EDIT: Wrapping up 2023 and this game continues to pull me back in.


EDIT: It's even better every month. I can't believe this game.
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The game had the worst, ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ launch for a highly anticipated game that I can think of (yep, including Cyberpunk 2077 in that list).

However, the game has grown and changed in so many positive ways since then and the developers have poured so much time and effort into building goodwill and regaining their reputation. I couldn't sit by and watch the overall review stay at Mixed. I know this one review will doubtfully alter the overall, but maybe it will change your opinion.

I have spent over 200 hours in the game, with most of that time being after the major updates that have released. Yet, around 26 hours were from the early days--the Dark Ages of NMS, you might say.

I stuck it out for a couple of reasons:

• I wanted a space sim without supporting Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen.
  
• I saw the potential in the game beyond the ♥♥♥♥ storm.
  
• It also had the bones of a good experience.
  
  My time could've ended there, remembering the game as an over-promised skeleton. Luckily, somehow, the developers have continued pouring resources into the game so that those bones now have muscles, veins, flesh, and even a heart and brain. You're not getting a mindless slog from planet to planet with a dozen variant creatures and plants; you're now getting a space exploration sim with a robust base-building sim within a massive universe full of unique creatures, planets and atmospheres, optionally centered around a Destiny-like hub where you can meet with other players, start planet-spanning missions, and grow your base/arsenal.
  
  The game that was promised now is.