Hard Nova

In Hard Nova, players assume the role of a mercenary navigating a politically volatile region of space known as the Four Systems. The narrative begins after a catastrophic meteor strike destroys a ship, leaving the protagonist and a navigator as sole survivors who must rebuild their crew from available personnel in the game world. The central conflict involves various factions vying for dominance, while a separate crisis unfolds on a remote planet facing stellar extinction.

The game is a science fiction role-playing experience that integrates several distinct gameplay layers. Space travel occurs between four distinct star systems, each with specific economic or strategic traits, connected by stargates. Ship-to-ship combat is handled in an arcade action style, and the player's vessel can be extensively modified with purchased upgrades to its weapons and systems. Trading between systems provides a primary means of acquiring funds for these improvements.

Character progression is managed through an experience point system earned primarily through combat. Upon leveling up, points are manually distributed to enhance a character's dual sets of abilities: one for planetary activities and another for shipboard operations. While the player begins by selecting one of two predefined mercenaries with minor statistical differences, additional crew members must be recruited to fill essential roles like pilot or engineer. A maximum of three companions can accompany the leader on planetary excursions.

Planetary exploration utilizes a hovercraft, which the player pilots manually to specific landing sites in a challenging docking procedure. This craft is also vulnerable to enemy attacks, triggering real-time combat. On the ground, the party engages in real-time skirmishes where weapon efficiency and character skills introduce tactical delays, with direct control limited to the selected leader.