Got it as “exclusive” bonus for pre-order. Which requires Paradox account to be used in game. It is the only reason I have it. For that price (with added online log-in requirement) I would never even consider buying it.
I will try to honestly describe what this game really is, not what developers/game press told about it. So you may set your expectations accordingly and not be disappointed. There are many “1 star” ratings and angry reviews. While I agree with some points, I still think extremely low rating not deserved. Certainly, this game, being “quick and dirty” console port, has a large amount of problems. Especially in terms of PC-specific features such as custom controls, display options and monitor resolution. It has extremely poor hardware optimization as well. It also suffers from “we want to make all the cool features despite the low budget and small team” approach. Sadly, it is nothing new for indie development. However, there are many games with similar problems, which still received much better ratings. I think main problem (aside of inability to launch the game at all, which happened to some people) is that NMS just not met expectations of almost EVERYONE, no matter what they expected. It was positioned as “space flight/exploration game”, frequently compared to Star Citizen, Elite: Dangerous and Egosoft’s X series. In fact, there is nothing similar. NMS is a game of completely different genre, not even related to “space flight” games. Certainly, player has starship and ability to fly between planets, but it only serves as means of transportation, nothing more. Controls are extremely limited, flight physics very simple and combat is nothing to look out for. Survival elements are limited too. They are over-simplified and tedious at the same time. It is very easy to keep your temperature/radiation/toxin/energy at safe levels. In fact, it is too easy for survival to become important gameplay element. On the other hand, it requires a lot of repetitive actions. Nothing difficult, but extremely annoying. What NMS really provides (more or less) is an “exploration” part. You walk on a surface, scan local flora and fauna (yes, it becomes boring as well after 10 planets with exactly the same creatures/plants, but still), find alien artifacts and aliens themselves. The game really manages to provide sense and feeling of retro-styled sci-fi adventure. What is more important (and gives this game a chance) is the fact it not takes itself very seriously. It is not scientifically correct, deadly serious representation of lifeless rock and ice with temperature around 0k. There is a game that already does it, and in much better quality. NMS is silly, colorful and reminds of B-rated movies from 70’s. With strange creatures (like turtle/goat with parrot’s beak), brick-shaped spaceships and spaceman’s best friend - old trusted blaster able to solve any problem.
This game is excellent. It looks, feels and plays as good as you can expect from AAA title (in fact even better in some aspects). Even still being in-dev (thus – unfinished) it is more polished than many “final releases” from much larger developing teams/companies. The only fundamental problem (one that unlikely go away at the time of release) is the author(s) probably assume that everyone have similar hardware and control preferences. It may work on console; it never ends well for PC title. Pros: 1) Great visual style and atmosphere. 2) Nice graphics (not mind-blowing, but good enough for 2016 game). 3) Excellent character design and world lore. 4) You do NOT have greatsword/minigun/megablaster to slaughter hundreds of enemies that stand between you and new pair of boots. 5) Overall feeling of being inside a fairy tale. Cons: 1) No support for exotic monitor resolutions. By “exotic” I mean 1280x1024, 1600x1200 and so on. I can understand when huge companies like Bethesda decide to ignore the needs of a few thousands of potential buyers; I cannot understand when indie developers think they can do the same. 2) Control settings can only be described by word “awful”. Game controls designed with two assumptions in mind: first that the player have only one input device, and second that it is xBox-style game controller. No support for multiple input devices, not possible to remap half of input commands (including all analog axes), not even possible to choose which devise to use (or at least disable them all to play with keyboard/mouse). At first, I thought it is as bad as DarkSouls1, I was wrong. Dark Souls at least worked with x360ce emulator/remapper.
Around 13 years ago, I have seen this game on my friend’s computer. It was buggy, unpolished but still amazing. Off course I purchased disk myself as soon as possible! Later I discovered modding possibilities (it was the first time I used mods in game). And after some time of using other people’s mods I decided to make my own. Then I started to learn how to use graphical software. And finally 3d Max (version 4.2 at the time). It was the turning point. Hobby became my main profession. I make 3d models and textures for over 10 years now. And it all started with this game. Sorry for my poor English.
