Have you ever wanted to throw a planet? Universe Sandbox 2 (or Universe Sandbox²) is a singleplayer game that blends a simulation with a physics-based sandbox. It's available for PC, with additional support for VR.

Shape, create and destroy the universe

Universe Sandbox 2 is preciously what its name says. The game is set in the cosmos. You are free to shape, create, and destroy the solar system on a whim.

Shape, create, and destroy the solar system on a whim.

You have dozens of tools at your disposal to accomplish this, too many to list. These range from everyday household objects (a laser pointer, teapot, basketball, etc.), to things straight out of sci-fi. (Death Star laser, anyone?) And, almost everything can be customized.

Want to expand the Earth to 5,000 times its size and hurl it into the sun? Want to laser your initials into the side of a moon? Want to make a solar system entirely out of black holes? You can do that, and the game will track it for you.

Easily replay your work in slow-mo, or sped up. Observe the status of the planets you destroy and create through detailed settings menus.

Gorgeous graphics against a wonderful orchestral soundtrack

This game is gorgeous. It captures the organic beauty of space, with its yawning, inky sky and twinkling, distant lights. The planets are carefully done. They look very close to the originals. Even in the aftermath of crazy experiments, as the heavenly bodies explode and die, it makes for a stunning light show.

The soundtrack is also beautiful, a wonderful orchestral performance that sounds like it's out of a movie. Remember, though; this isn't a show at a planetarium. You're still doing ridiculous things, which makes it hard to be totally immersed.

Bring the game to life with realistic physics

Universe Sandbox 2 uses realistic physics to bring the game to life. The gameplay is very open, allowing the player to make a range of unique choices. Its universal appeal (no pun intended) makes it fun for everyone, even non-gamers. Anyone can learn the controls and enjoy destroying the galaxy. It's a very satisfying experience.

Enjoy destroying the galaxy. It's a very satisfying experience.

No limits keep you coming back for more

In a nutshell, this game is a creative sandbox/physics game with massive amounts of choices to explore. It has no linear gameplay, like a quest from Point A to Point B. Instead, you do things simply because you can. Curiosity is encouraged, and the consequences are usually pretty entertaining.

There are so many different ways to play Universe Sandbox 2. With the sheer amount of tools and settings at your disposal, no two playthroughs will be the same. Sure, eventually you'll get tired of destroying the Earth (which seems to be the most popular things to do in the game), but you have other options, like destroying the sun instead. (A supernova is very interesting to watch.) Jokes aside, you're not limited to destruction. If you choose, you can make your universe from scratch, terraform Mars, or do any number of things. It's completely up to you.

TL/DR

Universe Sandbox 2 is a physics sandbox game that lets you alter the solar system like a god.