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Planetary Annihilation departs Steam Early Access next month

Adds Annihilaser, a planet-destroying Death Star.

Science-fiction real-time strategy game Planetary Annihilation leaves Steam Early Access and launches proper on 5th September 2014, developer Uber Entertainment (Monday Night Combat) has announced.

It does so for PC, Mac and Linux with a number of new upgrades, including the Annihilaser, a Death Star-esque laser that blows up planets, and the addition of resource-rich gas giants.

Planetary Annihilation was a 2012 Kickstarter that raised $2.2m from 44,000 backers. Uber had asked for $900,000. It has been a Steam Early Access title since June 2013. "Our fans have been an amazing and constant source of support throughout the development process," said Uber CTO Jon Mavor, "so we're thrilled to deliver. Launch is another beginning. We can't wait to show you what's next."

Eurogamer checked out the Early Access build in April 2014, with writer Paul Dean declaring Planetary Annihilation "a brutal and uncompromising take on real-time strategy and, as it taps its way out of its shell, we see that its beak is sharp, its talons are cruel. It's a game that demands your full attention, a game that will reward dedication and diligence (providing you demonstrate enough of it) with the cool balm of victory."

Cover image for YouTube videoPlanetary Annihilation Launch Trailer