ENDLESS™ Space 2 - Dark Matter Review Summary

Developer fixes major bugs and DLC adds story, lore, and quests that enhance gameplay, but a game-breaking colonization bug persists and the DLC introduces numerous bugs while lacking meaningful content.

Developer fixed major bugs: The developer addressed the most criticized bug that blocked colonization, along with other issues like freezing and academy problems, making the DLC playable and improving overall gameplay.

DLC adds story and lore: Multiple clusters indicate the DLC provides additional story, lore, and quests that enrich the game's narrative. This content is appreciated by players for adding depth to the experience.

New quests enhance gameplay: The DLC introduces new missions that are more exciting than vanilla ones, with dynamic elements like moving ships and tempting rewards, adding RPG-like depth to the strategy game.

Base game visuals and music praised: The base game's art direction and soundtrack are highly praised, contributing to an excellent visual and auditory experience that enhances overall enjoyment.

DLC provides additional activities: The DLC gives players more to do, including a few inconsequential but enjoyable additions, and offers a planet that can be bought, expanding gameplay options.

Game-breaking colonization bug persists: A critical bug prevents colonization of star systems not connected by starlanes, often triggered by the 'Death Without a Corpse' quest. This bug breaks quest chains and makes many systems unplayable, with no workaround available.

DLC lacks meaningful content: Players consistently report that the DLC adds almost nothing to the game, offering no new weapons, support modules, or interesting gameplay. The content is described as short, thin, and not worth the price, with quests being forgettable and rewards weak.

DLC introduces numerous bugs: The DLC is criticized for introducing a host of bugs that hinder gameplay, including issues with turns not advancing, quests failing, and ships from other factions breaking mechanics. These bugs are seen as game-breaking and annoying.

Quests are boring and unrewarding: Quests are described as uninteresting, nonsensical, and lacking in lore or gameplay value. Rewards are often useless ships or minor items, making quests feel like chores rather than engaging content.

DLC not worth the price: Many players feel the DLC is overpriced for the content provided, especially when bundled with larger faction DLCs. The lack of substantive additions and persistent bugs make it a poor value proposition.

Colonization system with starlanes: Players highlight a colonization mechanic tied to star lanes, allowing isolated systems and planets to be colonized. This appears to be a core gameplay feature.

DLC adds pirates and quests: The DLC includes pirate content and a few new missions, expanding gameplay with additional objectives. This is a common but somewhat vague addition.

DLC missions involve ship tracking: Missions require moving ships to track down and completing tasks to receive ships. This adds a specific mission type to the DLC.

Starlanes connect constellations: Systems are connected to constellations by starlanes, forming the game's map structure. This is a core mechanic.

Turn-based gameplay: The game is turn-based, a core gameplay style. This is a fundamental characteristic.

Freezing bug fixed: A freezing bug that players encountered has been resolved, improving overall game stability.

Hotfix introduced new bugs: The hotfix intended to address issues instead created additional bugs, leading to further player frustration.

Only for lore fans: The DLC is recommended only for players interested in the broader universe and lore. Those not invested in the setting can skip it without missing out.

Buy only to support devs: Some reviewers suggest purchasing the DLC only as a tip to support the developers, not for its content. This implies the DLC's value is primarily as a donation.

Recommended for fans: A clear purchase recommendation is given for fans of the franchise, while non-fans are advised against it. This indicates the DLC is tailored to existing fans.

Community fair range: $5.00 - $20.00.

Bug-Averse Veteran: They disable the DLC or avoid it until it is patched, focusing on the base game. Motivation: To enjoy the game without frustration, seeking a stable and bug-free experience. Stance: no buy.

DLC is cheap and simple: Multiple reviewers note the DLC is inexpensive and matches its description, but it offers little content and is not considered important. The low price makes it a minor purchase.

Developer ignores reported bugs: Several reviews state the developer has not fixed issues or publicly acknowledged them after many months, and some bugs were reported without any response. This lack of communication frustrates players.

DLC acts as commercial: The DLC is structured to draw attention to other DLCs, with some quests rewarding factions that are only available in paid expansions. This is seen as a marketing tactic.

DLC adds random quests: The DLC provides about 10-12 extra quests, which are described as random and not integrated into a larger narrative. This content is seen as filler rather than meaningful expansion.

DLC includes a pug hero: A notable feature is the addition of a pug hero or dog character, which some players find charming. This is a unique selling point for the DLC.