FTL: Advanced Edition coming free in 2014, adds loads of new content and iPad port

FTL: Faster Than Light gets its first major expansion next year, and not only is it free, it's chock-a-block with content, including story from Chris Avellone. Get all the details and check out the first trailer through the break.

Although the original version will still be available, and new content can be switched off, the crowdfunded rogue-like will re-release for free as FTL: Advanced Edition, with the following new features:

• Mind Control System: Temporarily turn enemies into allies. Force a boarder to repair the damage they just did, or have the enemy pilot sabotage their own helm.
• Hacking System: Lockdown and disrupt enemy systems. Unique effects for each system, ranging from forcing a teleporter remove boarders to making the medbay damage instead of heal.
• New Sector and Events
• New Weapons and Effects: Many new weapons that take advantage of new mechanics: overcharging to increase the number of volleys, stun effects to freeze crew, and area effect targeting, to name a few.
• And more systems, drones, augments, enemy ships, enemy layouts, and hostile environments.

Of particular note are the new sector and events; writer Tom Jubert has teamed up with Obsidian's Chris Avellone, of Planescape: Torment, Project Eternity and Wasteland 2 fame, to pen the new content.

The development team has also worked hard to smooth the rough edges of the indie space sim and add in requested features, like save crew positions for easy return to duties; combat saves; and greater variety in stores.

As if this weren't enough to completely eat your life, FTL: Advanced Edition is also coming to iPad. The tablet release and expansion to existing Linux, Mac and PC versions are both due sometime next year.

FTL: Advanced Edition from Justin Ma on Vimeo.

Thanks, PC Gamer.