They Came From Space is a co-op action, strategy, indie, and adventure game for PC where players assume the roles of alien invaders tasked with preparing Earth for a larger assault. Set in a handcrafted open world, the experience centers on a small town called Smulton across three in-game nights. Up to four players work together to handle objectives that shape the invasion's success, all while reporting progress to an alien overlord known as Queen.
Gameplay
The core loop involves exploring the open world map of Smulton to locate and complete objectives scattered throughout the environment. Players select from various tools to approach each task, testing different invasion methods to determine what yields the best results. The handcrafted setting encourages careful navigation as teams uncover hidden lore and secrets that add depth to the orders received from Queen. Coordination plays a key role, with options to split efforts across multiple objectives simultaneously or remain grouped for mutual protection during the three-night sequence.
Progress ties directly to how effectively the group manages the fifteen objectives before time runs out each night. Decisions made with tools and positioning influence the overall outcome, creating replay value through experimentation. The adventure elements emerge from piecing together the town's details and the broader context of the invasion, blending strategy in planning approaches with action during execution.
Game Modes
The primary mode supports one to four players in cooperative sessions focused on the invasion preparation campaign. Teams tackle the full set of objectives across the three nights, with flexibility in how they divide labor or stay together. This structure allows for varied pacing depending on group size and chosen tactics.
Five distinct endings become available based on performance and choices made during the nights. These conclusions reflect different resolutions to the invasion efforts and tie into the lore uncovered along the way. The co-op format scales the experience for solo play or groups of up to four, maintaining the same objective-driven structure in each case.
Setting and Objectives
Smulton serves as the central location, a contained town environment that players traverse while balancing multiple goals. The fifteen objectives range across the map and require strategic use of available tools to complete efficiently. Reporting back to Queen provides context for the missions, highlighting the stakes involved in each decision.
Secrets and additional lore appear through exploration, rewarding players who investigate beyond the main objectives. This layer adds narrative weight without altering the core focus on completing the invasion tasks within the time limits of the three nights.
Is It Worth Playing?
They Came From Space suits players who enjoy cooperative strategy and action in an open-world setting with a clear objective focus. The ability to experiment with tools and team coordination offers meaningful variety across play sessions, particularly when aiming for different endings. Groups that value planning alongside direct execution will find the three-night structure engaging, while solo players can still access the full campaign.
With support for one to four participants and emphasis on replay through varied approaches, the game appeals to those seeking a contained co-op experience centered on alien invasion mechanics. The blend of genres creates opportunities for both tactical decisions and hands-on problem solving in the handcrafted environment.
