Species: Artificial Life, Real Evolution, is a game that plays upon those fantasies we've all had as children, of lording over a fantastical alien world of your own, where odd creatures evolve in ways both expected and unexpected to create life that you first might've thought wasn't life at all.
In fact, Species: ALRE is what many of us were hoping Spore would've turned out to be - a scientifically-grounded, emergent simulation of natural selection, where players can meddle as much or as little as they wish, and can freely experience evolution in real time.
Even though Species is only now getting released via Early Access (to some very positive reviews), the project's been in active development for quite some time now, and it's not yet nearing the end of its production. In fact, developers say that they're looking at about three more years of constant development before Species: ALRE is done.
Having said that, the core functionality of Species is already present and accounted for: "a real-time simulation of natural selection, with a particular focus on extensive variation, mutation, and natural selection when it comes to simulating living beings in the given environment.
The full version of the game is planned to feature in-game science and investigation elements, where progression will be made in various stages, and with evolution-affecting tools unlocking as the quest goes on. Species: ALRE is now available on Steam via Early Access at a 10% off, with the price rounding at €15,11.
