No Man’s Sky review

No Man's Sky ambitiously puts the player in a procedurally generated universe of unimaginable scale. Promising endless exploration and visual splendor, it captivates with an experience that few games dare to offer. But does it live up to its celestial promises, or does it fall into the abyss of mediocrity?

Universe of Endless Possibility

No Man's Sky's most striking feature is the scale and scope of its procedurally generated universe. With a claim of 18 quintillion planets, each playthrough offers a unique starting point. The transition from space to a planet's surface is incredibly smooth, making interplanetary travel a remarkable experience.

The joy of naming and uploading discoveries adds a personal touch. Whether you'll ever come across these places again or have another player find them remains a mystery, but it injects a sense of legacy into your journey. Yet, despite being a multiplayer game, interaction between players is almost nonexistent, limiting the galaxy to largely solitary exploration.

The Flaws in the System

While the universe is vast, No Man's Sky falters in delivering depth beyond its grand expanse. The combat feels basic and unengaging, with aggressive auto-aim that strips away the challenge. Engaging Sentinels or alien creatures turns into a predictable routine, lacking the excitement one would expect in such settings.

Survival mechanics, too, offer more frustration than fulfillment. Resource gathering becomes a monotonous task rather than an enriching activity, making each foray into unknown planets feel repetitive.

Beautiful Yet Troubled Landscapes

Visually, No Man's Sky can be a feast for the eyes. Planets range from lush, Dr. Seuss-like wonderlands to stark, barren wastelands, each with unique features like floating islands and labyrinthine caves. These initial vistas are captivating and showcase the potential of procedural generation.

However, this beauty comes with strings attached. The game's draw distance for detailed models is short, causing objects to pop in and out distractingly. Frequent dips in frame rate and crashes further mar the experience, making it the most unstable on the PS4 I've encountered.

The Frustration of Management

No Man's Sky's inventory management is another sore point. A cursor-driven interface navigated with thumbsticks, feels out of place and clunky. Selecting between dialogue options using this method is particularly frustrating, disrupting the game's flow.

When it comes to the galactic map, selecting star systems is cumbersome and unintuitive. The direction controls often lead to unexpected movements, turning the navigation of the universe into a chore. The lack of meaningful choice in destinations further detracts from the sense of adventure.

Combat and Survival: Missed Opportunities

The game's attempts at integrating combat feel half-hearted. The simplistic dogfighting mechanics in space combat fail to capture the thrill of interstellar battles. With limited weapon types and a lack of strategic depth, these encounters quickly lose their appeal.

Survival elements are equally unremarkable. With abundant resources to maintain life support and environmental shielding, the game rarely challenges you. Rather than a thrilling fight for survival, it becomes an afterthought easily managed while exploring.

Conclusion: Untapped Potential

No Man's Sky offers a breathtaking glimpse into a universe brimming with potential. Its seamless transitions and diverse planetary landscapes set it apart. Yet, the repetitive gameplay, lackluster mechanics, and technical issues weigh heavily against it.

Despite these shortcomings, moments of awe exist within its vast expanse. No Man's Sky stands as a testament to ambition in gaming, but ultimately, it serves as a reminder that scale alone cannot create a truly extraordinary experience. For players seeking to lose themselves in the cosmos, it offers a fleeting, though uneven, journey.