When I first started playing this game, I was aware that the learning curve was quite difficult. It didn't deter me though, and I kept persevering....until eventually it did indeed deter me. I set the game down for more than a year.

Then I picked it up again.

After battling with the controls and tackling the learning curve again, I started to get the hang of it and something else happened...I became addicted.

I've always craved a great space simulation game that I could get into. For years, I wanted to play EVE Online but the subscription price as a kid at the time mixed with the complexity kept me away. That's why I was so excited to finally get to play this game.



First off, it is worth noting that the entire game takes place within the Milky Way Galaxy in the year 3300. Every star is exactly where it will be in real life in the year 3300. I thought this was pretty cool and definitely adds to the realism of this simulator. The developers also said that there are many star systems that will never be found, thanks to the sheer size of the game.



As far as things to do, there's plenty: hunt down other ships with kill warrants, shuttle passengers across the galaxy, buy items low and sell them high at other outposts in other systems, mine minerals and refine them, discover new planets, etc. There are also low and high intensity designated combat zones where you can engage in massive space dogfights with AI and sometimes even other players. If you add a Planetary Vehicle Hangar to your ship, you can use a PLV (PLanetary Vehicle) when you land on planets and roam around on a moon rover-esque vehicle.

Everything is super customizable...one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game for me. Every Outpost and Dock has a different inventory, and actually a different economy as well. Certain ones are booming and certain ones are declining. You can visit the Shipyard if the Outpost has one and purchase from their selection of ships, or instead you can head to Outfitting and upgrade all of the various components of your ship. You can upgrade the power plant, your hardpoints (the weapons), shields, thrusters, frame shift drive (allows Faster Than Light, or FTL, travel), amongst many other things.



The graphics are pretty cool. As you may know, space is just that...tons of space. There will be times when certain star systems don't look like anything too crazy, and that's okay. It is supposed to be realistic, after all. But just the sheer variety of different types of stars alone and how vastly different they all appear is awesome to me, along with the epic backdrops of cosmic dust. The interior of the ship and the inside of the stations are what really look awesome to me. The amount of detail is pretty awesome.

I suppose my only qualm would be that I would like to see more multiplayer elements. I don't think I've stumbled upon another player yet. That may be due to the size of the playable area, I'm not sure. I will definitely update this review accordingly, especially since Frontier Developments are pushing out a decent amount of updates for this game still.

This game definitely has my attention for now, and for some time. I can't wait to add more details to this review as I play it.