The Crust

The Crust is a simulator of lunar exploration with economic elements, where a colony is built from scratch and with minimal resources. The player manages production, processing and logistics, trying to bring the enterprise into profit. The production chains are detailed: ore needs to be processed, and parts for new modules must be assembled from the resulting material. Employees require rest, housing and supplies, so the base develops like a small city. Sometimes you have to resolve controversial situations where people's attitudes depend on the choice. In addition to management, there is research, trade with the Earth and external threats. The design is restrained, but the view of the lunar surface and interiors is conveyed convincingly. Energy is provided by reactors, and without energy neither production nor processing works, so a balance must be maintained constantly. Scientists discover new technologies that determine which industries will become profitable. Errors in the chains are not noticeable immediately, but hours later, when the colony goes into negative territory. Some of the tasks are related to management decisions, where not only calculations are important. Some of the leadership’s decisions affect relations with Earth, and the supply of the colony depends on this. It is better to lay out warehouses and spare parts warehouses in advance, because deliveries can be irregular. Equipment requires repair, and damaged modules perform worse. The difficulty is adjustable, so you can play calmly. In addition to production, there is research that opens new modules. Employees require rest, and without it, efficiency decreases. Some of the tasks are related to emergencies at the base. The interface is detailed, so it’s worth reading the tips the first time. For anyone who loves automation and calculation, the project gives a lot to think about.