Starsector 0.97a is out! (02/02/24); New blog post: Simulator Enhancements (03/13/24)
I *am* in the process of a fairly major rework of how a lot of [combat map mechanics] works, though (oddly enough, it does involve the potential for deployment from the sides). Will probably write a blog post about it - either when I'm more sure of how it plays, or do a two-part "this is what I'm thinking" and "this is how it actually came out" series. Not too sure about whether the latter is a good idea.
The game was completed 8 years ago and we get a free expansion every year.
Arranging holidays in an embrace with the Starsector is priceless.