Croft Soft Software is developing ORBIT: The Quiet Reach for ZX Spectrum Next. The space trading and combat game includes a galaxy of 1,000 star systems, planetary landings and a 36-mission story campaign.
Players earn credits through trading and contracts, with jobs covering deliveries, supply runs, surveys, rescues and pirate sweeps. Stations and landable planets provide stops between journeys, while pirates and patrols operate in space.
The galaxy forms a barred spiral, with routes connecting systems across its arms. A galaxy chart and route planner help players plot successive jumps, with fuel capacity affecting which destinations fall within reach.
The ship market offers fifteen hulls, including fast couriers, armoured traders and larger cargo carriers. Their cargo capacity, protection and handling differ, giving players options as they earn money. Ship fitting provides equipment upgrades, including weapons and survival equipment.
Contracts, factions and a six-act campaign
The story begins after the player completes their first contract. A Contacts section then introduces a salvage notice from the survey office, opening a campaign spanning six acts.
Story missions use activities such as surveying, transporting cargo and rescue work. Decisions affect faction reputation, trust and the wider conflict. Failed assignments offer recovery routes, while trading and contracts continue after the campaign ends.
Some systems contain stellar flares, ion storms, radiation belts or gravity wells. Hazardous destinations offer higher contract payments and different trading prices, adding another consideration when choosing a route.
Recent additions include fuel scooping and a distress call for a tow when stranded. An optional escape pod preserves half of each trade good if the player’s ship is destroyed, although it needs replacing after use.
ORBIT requires a ZX Spectrum Next with 2 MB of RAM and runs at 28 MHz. It supports keyboard controls, alongside optional Kempston joystick or Mega Drive pad input. Development remains ongoing.
Disclosure: ORBIT: The Quiet Reach is developed by Croft Soft Software, which shares ownership with SpriteFountain.
