If you've been curious about Cloud Impreium Games' space sim, Star Citizen, but want to sample the goods before you put down the cash for it, good news: it's available to play for free between January 29 and February 5.

As explained on the game's website, Free Fly access has been enabled for all accounts, which "means that anyone can jump into Star Citizen Alpha" and experience the "three unique parts of the [game's overall] experience."

The promotion was introduced as part of the game's latest update, which also includes the following:

Star Citizen Alpha 2.1.2: Also known as Crusader or the "mini-PU," this is the nucleus of the world we're building. Featuring multiple space stations and environments, scripted missions, places to explore and more, Alpha 2.1.2 is your first look at a much larger universe.

Also known as Crusader or the "mini-PU," this is the nucleus of the world we're building. Featuring multiple space stations and environments, scripted missions, places to explore and more, Alpha 2.1.2 is your first look at a much larger universe. Arena Commander: Arena Commander is a 'game within a game' that we've used to develop our flight mechanics and ship combat balance. Take on human opponents or an AI swarm in single seat fighter.

Arena Commander is a 'game within a game' that we've used to develop our flight mechanics and ship combat balance. Take on human opponents or an AI swarm in single seat fighter. Social Module: Interact with other players while you explore our first landing zone, ArcCorp! The Social Module is intended as a starting point for our world building,

According to its developer, "this is the first Free Fly that includes Crusader." Free Fly players will also be able to take the Hornet F7C military fighter, the Aurora LN starter, and the Mustang Delta interceptor out for a spin.

In other news about the Star Citizen, Chris Roberts has answered 10 fan questions, including those involving penalties for misbehaving players and the status of Star Citizen's FPS module.