When I submitted a "thank you" to Hello Games a couple of years ago in a photobook signed by me I referenced this very game - one of the first sandbox space exploration games that I could remember. Created when I was 11 years old, this game absolutely captivated me in my formative years. I can remember forming different varieties of crewmembers from the six selected races, visiting the various planets throughout the Milky Way, and getting ever-so-frustrated when my ship was destroyed and I had to start all over again (because if I turned my computer off, the game would not save properly and I'd have to start right from the beginning again). Nevertheless, it wasn't until my Commodore 64 version that I finally discovered the ever-elusive Black Egg (spoiler alert) and saved the galaxy from certain destruction. Discovering the various planets, learning about atmospheric complexities, geology, hydrology, harvesting elements and selling them or using them, and of course scanning and even capturing indigenous lifeforms for study all came out in NMS. Even harsh weather played a role in this game, much in the same way as dangerous weather plays a role in how your character survives in NMS. Heck, you can even negotiate with potential enemies and avoid combat if possible, and if your ship is strong enough you can destroy your enemies and obtain the debris from their wreckage (just like in NMS)! There are so many similarities to this game as NMS I wonder if Sean Murray knew of its existence when he created No Man's Sky. To that end, anyone with a mind for nostalgia or a curiosity about how one of the biggest space exploratory sandbox games got its humble start, please download this game and give it a whirl. I guarantee you won't be sorry.
