An endlessly charming sandbox game that learned its lessons well from Terraria, avoiding many of that game's shortcomings and building upon its strengths. It also manages to establish an identity of its own with its sci-fi setting, galaxy-spanning size and multiple playable races.

Starbound is already a steal at $15 even in its beta state. If the final game delivers on the developer's promises, it will be the stuff of legends.

An endlessly charming sandbox game that learned its lessons well from Terraria, avoiding many of that game's shortcomings and building upon its strengths. It also manages to establish an identity of its own with its sci-fi setting, galaxy-spanning size and multiple playable races. Starbound is already a steal at $15 even in its beta state. If the final game delivers on the developer's promises, it will be the stuff of legends.