No Man's Sky

 PlayStation 4
User Score
4.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5473 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,123 out of 5473
  2. Mixed: 648 out of 5473
  3. Negative: 2,702 out of 5473
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  1. Mastereed
    Jul 1, 2023
    7
    JOURNEY TO THE CORE

    BEFORE WE START: No Man's Sky was developed and published by Hello Games and released in 2016. This title was released under completely adverse conditions compared to those presented at various conventions and fairs, and therefore, it was heavily criticized. After dozens of updates, the game became very similar to what was originally announced. The title has been    JOURNEY TO THE CORE

    BEFORE WE START:
    No Man's Sky was developed and published by Hello Games and released in 2016. This title was released under completely adverse conditions compared to those presented at various conventions and fairs, and therefore, it was heavily criticized. After dozens of updates, the game became very similar to what was originally announced. The title has been fully released on Game Pass PC.

    THE TAKE OFF:
    No Man's Sky, as a pure survival game, instantly throws the player into the clutches of a planet immersed in the infinite universe. This planet can randomly be peaceful or malevolent, making the first steps more or less challenging depending on the type. The initial stages mainly involve learning the basics of survival, as well as constructing a small personal base. After these steps, the player will be unleashed into the universe of the Atlas, a mysterious deity or legend that requires the player to reach the center of the universe. As an interlude, the player can literally explore endless planets, take on dozens of side missions, and build bases on planets or immense frigates.

    STALENESS UNIVERSE:
    The gameplay of No Man's Sky is as varied as it is repetitive. In addition to the mere survival aspect of collecting resources, surviving in hostile planets, and fighting sentinels, players can venture into cooperative missions and raids on frigates and outposts. Furthermore, a small part of the game certainly involves space battles, albeit very simple ones. The true heart of the gameplay in this immense title lies in the exploration of thousands of planets, which often differ greatly, and the various space wrecks. A small mechanic that encourages exploration is the bestiary and encyclopedia of creatures and objects on the planets, offering small rewards in currency.

    WHAT COLOR IS THE SPACE?:
    Graphically, it is rather average, with a wide variety of designs and coloration of the different worlds. Certainly, the imagination behind some plants and creatures is exceptional.

    SCATTERED ECHOES:
    The audio component, like the graphics, is average. However, its great merit lies in creating extremely relaxing and mesmerizing situations, with fitting soundtracks for deep space.

    BUT WHY 7?

    PROS:
    No Man's Sky is currently an extremely enjoyable and relaxing title to play and explore. The vastness and creativity of the game world rarely become tiresome, and the game's writing is unique and detailed, keeping the player engaged. Additionally, the main story, being very philosophical, will certainly stimulate the minds of the most imaginative players.

    CONS:
    The major problem with No Man's Sky lies in the immense repetitiveness that it reaches within a few days of gameplay. Every space station, NPC, planetary base, frigate, and most dialogues will always and uniformly be the same. Moreover, the game's strong survival aspect often leads to tedious farming sequences for normal gameplay actions. All these factors make it a highly enjoyable game even today, but it certainly doesn't lack some issues dating back to its release.

    RATINGS:
    Gameplay: 6.5
    Music: 7.5
    Story: 7
    Survival: 6
    _    … Expand
  2. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    7
    A solid space exploration game that offers multiple timesinks. You can build bases and communities and fleets, you can explore in perpetuity, you can do missions and pursue the main quest, etc. While a lot about this game is incredible and is done so well, it has become an excellent space adventure game, the exploration and gameplay mechanics still leave much to be desired. Animal behaviorA solid space exploration game that offers multiple timesinks. You can build bases and communities and fleets, you can explore in perpetuity, you can do missions and pursue the main quest, etc. While a lot about this game is incredible and is done so well, it has become an excellent space adventure game, the exploration and gameplay mechanics still leave much to be desired. Animal behavior is so simple as to be nealry nonexistant, planets are a single climate each, and significant geological features simply don't exist on most worlds. There is a lot to love about this game but it is not for everyone.… Expand
  3. SgtSocks
    May 12, 2023
    7
    No Man's Sky is a Comeback story, once was a lagging, broken, letdown of a game, is now a fun space odyssey unique to you. I find my self coming back to this game and I'm looking forward for future updates. My one complaint is that it crashes, and lags more often then you would like to see, though it is not a experience killing problem.
  4. Smiler78
    Nov 11, 2022
    6
    I found no man's sky pretty enjoyable. Its beautiful to explore in VR and there's a good bit of depth. However it could do with a few more enemies to fight. I quite like the slow pace and endless new worlds to discover but the occasional battle with aggressive civilisations would help to break up the monotony. I do appreciate that it's not a war game but I feel the occasional battle mightI found no man's sky pretty enjoyable. Its beautiful to explore in VR and there's a good bit of depth. However it could do with a few more enemies to fight. I quite like the slow pace and endless new worlds to discover but the occasional battle with aggressive civilisations would help to break up the monotony. I do appreciate that it's not a war game but I feel the occasional battle might make this game a clear 8/9. Good work kei ;)… Expand
  5. Mychaelwo
    Jul 16, 2022
    6
    Joguei a versão do PS5 e provavelmente já ví jogos mais bonitos no PS2, todos os mundos parecem os mesmos, não ví incentivo para explora-los, é apenas um jogo mediano.
  6. soybrunix
    Dec 31, 2021
    5
    It went bad on the market but over the years it has created a great community and improved as a video game. If you like space exploration and quiet play, it can give you hundreds of hours of fun.
  7. Empyrea
    Jul 17, 2021
    5
    From the beginning this game reminded me Death Stranding because of the repetitive things (although I know they're not the same). I played this game for almost 14 hours (probably 1/3 of the game) but because it's getting repetitive and I don't see that the story is advancing much I'm gonna quit. But let's talk about the game. The best of this game is the environment, sound and soundtrack.From the beginning this game reminded me Death Stranding because of the repetitive things (although I know they're not the same). I played this game for almost 14 hours (probably 1/3 of the game) but because it's getting repetitive and I don't see that the story is advancing much I'm gonna quit. But let's talk about the game. The best of this game is the environment, sound and soundtrack. The place where you can see the things you are carrying reminds me the old free rpg games I use to play as a kid in my computer. Don't hesitate on destroying things because you'll see that you can't carry much things (destroy cheap things or things that you are not going to use or that are easy to find). The story is told as the old RPGs; I mean is more description about what's going on than dialogues. You could say this is a kind of an old rpg game but with good graphics (and a bit of action). I know I could beat the game but because is going to be more of the same with few new things I'm going to stop playing. It's not a bad game per se but in my opinion it should be shorter (and also let you carry more things when you start). If you play this game, you're going to need a few hours to settle and get used to everything. I myself thought on quitting more than once but I recommend you to play at least about 10 hours and from that point if you want to keep playing go on but that's up to you. Definitely not a game for everybody but if you want to try something new give it a try.

    P.S: Also, go straight for the main story and don't do side quests unless you feel to.    … Expand
  8. Exlex
    Mar 8, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's far from perfect that's for sure, but some of the more recent reviews are either made written by gamers who haven't played more than a few hours (shakes beer) or gamers like Ianmack who clearly is lying, because in 100 hours of gameplay, I have never not found an animal. He probably didn't read that it is only found in the north or south emisphere...

    What I miss and hope they will implement sooner or later are cities. What I think is really annoying is that sometimes the game gives you the option to scan a planet from space and right when you activate the scanner the option fades and you have to wait for the scanner to recharge. Another thing I would love to see, are snowy paradise planets. All planets with snow have automatically a harsh environment. What stands out in this game is the community. Never experienced such a helpful gaming community. The game is definitely worth it in 2021 and I am pretty sure that it will be updated a lot in the future, adding many more features.    … Expand
  9. SGWells
    Sep 27, 2020
    5
    I bought this game last week, so i don't know the original game. I must say that i never played a game who became so boring so quick.
    No chance to stick at it. Simply a void game.
  10. Burattix54
    Sep 7, 2020
    7
    It got better, but it is still boring. It's an empty game, and the new storyline isn't interesting.
  11. Patrick73
    Jun 29, 2020
    7
    Gioco esplorativo e contemplativo. Soffre di moltissimi bug e generalmente né la trama né i combattimenti riesco a risultare minimamente interessanti. Almeno l'esplorazione dei pianeti con un amico o in solitudine risulta molto appagante ed immersiva.
  12. ulukaj
    May 18, 2020
    7
    Edit 05/2020: Much much better game now. Hello games has done a good job repairing the damaged mechanisms and listening to fans feedback. Although the game is far from perfect, it is finally very playable and as a paying customer you no longer feel scammed. Well done!

    Old review: Very similar case to Elite (which I still take as a scam and thus a clear 0/10). I understand what might    Edit 05/2020: Much much better game now. Hello games has done a good job repairing the damaged mechanisms and listening to fans feedback. Although the game is far from perfect, it is finally very playable and as a paying customer you no longer feel scammed. Well done!

    Old review:
    Very similar case to Elite (which I still take as a scam and thus a clear 0/10). I understand what might have been the purpose, yet the actual game.. Well it's not a game. It is an interesting and maybe promising concept alas absolutely out of the reach of a present technology. Such project requires enormous computing capabilities to deliver a truly playable and enjoyable experience. In vast future filled with quantum computers NMS may be given as an example of what our generation had wanted to create but was limited by very ancient technology (simple Turing machine principle). Therefore one simply cannot appreciate NMS as a computer game. I also dont agree presenting this "technological concept" to a broad public as a game. And there is absolutely no excuse for that in creating a "very sophisticated algorithm" for a full price. If an engineer wishes to create and design complex algorithms his place is either at a uni or private company willing to pay him for such activities. But to cover his programming ambitions for high complex algorithms with a creating and selling a computer game it's an inexcusable deception and should not be tolerated. Awarding this weird 'procedural generation algorithm' project 1/10 is therefore a completely and utterly deserved in my opinion.    … Expand
  13. hwelltor
    Nov 12, 2019
    6
    Looks good, it's fun to fly through the space but there is nothing that keeps me playing this game after 1-2 hours.
  14. ClutterBrain
    Sep 28, 2019
    5
    This game is OK but it is missing too many quality of life and gameplay elements to make it excel. Even after the Beyond update, it feels like a diamond in the rough.
  15. mortizauge
    Aug 30, 2019
    5
    Not what they said it would be, but still a somewhat entertaining experience.
  16. Tragicdante
    Aug 27, 2019
    5
    One of the best games I have ever played and amazing in VR. Just beautiful and the sense of exploration is tremendous
  17. W0lf_0f_Snyd3r
    Jul 14, 2019
    7
    A lot of potential, but just extremely boring due to the immense amount of info coming in: these minerals, these Flora, need this, need that, need this and that to make this which further, (when added with X) results in object A which you need to further purify mineral F. It's just tried too hard to be complicated. I'm still stuck on the first part of the game because it's boringA lot of potential, but just extremely boring due to the immense amount of info coming in: these minerals, these Flora, need this, need that, need this and that to make this which further, (when added with X) results in object A which you need to further purify mineral F. It's just tried too hard to be complicated. I'm still stuck on the first part of the game because it's boring collecting minerals and building lame gizmos. I just want to lightspeed travel and leave to other places.… Expand
  18. VahNabooty
    Apr 3, 2019
    7
    A very enjoyable space exploration game with wonderful design, and the game has come a long way from where it was when it released. Its still maybe not worth as much as it's being sold for, but its a lot of fun and I would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing journey.
  19. sloeginz
    Mar 20, 2019
    7
    Here to update my original review 2 years ago. After all these patches and improves, the game finally has more features and fun. But because it's an auto-gen universe, everything still looks repeated. The underwater ecosystem is same for all planet doesn't make any scene.

    ------ original ----- Really bad designed and finished. My feeling is the entire universe is not running without    Here to update my original review 2 years ago. After all these patches and improves, the game finally has more features and fun. But because it's an auto-gen universe, everything still looks repeated. The underwater ecosystem is same for all planet doesn't make any scene.

    ------ original -----
    Really bad designed and finished. My feeling is the entire universe is not running without the player. All the aliens, animals in this game are living aimlessly. Not ever two NPCs in game are connected to each other. Basically, it's a Minecraft-like space game without crafting, end dragon, modding and multi-playing, but with extra bugs. I would say it worth 8 score if it cost only $20.    … Expand
  20. Kurban909
    Feb 16, 2019
    6
    My experience with this game so far is phenomenal. The gripping from people who think there is not enough equipment slots, try exploring the planet more than just five way points. I have only been to five separate star systems and my exo-suit already has thirty slots. My Spaceship on the other hand only has nineteen but I am saving up for a ship that has twenty-eight. The graphics areMy experience with this game so far is phenomenal. The gripping from people who think there is not enough equipment slots, try exploring the planet more than just five way points. I have only been to five separate star systems and my exo-suit already has thirty slots. My Spaceship on the other hand only has nineteen but I am saving up for a ship that has twenty-eight. The graphics are about as good as your going to get for the scope of the game. The combat is secondary to the exploration so don't go into this game expecting COD style of combat. The resource system is ok given that you will be constantly using them if you take your sweet time exploring a planet (I usually take an hour or two). Since the ships and weapons come with upgrades already built in, you don't really have to worry about building upgrades right off the bat. If you do find upgrades that are better then what are currently on the weapon then just dismantle and craft the better ones, same thing with ships ect. The mix of planets, animals, different aliens make this game enjoyable but still feel like something is missing. For all these people who have been complaining about the game, they need to put more time in before reviewing. It's not fair to the developers and not fair to other gamers coming here for a n honest opinion.… Expand
  21. Danil_Shtangeev
    Jan 16, 2019
    7
    Awesome potential & cool visual style but gameplay at first look feels not so good as I expected. Waiting for updates.
  22. Espolosin
    Dec 20, 2018
    5
    Buenas ideas, mala ejecución.

    No Man´s Sky se podría resumir en muy pocas palabras, pero de muchas formas diferentes, con el paso del tiempo si bien el juego a mejorado muchísimo y se ha hecho realidad la idea original que nos vendieron a todos, el daño ya estaba hecho y no se va a olvidar nunca. Es un juego que no esta hecho para todo el mundo y nos lo vendieron como un AAA con un    Buenas ideas, mala ejecución.

    No Man´s Sky se podría resumir en muy pocas palabras, pero de muchas formas diferentes, con el paso del tiempo si bien el juego a mejorado muchísimo y se ha hecho realidad la idea original que nos vendieron a todos, el daño ya estaba hecho y no se va a olvidar nunca.

    Es un juego que no esta hecho para todo el mundo y nos lo vendieron como un AAA con un enfoque para que todo el mundo que le gusta lo que es el universo y la ciencia ficción se lo terminase comprando.

    Y no es para nada un juego que se adapte a todo tipo de persona, es un juego que con el tiempo se hace muy repetitivo, si bien es un juego de exploración y farmeo de materiales, abusa mucho de lo que es el farmeo de materiales, hasta llegar ha aburrir.

    El videojuego tal como esta a día de hoy lo puedes jugar hasta junto con 4 amigos al mismo tiempo, que es la forma ideal de jugar, si se tiene la idea de jugar solo no es nada recomendable, con amigos la experiencia se hace mas amena y disfrutable.

    En conclusión, un juego lleno de polémicas en su lanzamiento y con razón, que ha mejorado, pero nunca llegara a ser lo que por un principio nos hicieron pensar.    … Expand
  23. nicholassimon
    Nov 25, 2018
    7
    Playing it again with the Atlas Rises Update (Aug/Sep 2017) and there is actually a game now, much improved over the original and really much more enjoyable. If you are someone that likes free exploration then this is for you. If you were disappointed the first time, try it again, it is much better.
  24. DTanilG
    Nov 25, 2018
    5
    Хочу сказать, спасибо за игру! Спасибо за постоянные обновления и полностью переведённый на русский язык локализацию! Вы большие молодцы. Но, я жду обновление NMS 2.0, тогда вернусь на пару часов... Всего лишь на пару часов...
  25. FogCityRoller
    Oct 27, 2018
    7
    My original review is 2 years old and based off the disastrous release this game had. I am impressed by how steadfast Hello Games has stuck to a title that was so mercilessly critiqued as No Man's Sky. They have continued to improve the game, add substantial content that players actually wanted, and released it all for free. It's admirable in that respect. I have played it since then andMy original review is 2 years old and based off the disastrous release this game had. I am impressed by how steadfast Hello Games has stuck to a title that was so mercilessly critiqued as No Man's Sky. They have continued to improve the game, add substantial content that players actually wanted, and released it all for free. It's admirable in that respect. I have played it since then and found it vastly more enjoyable than the first iteration. I still think it has some of the same flaws centered around procedural generation, but I consider those realities of technological limitations rather than a failure on Hello Games' part.

    The lesson to be learned here is do not boast about a technology before realizing it's pitfalls. Procedural generation is not an engine for creativity.    … Expand
  26. Rockadial
    Sep 12, 2018
    7
    The game is really fun, If you ever wondered what it was like to venture though space on your own striving to survive them you'll have fun.

    Lots of hate for no real reason at all.
  27. yitus
    Aug 22, 2018
    6
    Within the world of video games is the great misunderstood. Walk simulator, beautiful landscapes, history without history and a disconnected online are some of the positive points of this game, for the rest, go to the real world and you will see that perhaps the game is more like reality than a game of fiction.
  28. ExShadowstriker
    Jul 11, 2018
    6
    No man's sky has had a rough journey, originally my review would have been negative, but with the tweaks and the patches, and more importantly a knowledge of what can be reasonably expected from it. NMS is a solid game, yes it can be grindy, and samey in areas of the galaxy but that's a part of procedurally generated worlds. Minecraft repeats biomes, but nobody complains that it is samey.No man's sky has had a rough journey, originally my review would have been negative, but with the tweaks and the patches, and more importantly a knowledge of what can be reasonably expected from it. NMS is a solid game, yes it can be grindy, and samey in areas of the galaxy but that's a part of procedurally generated worlds. Minecraft repeats biomes, but nobody complains that it is samey. You have to be realistic.

    Having said all that, the game does suffer with an inability to drive the player, to explore. This is because the bulk of the game revolves around collecting resources to explore to collect resources. NMS is a fantastic exploration game and for many, demonstrates what is might be like to live a life in the stars. My problems with this game are that once you have a base set up, what is there to do? There seems like so much could still be added and improved upon, for example you cannot roleplay as a pirate (which are in the game as they can attack you) and you cannot hate one of the factions as it isn't an option.

    No Man's sky is a fantastic simulation of galactic exploration, there is no denying that, but I don't think it is a hugely successful game.    … Expand
  29. GrandPachoZ
    Apr 24, 2018
    7
    No Man's Sky is not game for everybody, it is explore, it is journey, No Man's Sky is the universe in your hands and you explore it, the planets are beautiful and the sound excellent. We know that the game didn't sell the thing that the people want in the moment due the great hype behind the marketing but it isn't bad game, It is a explore game if you want spend time in a relax andNo Man's Sky is not game for everybody, it is explore, it is journey, No Man's Sky is the universe in your hands and you explore it, the planets are beautiful and the sound excellent. We know that the game didn't sell the thing that the people want in the moment due the great hype behind the marketing but it isn't bad game, It is a explore game if you want spend time in a relax and adventure journey in the space it is the game.… Expand
  30. JyroJyro
    Dec 22, 2017
    5
    No Man's Sky was a huge endeavour for Hello Games, and one that ultimately excels in certain aspects whilst falling drastically short in others. For a start, the graphics are lovely, with a preposterously vibrant colour palette and gorgeous layers of scenery. The gameplay is clunky however, with only the space-planet-space transition being impressive. When the game was originally releasedNo Man's Sky was a huge endeavour for Hello Games, and one that ultimately excels in certain aspects whilst falling drastically short in others. For a start, the graphics are lovely, with a preposterously vibrant colour palette and gorgeous layers of scenery. The gameplay is clunky however, with only the space-planet-space transition being impressive. When the game was originally released last year, it felt unfinished, empty and pointless (especially when it came to the lack of a real story/narrative). Whilst a number of minor problems have been fixed in the latest patch/update, we are still missing any sense of purpose. This might be acceptable for some, but in reality it's just an intergalactic version of Minecraft.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
2
#2 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 96 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 96
  3. Negative: 1 out of 96
  1. GameCritics
    May 8, 2020
    80
    While I’m sure developer Hello Games is still tweaking things and perhaps even creating more content for No Man’s Sky, the current state of affairs is a strong one. This galactic opus still offers an infinite amount of content for those who want to lose themselves among the stars, but now also contains a concrete throughline that will satisfy a wider array of players. It can be irritating at times, but it’s also full of stunning moments and the satisfaction of building a virtual life among the stars. Four years after launch, it’s finally a journey worth taking.
    Read full review
  2. BaziCenter
    Feb 10, 2017
    60
    The world of No Man's Sky is insanely vast and beautiful, but there’s nothing to do in it! There’s no goal, no destination, no ending, nothing!
    Read full review
  3. Easy Allies
    Dec 1, 2016
    60
    While No Man's Sky is engrossing for the first few hours, repetition starts to set in and the proceedings grow dull. The developers stated that they plan to add significant features such as base building which could dramatically change the game for the better. There's a promising foundation present, so it's possible to envision a more substantial game down the line. As it currently stands, though, our excitement to cross the universe faded sooner than we expected.
    Read full review
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