Rodina, by Elliptic Games

Rodina 1.7 - Rocks!

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 10:00:00 -0800

It’s been a long time, but I have returned to release this new update to Rodina which adds - among other things - many rocks to the planet surfaces! This is a major overhaul for many of Rodina’s systems, including a total physics replacement to Jolt Physics, planetary-scale solar shadows, a new clustered lighting system, some UI polish, and lots more!

Rodina is now 64-bit, and the new engine work brings a massive reduction in stutter and dropped frames. The GravBike got a big overhaul too - it rides over rocks, leans into turns, and works indoors and in space.

Rodina 1.6.5 - Atmospheric Lighting!

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 23:44:43 -0800

The tale grew in the telling! This was supposed to be a small patch, addressing a few issues while I work on the next major update (planetary rocks + drill!). However, a few new features ending up sneaking in!

The rocks update is going to add a lot of new objects to the planet surfaces. As part of that, I needed to revamp planetary lighting: this patch includes colored sunlight, atmospheric ambient lighting, and reflective terrain colors.

Rodina 1.6.4 - Player Stats and Power Systems!

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:41:05 -0800

For this update, I have added Player Stat Upgrades and Power Systems to the game!

Mix and match upgrades in your installation grid to increase your character’s speed, health regeneration, damage, and jump level! These upgrades require a Power Core to function - find the first one in the Asteroid Belt! These Power Cores also provide energy to the Carrier Beam and the Trilaser.

This update also adds two new moves - the Slide Attack and the Ground Pound - each available as their own upgrade chips!

Rodina 1.6.3 - Jetpack!

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 23:38:07 -0700

The Inventory Updates continue with the Jetpack! Now a real inventory item, the Jetpack is found somewhere in the Mines in the Asteroid Belt!

Additionally, since some players may not have a Jetpack equipped when they visit the Mines, Xenos have installed Grav Elevator Beams in the mine entrances!

Next up, I will be departing from working on legacy items to add a new feature: Power Systems! This will add some brand new gameplay to Rodina!

Rodina 1.6.2 - Target Scope and Headlamp!

Mon, 16 May 2022 23:37:28 -0700

The inventory content updates are starting to arrive! First up - the Target Scope and the Headlamp! Now you can use your quickwheel to toggle between these two head items.

Existing players should receive these items automatically when you load your old savegame. New players should see them immediately when the game begins!

In this update you can also destroy items in your inventory via a right click menu. In the future, you will be able to throw items to get rid of them!

Rodina 1.6.1 - Trilaser!

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 23:35:17 -0700

The first inventory content addition has arrived - the Trilaser!

This new laser weapon focuses 3 beams for enhanced damage. It can be found in a Xeno base or debris pile on the planet Veles!

Version 1.6.1 is the first of a series of inventory-focused content updates. However, it also features a substantial number of small improvements and bugfixes, including a fix for a serious memory leak which caused frequent crashes in the ship editor.

Rodina 1.6 - Inventory!

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 23:32:30 -0800

It’s happened! Rodina 1.6: Inventory is released!

I’m overjoyed to be sharing this addition to my game with you. This is a major update to Rodina which adds a grid inventory and player equipment grid, and a new HUD, setting the stage for much more content and variety in the near future.

The first major new item is the Carrier Beam*, a grapple-hook style tool you can equip in your left hand. Our next item which is well underway is a new Laser Weapon, after which I have a long list of items, upgrades, weapons, and tools I will be working on in the near future!

Rodina 1.5 - Persistence!

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 23:29:05 -0700

Rodina 1.5 is released!

Thank you for all your help with the 1.5 Beta! This update is finally complete! 1.5 was a major engine upgrade to Rodina, and introduces object persistence across the whole game.

For the first time, Rodina’s engine has a generalized way to store object properties. This opens the door to more complicated interactive stuff, like container inventories and complex game systems. In the meantime, we can now use it to save your progress as you clear the Xeno bases.

Rodina 1.4.2 - Planet Terrain Revamp!

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 23:26:16 -0700

I’m so excited to share with you version 1.4.2 of Rodina - the Planet Terrain Revamp!

This is a major update to the visuals of the Zorica System. All of the planets in the game now have their own terrain types and textures. This really takes the full-size planets in the game to the next level. Jarilo even has ice caps!

I also increased the terrain detail, both on land and in space. It makes the planets look even better (but if you have performance issues, turn down the Distant Terrain Detail or Terrain Detail options, or turn on Retro Mode!)

Rodina 1.4.1 - New Xenos!

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 23:21:15 -0800

This is a minor update with only one change - new Xeno art, by yours truly!

Some of you may know that I’m now doing all of the art for the game, which I’m really enjoying. Art isn’t my expertise, but by doing it myself it’s a lot easier to get something closer to my vision.

With that in mind, I’ve been meaning to redo the Xenos in a different style for a while now, and this was a good time to do it! The update was delayed a bit due to a long exhausting sickness (I’m fine now!), but I hope you like the final product!

Rodina 1.4 - Combat Megaboost released!

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:17:59 -0800

Rodina is better than ever! This update is a massive reworking of interior generation, combat, and player movement. Things are starting to come together!

The dangerous new Xeno Trooper reflects your plasma shots with its Magnetic Shield.

The Xeno Interiors have seen a major overhaul - more enemies, turrets, exploding thermal gel, loot pickups, and more! It’s even more fun to get around, as player movement is tighter and smoother!

Rodina 1.3.3 - Xeno Bases!

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 23:17:55 -0700

They’re here!

Xeno Bases are starting to pop up on the planets in the Zorica System! I’m very excited about this update!

These bases aren’t fully functional yet. As the Xenos finish their construction, they will become even more dangerous.

Next up: making the bases more awesome with functional shields, turrets, explosive Thermal Gel, Trooper Xenos, atmospheric pressure, and maybe much more stylish walls!

Thank you for all the support!

Rodina 1.3.3 - Xeno Buildings Preview

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:11:42 -0700

I’m working on Rodina 1.3.3 - Xeno Buildings and it’s coming along great!

I’ve been busy building building exteriors, decorations, and a tileset, and I finally put them all together!

Going to do release the update sooner than expected too - only a couple more weeks! :D

Rodina 1.3.2 - Xeno Fliers!

Tue, 22 May 2018 14:52:12 -0700

Version 1.3.2 of Rodina has been released!

This update expands the Xeno Mines to all of the planets in the game! These new mines, with rooms that are bigger than what was possible before, showcase the new enemy: the jetpack-equipped Xeno Fliers!

1.3.2 also revamps the Gravbike with better motion on land and the ability to use the bikes in space. It also changes the way you acquire them - now Gravbikes are located in Vanguard Ruin Garages.

Rodina 1.3.1 - Xeno Mines!

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 17:41:24 -0700

Version 1.3.1 of Rodina has been released! Download it here on my site or check it out on Steam!

This update adds procedurally generated Xeno Mines to all of the asteroids in the game. For the first time, you will be able to explore Xeno locations and fight them on their own turf.

1.3.1 also adds a new enemy - the bomb-throwing Xeno Scrapper! Addtitionally, the general pace of combat has been slowed down somewhat, and the Xenos now fire burst shots at you instead of charged shots.

Rodina 1.3 - Procedural Interiors!

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:59:50 -0800

It’s here! The Procedural Interior update is finally complete! Find it here or on Steam!

This update totally revamps the Vanguard Ruins using a procedural interior engine. It decides what kind of rooms to add, creates the room shapes and layouts, and then decorates them!

This update also has a bunch of tweaks to combat (it’s faster) along with a new UI for the editor, since the last one was too complicated. And of course, the usual set of minor bugfixes.

Press Kit

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 12:43:18 -0800

Welcome to the Rodina Press Kit. This page should give a complete overview of the game, but if you need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to email me at brendan@elliptic-games.com!

Facts

Developer: Elliptic Games (aka: Brendan Anthony) based in Portland, Oregon
Release: Rodina is in Early Access / Ongoing Development (latest version: 1.7)
Platform: Windows PC
Reception: 93% Positive on Steam
Price: $15
Demo: Free 90-minute Demo
Availability: Steam, Direct Download, and Torrent
Website: Elliptic-Games.com
Contact: brendan@elliptic-games.com
Social: Twitter, Reddit, Steam Community, Discord, Youtube, Facebook
Min Requirements: Dual Core CPU, 2GB RAM, Dedicated GPU w/ 512 MB Memory, 400 MB available space, 64-bit Windows 7 or above, DirectX 11
Recommended: Quad Core CPU, 2GB RAM, Dedicated GPU w/ 1024 MB Memory, 400 MB available space, 64-bit Windows 7 or above, DirectX 11

Rodina 1.2.5 - 3D Interiors!

Tue, 09 May 2017 21:58:22 -0700

It’s done! The 3D Interiors update is released, complete with a new Interior Editor which gives you the ability to create multi-story interiors and rooms! Find it here or on Steam!

This update also contains several new tilesets, as well as the ability to recolor existing tilesets and to create custom lights!

I’m VERY excited to be finished with this one! Next up I’m going to be improving the Interior Procedural Generation, so that I can finally begin adding outposts and bases to the planets :D

Rodina 1.2.4 - Xeno Infestation!

Sun, 04 Dec 2016 20:30:17 -0800

Rodina 1.2.4 has arrived! Check it out here or on Steam!

This might be the biggest single update to Rodina so far: new enemies, new weapons, powerups, and health pickups. The Xeno force has invaded the planets of the Zorica System, radically altering the experience of collecting resources. Rodina is STARTING to turn into a more fully-fledged game!!

This update also adds a surprise: the GravBike! The planets are so big that we need a way to move around them faster. If you go scavenging at the debris piles you should find a bike pretty quickly.

Blender Assets Updated

Sat, 03 Dec 2016 18:01:58 -0800

The Blender Assets ZIP file, containing the models used in the game, has been updated! Now it contains the Xenos, weapons, arm cannon, and GravBike from the latest updates!