What is a very nice casual game is ruined by several very strange and questionable decisions.
I'm for suspension of disbelief, but when things are done that are just wrong, I definitely take away some points.

1) The recipe for steel is 1:1 iron and copper.
2) Crabs drop bones.

I'm sure I'll find more things that I think are completely bizarre. As far as design that I find questionable:

1) They make inventory extremely painful. Storage areas (crates) have 4 slots. You start with just 6 slots and get upgrades just 2 at a time later in the game. Considering things are just dropping constantly a la forager, it means that half of the game is inventory juggling. Is that fun for you?

2) It self describes as pro automation, however the majority of the "automation logistics" is the bots just knowing what they are supposed to do. There is no real thought involved as the default settings do work.

3) Unlock are achieved by collecting the most basic of materials. There is no expectation of anything even slightly complex.

4) The characters are best described as wacky or zany. Their reactions and comments felt very inconsistent, like they were written by different conflicting points of view.

Nova lands sits comfortably in its own little niche of factory/automation and island builder (like Forager), I don't really think it does anything particularly new but what's here is decent, well considered, and I enjoyed it for the time I spent.

There are things i'd change for sure, many buildings feel too big compared to the islands you get (or larger/more islands should be present when you hit late game) and the buildings are all square but the islands are hexagonal in shape making it hard to really optimise space. This lack of space and ability to improve your factory can make the lategame feel quite frustrating as you need significantly more items, yet the ways you can improve production rate feel very limited.

Nova Lands is indeed very addicting. The simplicity of the game, makes it really cozy which for me is perfect.

The game strikes a perfect balance between relaxed progression and rewarding complexity. You begin by establishing a modest base on a vibrant alien world, but not for long, you’re going to be managing automated systems, crafting advanced materials, and exploring new islands brimming with mystery and resources. The sense of discovery is constant, and the way the world opens up feels natural and rewarding.

One of Nova Lands’ biggest strengths is its automation system. It’s intuitive yet powerful, allowing players to optimize production lines without overwhelming them. The bots you unlock and program are a joy to work with, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see your little colony humming along efficiently. (But be aware this process take TIME "like a lot of TIME" especially end game. So be aware to have long cozy nights).

Visually, the game is colorful and inviting, with a charming 8-bit, sci-fi aesthetic and a relaxing soundtrack that complements the gameplay perfectly. The UI is clean and accessible, making it easy to navigate even when your base becomes more complex.

Overall, Nova Lands is a refreshing and addictive experience that deserves more attention. Whether you're a veteran of the genre or just looking for a cozy game to get lost in, this one is well worth your time.