14:08
Admiral, I’d like a copy of the FTL Training Guide to improve my skills as a captain of the FTL fleet.
For example, boarding is mentioned as being highly successful but I have had little to no success.
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 14:10
He gave me a few tips and now I’ve made boarding my bitch.
Kensei Seraph
April 9, 2014 at 14:11
I’ve tried it but it’s resulted in me losing most of my crew followed shortly by losing my ship.
I know it can be devastating since I’ve struggled to repel some boarding parties.
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 14:13
I currently use the Mantis Cruiser Layout A and then use two of the Mantis to board with, since the ship can only teleport two people at a time. I try to teleport them into a room that can take only two people, gives you a better chance of surviving since only two of their people can take you on at a time.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 14:14
Indeed good tactic that
Jedi JJ
April 9, 2014 at 14:15
Your learners, they is learning.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 14:12
You are mos on Steam correcT?
Kensei Seraph
April 9, 2014 at 14:13
CorrecT.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 9, 2014 at 14:16
I really should write a guide. Normally I just type on steam chat and skype to my padawans
Kensei Seraph
April 9, 2014 at 14:18
You should.
I’d be happy to contribute as a beta tester.
Stephen Snook
April 9, 2014 at 17:52
A run of FTL my friend and I did!
langotriel
April 11, 2014 at 19:41
advanced edition makes it easier..NOT HARDER… the flak weapons are incredibly over powered.. 1 flak .. 1 flak II and 1 halberd beam… with cloaking and full shields you CANNOT LOSE on the boss..