No Man’s Sky – Xbox One
My next rapid review is for No Man’s Sky on Xbox One.
Title: No Man’s Sky
Publisher: Hello Games
Genre: Action-adventure, survival
Audience: Space fans, exploration game fans.
Price: £34.99
Before I begin, I just wanted to state that I didn’t play this game when it was first released in 2016. I am aware that it received some really bad press and that most players felt the game was unfinished.
However, I do know that since it’s been released on Xbox One, Hello Games has worked, and are working, extremely hard to improve the game. This is evident in the latest update, next.
This rapid review is based solely on my experiences of the game so far.
No Man’s Sky is a action-adventure survival game based in a never ending universe of ever changing galaxies and planets.
Looks and sounds
After working my way through the tutorials, it is obvious to see that No Man’s Sky is a visual delight. Even on my standard HD TV, the game looks gorgeous. Each planet that I have visited is completely different to the next. The flora and fauna is beautiful and I have often found myself just staring into space, pardon the pun, and travelling each planet by foot. Although the occasional use of the rocket booster is essential. You will also come across bizarre, hybrid animals.
The creatures that you encounter in the various space stations are hilarious and they remind me of the creations that I use to build in the EA game, Spore.
The game also sounds great. Creatures of all shapes and sizes call out and the weapons and ships sound familiar if you’re a fan of sci-fi movies.
Gameplay and replayability
The game starts off a little slow, however, this is done purposefully in order to teach you the ropes. The game does a good job of reminding you how to do things as you go, which I found really helpful.
After completing the first couple of missions, including building the beginnings of your first base, you find yourself able to zoom throughout space and explore the seemingly never ending choice of galaxies.
You will encounter epic battles with space pirates and you’re able to board different space stations and interact with the bizzare creatures that are stationed there.
There is also a trade system in the game which does come in handy.
Sentinels guard the planets and will attack you. As I haven’t finished the game, I’m yet to find out why they attack you. You can either stay and fight them or run away and hide.
One of the most enjoyable aspects for me is the ability to use your multitool to manipulate the surface of each planet and discover the world, and resources, hidden underneath.
There are numerous gadgets and gizmos which you can aquire and upgrade. For example, the refiner takes resources you have collected and converts them into something else you need.
Each planet has its own atmosphere which have an impact on your space suit. So far I have encountered extreme heat and cold, acid rain and toxic gas.
I was slightly worried that I’d get bored of this game quite quickly. However, this isn’t the case after many hours of game time.
The fact that every planet is different and there is always something that you need to mine and manufacture, keeps you coming back for more.
Conclusion
No Man’s Sky is an enjoyable game. It’s the kind of game that you can turn on with the intention of only playing a short while and before you know it, hours have passed.
Ignore what you have read about No Man’s Sky previously, and give it a go.
Rapid Reviews rating: Yeah!
