Players are satisfied with the game's overall quality, stable performance, and relaxing gameplay experience. They appreciate the well-implemented core mechanics, appealing graphics, and the value the game offers, especially for an Early Access title with responsive developers and a positive community.
Disappointment stems primarily from the perceived lack of content and slow development, leading players to feel the game is unfinished or abandoned. Issues like repetitive early gameplay, technical problems, and a short story also contribute to the feeling that the game hasn't met its potential.
Frustration is caused by numerous bugs, particularly with the power and resource collection systems, and an excessive grind. Players also struggle with poor controls, a lack of clear guidance or tutorials, and other mechanics issues that make the game difficult or unplayable.
Players express hope for the game's future development, including more content, updates, and new features like multiplayer. They see significant potential in the game's concept and are optimistic about future improvements and the eventual full release, despite current flaws.
Excitement is driven by the game's potential, its addictive gameplay loop for gather-crafters, and anticipation for future updates and features. Players who enjoy survival, crafting, and space genres find the game's concept and initial quality particularly engaging.
Verdict
Mixed
Summary
Positive 60% · Negative 40%. Score: 40 / 100
Positives:
Players generally find the game enjoyable, relaxing, and fun, especially considering its early access status. Many appreciate its potential and solid foundation, indicating a positive initial experience and high hopes for future development.
The game is frequently compared to 'Raft' but set in space, offering a unique take on the survival and crafting genre. Players who enjoy 'Raft' or similar resource-gathering and base-building experiences will likely find this game appealing.
Reviewers consistently highlight the game's excellent value for its price, often calling it a 'steal.' They feel the current content justifies the cost, especially compared to other early access titles.
The game's controls and movement mechanics are generally well-received, with players noting they are convenient and easy to adapt to. Recent updates have improved the user experience, making navigation less frustrating.
Players report very few major bugs, and any minor issues are quickly addressed by the developer. This indicates a stable early access experience with consistent bug fixes.
Negatives:
Players report a significant lack of content, making the game feel unfinished and repetitive after only a few hours. Many also highlight numerous bugs and a general lack of polish, leading to a frustrating and unengaging experience.
The power system, particularly solar panels and batteries, is frequently cited as broken or buggy. Players experience issues with connections, charging, and overall functionality, severely impacting gameplay progression.
Resource gathering is described as tedious, slow, and difficult. Players struggle to identify, locate, and collect resources, with issues like small collection distances and clunky mechanics making the process frustrating.
The game lacks a compelling story or clear objectives, leaving players without direction or motivation. The absence of a proper tutorial or guidance system further contributes to confusion and a feeling of aimlessness.
The rapid depletion of hunger and oxygen meters forces players into a constant, stressful chase for survival resources. This frequent need for food and air detracts from exploration and other gameplay elements.
Gameplay:
The core gameplay loop revolves around resource gathering in a zero-gravity, post-explosion space environment. Players collect debris and junk to survive and rebuild their base/ship, drawing strong comparisons to games like Raft.
The zero-gravity movement and controls are a key aspect, with specific feedback on deceleration (ALT key), auto-braking, and general six-directional movement. Players noted the challenge of controlling momentum in space.
Players proposed various new features and content, including advanced power solutions (solar panel linking), new structures (aircraft-like vehicles), environmental hazards (asteroid storms), and new tools (scanners, different suits).
Many players expressed a strong desire for a multiplayer or co-op mode. They believe it would enhance the experience by allowing players to collaborate on building and progress.
The game features survival mechanics such as oxygen, food, and drink. Players suggested clearer visual cues, like screen flashes, to indicate critical low levels of these bio-functions.
Performance:
Players appreciate the game's excellent performance and optimized battery usage on the Steam Deck, making it a highly portable and enjoyable experience. This indicates good optimization for handheld devices.
Recommendations:
Many players express that the game has significant potential but is currently lacking in content and polish. They are optimistic about future updates and would recommend the game once it is more complete.
A notable portion of players cannot recommend the game in its current state, with some even regretting their purchase or seeking refunds due to its incompleteness or issues.
Some players have had a positive experience with the game, finding it enjoyable and not regretting their purchase, indicating a baseline level of playability.
Players suggest improvements to the early game experience, specifically regarding resource availability, initial inventory size, and simplifying the requirements for initial construction to make progression smoother.
The game is recommended for fans of the space survival/crafting genre, particularly those who enjoy building. However, others should wait for further development.
Miscellaneous:
Many players acknowledge that the game is in Early Access, which implies it is unfinished and may contain bugs. Despite this, they see potential and are willing to overlook current imperfections.
Players are eagerly anticipating future updates and more content. They feel the current amount of content is limited but are hopeful for significant additions as development progresses.
Players expressed a need for a more comprehensive tutorial or initial guidance. The current lack of instruction leads to confusion and a steep learning curve for new players.
Players see strong potential for a multiplayer mode in the future. They believe adding multiplayer would significantly enhance the game's appeal and make it even more engaging.
The unique premise of a space survival game, focusing on drifting, collecting junk, and building a station, is highlighted as a positive and uncommon aspect in the market.