A new update has gone out for the advanced alpha version of Iceberg Interactive and LGM Games' 3D tactical space simulation title, Starpoint Gemini 2. On top of RPG mechanics, space combat and Oculus Rift support being implemented, there are now local security ships that check for contraband, a Skill and Perk respect panel and new on-ship charging boarding mechanics so that the gameplay in Starpoint Gemini 2 would receive new layers of what the developers call "energy, depth and variation."

In addition to the alpha update, the developer LGM Games (Little Green Men Games) have launched a user-generated Hero Contest, where players can create their own character that they would like to see introduced into the game. The character with the most community votes will win, with the contest in motion now and ending on Friday, march 14th in two weeks. You can check out the contest details and make your own hero here on the website.

For the uninitiated, Starpoint Gemini 2 lets players roam space two years after the end of the second Gemini war, when the rebel Gemini League have been whittled down and reduced to an ineffective band of freedom fighters. While the tyrannical Empire has taken back the sector, there’s some mysterious secret that threatens them, something that may turn the tide for the rebels. Players will have over 70 unique ships to build and customize, factions to contend with, warp gates to find, and missions to take up.

For a closer look at the game, check out the gallery of new screens below, and all of our previous Starpoint Gemini 2 news, screenshots and trailers. To try it out yourself, you can order the game by visiting the Starpoint Gemini 2 Steam page, where the game is discounted at $22.99, with the added bonus of receiving the first Starpoint Gemini for free.