Draft:Astra Protocol 2 (video game)

{{AfC submission|t||ts=20260420235346|u=~2026-23902-84|ns=118|demo=}}


{{Short description|2022 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Astra Protocol 2
| developer = Slice Bar Games
| publisher = Slice Bar Games
| platforms = Microsoft Windows
| release = December 1, 2022
| genre = Simulation, Strategy, Adventure
| modes = Single-player
}}

'''Astra Protocol 2''' is a 2022 space simulation and adventure video game developed and published by Slice Bar Games, led by Daniel Mallinson, for Microsoft Windows. The game involves commanding a spacecraft through a text-based interface while investigating an in-universe event known as the "Astra Protocol".

== Gameplay ==
''Astra Protocol 2'' is presented through a terminal-style interface inspired by early computer systems. Players control a spacecraft using typed commands to manage ship systems including navigation, engineering, science and combat operations.

Gameplay focuses on systems management, exploration, and resource tracking. Players monitor ship status, respond to signals and navigate space environments while encountering hazards.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2 |url=https://kotaku.com/games/astra-protocol-2 |website=Kotaku |access-date=2026-04-21}}

== Development ==
''Astra Protocol 2'' was developed by Slice Bar Games under the direction of Daniel Mallinson.

Mallinson previously worked as a programmer at Sumo Digital, contributing to titles including ''Crackdown 3'' and ''LittleBigPlanet 3''.{{cite web |title=Dan Mallinson |url=https://www.mobygames.com/person/458500/dan-mallinson/ |website=MobyGames |access-date=2026-04-21}}

The game draws on cassette futurism and retro computing aesthetics, with gameplay designed around manual-based systems rather than tutorial-driven instruction.

Development evolved from earlier entries in the ''Astra Protocol'' series, including a remake project used to test engine and rendering improvements. These technical developments were later incorporated into ''Astra Protocol 2''.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2 Devlog |url=https://slicebar.itch.io/astra-protocol-2/devlog |website=itch.io |access-date=2026-04-21}}

In interviews, the developer has described the game as a systems-focused simulation emphasising structured, methodical gameplay.{{cite web |title=SGJ Podcast #422 – Astra Protocol 2 |url=https://www.spacegamejunkie.com/podcasts/sgj-podcast-422-astra-protocol-2/ |website=Space Game Junkie |access-date=2026-04-21}}

== Series and background ==
''Astra Protocol 2'' is part of the ''Astra Protocol'' series developed by Slice Bar Games.

The original ''Astra Protocol'' introduced a space survival simulation centred on resource management and command-based gameplay. It established the series’ use of system-driven interaction.

A later project, ''Astra Protocol Remake'', was developed as a technical testbed for rendering and engine updates. It was used to experiment with revised systems and visual presentation.

Elements from both earlier projects were later incorporated into the development of ''Astra Protocol 2''.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2 Devlog |url=https://slicebar.itch.io/astra-protocol-2/devlog |website=itch.io |access-date=2026-04-21}}

== Release ==
''Astra Protocol 2'' was released on December 1, 2022, for Microsoft Windows via digital distribution platforms including [[Steam]] and itch.io.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2 |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/2026750/Astra_Protocol_2/ |website=Steam |access-date=2026-04-21}}

The game has received post-release updates introducing performance improvements and gameplay adjustments over time.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2 |url=https://slicebar.itch.io/astra-protocol-2 |website=itch.io |access-date=2026-04-21}}

== Reception ==
''Astra Protocol 2'' has received coverage from niche gaming publications.

''Retrolike'' described the game as a "hardcore" space simulation, noting its steep learning curve and similarity to earlier simulation titles, particularly in its use of typed command systems.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2: Hardcore Space Exploration |url=https://retrolike.net/2023/08/10/astra-protocol-2-hardcore-space-exploration/ |website=Retrolike |date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2026-04-21}}

Coverage in gaming news outlets has also noted the game's ongoing post-release updates and continued development.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2 Update |url=https://www.retronews.com/astra-protocol-2-update/ |website=Retro News |access-date=2026-04-21}}

User feedback on digital distribution platforms has been generally positive.{{cite web |title=Astra Protocol 2 Reviews |url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/2026750/reviews/ |website=Steam |access-date=2026-04-21}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://store.steampowered.com/app/2026750/Astra_Protocol_2/|Steam page}}
* https://slicebar.itch.io/astra-protocol-2

==References==




[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2022 video games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Video games set in outer space]]