First impressions were good because visually and mechanically the game borrows heavily from Privateer and Freelancer. Sadly I just couldn't enjoy it. The aim assist system removes any challenge from combat because it does the flying and aiming for you. At least you don't have to use it. What can't be avoided is the design decision to swarm you with enemies. Evading is impossible once you run out of power for the afterburner, and you'll run out fast while still being a punching bag with 6 or 8 fighters on your tail. The game has a nasty habit of not forewarning you if the mission you took is too much for you with the craft and gear you have, especially the main story missions. The side jobs are a color coded to tip you as to how difficult they are and it supposedly scales with the player's ship and gear, but its a cheat. Odds are overwhelmingly against you at all times, and being ganked by 8 fighters is not my idea of a fun challenge. I would have rather faced few enemies that maneuver cleverly, but with the Aim Assist system the only way the game has to challenge you is to overwhelm you. If that's your idea of fun times than this game is for you. I simply don't have the patience for this kind of challenge, to grind against overwhelming numbers to "git gud." A real shame, because I love this type of action space sim. I just don't think its combat is conducive to a fun experience.
