Anyone who plays this game can be a better Captain than James T. Kirk.

10/10

EDIT: Okay, after 96+ hours logged into this thing, I think-- at long last-- it deserves a proper review.

FTL is the most played game in my library and will likely stay that way for some time. And that's for a very good reason. But to explain what makes this rouge-lite rate so high with me, I need to break it down like I never have before.

To say the story leaves a lot to interpretation is an understatement. In fact, you know practically nothing as to why the Rebellion is happening, why some alien races align themselves with or hate you, or even if the Federation you're fighting for is really the right side. I personally like to think that I'm the ship's AI and I dictate the actions of the crew, but that's not important. All you know for sure is that you and your crew need to deliver a message to the Federation base at the other side of the galaxy or all is lost.

FTL is a rouge-lite, which means a lot of things. Namely, if you die, you start over from the very beginning. Also, it's hard as nails. After 96+ hours of play, I still haven't beaten it. You go from sector to sector, hoping not do die, all the while making diplomatic choices and fighting in RTS-style combat with other ships (although with the ability to pause with the space bar, it may as well be turn-based). One problem I have though is that it seems to rely a lot on luck. As Yahtzee of the Escapist once said, "You live and die on the RNG," and he meant it. But that said, there's a bit of sim elements thrown in as well. For example, if your foe launches a missile at your O2 generator and you don't fix it for some silly reason, your crew will slowly suffocate. Unless they're Lanius, but that's another story.

If you're going to get the game, I suggest the soundtrack as well, but that's another review for another time. In short, the chiptune tracks by Ben Prunty are worth it if for no other reason than the battles themes (as you'll likely be too busy trying to survive a Mantis boarding party or not get smeared into paste by the Rebel Flagship to enjoy the music).

If you're a Trekkie, a strategy/space simulation/rougelike fan, or just a glutton for punishment, you have no excuse to not get this game. I got this as a Daily Deal, and I feel like I screwed over the devs by not paying full price. Get it, play it, die over and over, eventually beat the game, hark and rejoice. You won't be disappointed.