O.R.B. update

Strategy First sent us a progress report on the development of O.R.B., its upcoming 3D real-time strategy game. According to the company, the beta test of the game is progressing well, and the developers have received more than 5,000 beta test applications since the sign-ups went live in late March. The team plans to add more testers as the beta test evolves, and it expects the game to be ready for release this summer. Later stages of the beta test will include additional features such as multiplayer functionality.

In the game, players control a space station and a number of different ship units that can be moved freely in three dimensions. It features a traditional real-time strategy combination of combat, resource management, and technology research, but the game also lets players take direct control of their units in combat. The game features two playable factions with 20 units each, and it includes a different single-player campaign for each faction. In addition, the game will come with a scenario editor that will let players create custom missions, campaigns, and cutscenes.

Strategy First also sent us a group of new screenshots from the latest version of the game. The screens, which are posted in the gallery above, show off some of the game's ships and colorful space environments. For more information about O.R.B., take a look at our previous coverage of the game.