Subset Games has just revealed The Lanius, a brand new race of aliens set to appear in the iOS version of FTL: Advanced Edition.

The creatures are characterised as scavengers, and survive by consuming minerals found in metal. Much like the metal that makes up the hull of your spaceship, in fact. I think we can see where this is going.

In addition to this new alien race, FTL: Advanced Edition will contain never-before seen shield and anti-combat drones. Players will also gain the ability to man sensors and doors manually. 

What's more, you'll be able to select the spikey-looking Lanius ship as your own starter vessel. It even comes complete with its own unique (and possibly spikey) achievements.

As for the release date, Subset Games is still being a little cagey on the subject. However, the team have used their latest blog post to confirm that they are "aiming for early 2014" as a release window.

Lets hope they hit that target.