Highly recommended for space captains who want to explore and not get bogged down in a procedural space grind. This is a true non-procedural space exploration game. It plays more like Star Flight (from what I can remember) than Star Control. The exploration is self directed but the narrative keeps me wanting to play.

The writing is great. I laughed at a universal translator misunderstanding during the very first alien encounter. Almost every planetary survey mission is unique. They also frequently narratively build on each other as you progress.

Combat is twin stick shooter and very appropriate for the exploration vibe. The ship damage, explosions, and other effects make it fun even thought there isn't a lot of depth there.

There are some controller hick-ups. Navigating the starbase UI with a controller is glitchy. I sometimes couldn't fire missiles with my controller.

Overall, great game.

Highly recommended for space captains who want to explore and not get bogged down in a procedural space grind. This is a true non-procedural space exploration game. It plays more like Star Flight (from what I can remember) than Star Control. The exploration is self directed but the narrative keeps me wanting to play. The writing is great. I laughed at a universal translator misunderstanding during the very first alien encounter. Almost every planetary survey mission is unique. They also frequently narratively build on each other as you progress. Combat is twin stick shooter and very appropriate for the exploration vibe. The ship damage, explosions, and other effects make it fun even thought there isn't a lot of depth there. There are some controller hick-ups. Navigating the starbase UI with a controller is glitchy. I sometimes couldn't fire missiles with my controller. Overall, great game.