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. squallstar
    Aug 11, 2016
    9
    What a breath of fresh air! I really loved every single minute playing No Man's Sky, and I'm probably not going to stop for the next months (till Skyrim remastered is out, lol)
  2. Mayzeedee
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    Seriously enjoying this game. I can't wait to see what other random planets have in store in terms of wildlife and flora! The exploration factor was always advertised as being a massive part of the game, and it had me completely sold. It kinda feels like I'm exploring part of the universe from my own bedroom. Great times !
  3. trurl
    Aug 11, 2016
    2
    After 2-3 hours you have seen all the planet forms and creature designs. They vary a bit but the pattern is very recognizable. So the fun of exploring stops there. The "gameplay" elements are repetitively and get boring fast.
  4. Zefninja
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    Out of Solidarity to No Mans Sky... This gets a 10

    All the Haters clearly don't read whats right in front of their face. The game is purely an exploration focused title in an immensely large, procedurally generated universe.

    Everyone give this game a 10 so we can correct this ridiculous metacritic score
  5. gam3r22
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    This game is not for every one. Especially COD players or FPS shooter fans. It is a beautiful game and very different from anything that has ever been made. You need to try it for yourself and not let any negative reviews stop you from doing so. Everyone has their own opinion but you need to trust yours first, by trying it yourself. If this is hello games first game I can Imagine theThis game is not for every one. Especially COD players or FPS shooter fans. It is a beautiful game and very different from anything that has ever been made. You need to try it for yourself and not let any negative reviews stop you from doing so. Everyone has their own opinion but you need to trust yours first, by trying it yourself. If this is hello games first game I can Imagine the amazing things they will come up with as the company continues to get bigger. Thanks to sony for giving hello games a chance.

    With base building coming in the future, I think No mans sky will continue to get better.

    This game is amazing.    … Expand
  6. Bunwip
    Aug 11, 2016
    8
    So far I am unexpectedly loving this game. It's surreal, intimidating, beautiful, unsettling and a lot of other things too numerous to describe here. I know at some point I'll probably tire of the exploration but for now I am feeling like a true pioneer of the stars (about 8-10 hours in). That is a very cool feeling. I was always very skeptical of this game due to a) the ridiculous hypeSo far I am unexpectedly loving this game. It's surreal, intimidating, beautiful, unsettling and a lot of other things too numerous to describe here. I know at some point I'll probably tire of the exploration but for now I am feeling like a true pioneer of the stars (about 8-10 hours in). That is a very cool feeling. I was always very skeptical of this game due to a) the ridiculous hype surrounding it which, let's be fair the developer did nothing to play down and seemed to revel in it instead and b) that letter from Sean Murray to the reviewers on the day of release (have faith in the game man!!!!!), but as I said I am really enjoying this having never been or will be a fan boy of this game. If you've ever yearned to explore amongst the stars in a one man/woman ship then this may be the game for you. Also, the procedurally generated music (how I don't know!!!) is beautiful too.… Expand
  7. awolcz
    Aug 11, 2016
    3
    First, I was really excited about the game. It was really fun for first couple of hours, but then it get really repetitive. You are basically doing same routine on every planet. Discovering same outposts, with same aliens in it. Mining same resources just to warp to another solar system, where you go on similar planets, to discover same outposts and mine resources, to get to another solarFirst, I was really excited about the game. It was really fun for first couple of hours, but then it get really repetitive. You are basically doing same routine on every planet. Discovering same outposts, with same aliens in it. Mining same resources just to warp to another solar system, where you go on similar planets, to discover same outposts and mine resources, to get to another solar system... Also, the diversity of planets is not what I expected. First couple of planets were somehow different, but then I started to discover planets, which were just re-skinned versions of basic planet archetypes. Toxic planets, radioactive planets, ice planets? Only difference is logo above the shield and exosuit alert message. Behavior is all same - it just reduces protection level continuously. Every animal and every flower is almost same and acts the same. On planet 1, you get cow body with dog head, on planet 2 you get cow body with chicken head. On planet XY you get cow body with head XY etc. What is the point of discovery, when everything you can discover is just some randomly generated stuff with no logic in it? What is the meaning of discovering caves, when there is no secret at the bottom? From technical point of view, game is really good. I really enjoyed views on some planets. But as I said, it is fun for couple of times, but really boring after a while. This game totally lacks diversity and meaning.… Expand
  8. Peeto
    Aug 11, 2016
    9
    New drug for me. 9/10 If you like your way to explore universe, no hurry up, doing what you want, game can offer you quite deep experience. It is definitely not empty, there is so many tasks on each planet, but you need to discover it first, I does not want to spoil. You can upgrade so many things, also inventory will not be an issue very soon. Flying from one planet to another is theNew drug for me. 9/10 If you like your way to explore universe, no hurry up, doing what you want, game can offer you quite deep experience. It is definitely not empty, there is so many tasks on each planet, but you need to discover it first, I does not want to spoil. You can upgrade so many things, also inventory will not be an issue very soon. Flying from one planet to another is the best experience any space game can offer you/flying-landing is not difficult as elite, so everyone can enjoy it/. You can follow story/yes, it have some/, or ignore it anytime and save for better ship or whatever upgrade first etc. Every planer/solar system will create you your own exclusive story. I recommend try this game, before you judge it from negative reviews and judge by yourself. I am really enjoying it and can not wait to go back to this worlds. Game is good, as it is and we have promise of quite new significant updates for free for some time.… Expand
  9. meru
    Aug 11, 2016
    2
    No Man's Sky - the most beautiful screensaver ever. As much game content, though, as two lego pieces.
    It is a real nice (space) walking simulator that holds most players' attention for at least an hour.
    Brilliant decision by Sony to prevent pre-release reviews, as most gamers would have cancelled their order after seeing what they will buy. I expect this game to break records - in Steam    No Man's Sky - the most beautiful screensaver ever. As much game content, though, as two lego pieces.
    It is a real nice (space) walking simulator that holds most players' attention for at least an hour.
    Brilliant decision by Sony to prevent pre-release reviews, as most gamers would have cancelled their order after seeing what they will buy. I expect this game to break records - in Steam refunding numbers. :)    … Expand
  10. Demonik420
    Aug 11, 2016
    3
    I give this game some credit. For a game designer and lead programmer like myself, it's a fantastic demonstration of procedural generation. But its nothing more.. It's not a game, it's just a massive tech demo not really meant for game players. This should be a lesson to devs out there. It's fine to create a system like this to show off your mathematical prowess... But you need toI give this game some credit. For a game designer and lead programmer like myself, it's a fantastic demonstration of procedural generation. But its nothing more.. It's not a game, it's just a massive tech demo not really meant for game players. This should be a lesson to devs out there. It's fine to create a system like this to show off your mathematical prowess... But you need to take a page from games like Dwarf fortress. Just because your game is a technological marvel and a programming masterpiece doesn't excuse you from the actual GAMEPLAY side of development.

    This game was made to impress developers and show what could be done, but I can't recommend for any gamer who isn't in the game design industry to buy it, because the time wasn't taken to make the game an enjoyable experience for them.    … Expand
  11. bomb
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    Very unique and intriguing game. The amount of freedom you have in this game is incredible. After just a few hours of playing I know this game will be my new addiction.
  12. ToneLoc
    Aug 11, 2016
    1
    Nothing more than a chore to play, micro managing everything. I did not expect such a shallow game for the money, i never want to see another fat lizard alien holding an iPad ever again. I regret buying this game.
  13. mr_blonde75
    Aug 10, 2016
    9
    Game is amazing, pretty much exactly what I thought it was going to be.
    Everyone that is giving it anything lower than a 6 didn't manage their expectations, the game sets out exactly what it said it was going to do and it does it well.
    The only frustrating aspect is the constant inventory management and that gets better as you go.
    About 20 hours in and loving it.
  14. jacksonreynolds
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    Definitely worth it if its your cup of tea, the game is amazing for those who want to sit back and relax the survival elements are brilliant and i recommend it to people who love exploration games and are into sci fi
  15. jerubedo
    Aug 10, 2016
    0
    If I had to sum up everything in just one line it would be this: "You are thrown into an infinitely expansive and beautiful universe only to find yourself utterly alone, doomed to never sharing the vistas with anyone."

    A shorter one-liner would be: "A huge environment with very little content." Here's the breakdown: Pros: - An incomprehensibly large universe to explore.    If I had to sum up everything in just one line it would be this: "You are thrown into an infinitely expansive and beautiful universe only to find yourself utterly alone, doomed to never sharing the vistas with anyone."

    A shorter one-liner would be: "A huge environment with very little content."

    Here's the breakdown:

    Pros:
    - An incomprehensibly large universe to explore.
    -Beautiful sights on some planets and in space.
    -Ships are fun to fly.
    -Naming new discoveries is fun.

    Cons:
    -Resource gathering and jumping from planet to planet gets old after just a few hours.
    -The quest to get to the center of the galaxy feels like a chore.
    -Despite initial impressions, game-play is quite basic and shallow.
    -Survival elements are more annoying than they are engaging.
    -Many planets are very similar to one another with just different color schemes and textures - no doubt the result of procedural generation of content. The same can be said of the many creatures you encounter.
    -The loneliness in a game this huge is unbearable. Having some form of multiplayer such as PvP (dog fighting) or maybe multi-crewed ships and landing parties would go a long, long way to keeping interest.
    -There is no incentive to getting a better ship because when you do, you loose EVERYTHING from your old ship including warp fuel and cargo!
    -You are only allowed to have one ship.
    -I've encountered a few game breaking bugs including falling through the ground on two different planets.

    I was so pumped for this game and unfortunately I feel let down. I had boasted that this would be the game to beat this year and that I'd finally have something else to dump a ton of hours into outside of WoW. I think after a mere 9 hours of game-play, though, I'm done. Hopefully the devs can add more content and more things to do in the future. If/when that happens I'd be happy to re-evaluate and change my score!    … Expand
  16. Selford
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    Is a goog game, Exceptional Exploration Game, Is wonderfull, exploring the universe without limitation, know all the ships, all the plants, only of one planet, make my feel like explorator of the universe, is a simulator of exploration of the universe
  17. Kaniya
    Aug 10, 2016
    7
    It is pretty obvious that the hype around this game was all about the scale that it offers to players. and yes it does deliver the scale Hello games was talking about. Its varied, huge, endless and it gives you the feeling that you are actually travelling the endless space.

    However when it comes to gameplay aspect it pretty much lacks lots of things and it is mainly due to the fact that    It is pretty obvious that the hype around this game was all about the scale that it offers to players. and yes it does deliver the scale Hello games was talking about. Its varied, huge, endless and it gives you the feeling that you are actually travelling the endless space.

    However when it comes to gameplay aspect it pretty much lacks lots of things and it is mainly due to the fact that after a couple of hours the game feels pointless. You start as explorer, only quest you can officially squire is to find center of galaxy. other than that you are just another traveler. There are no other quests that you can obtain. The game is all about exploring planets, gathering material and upgrade yourself in outposts through the galaxy. This feels good for a while as you start to feel more powerful through your journey but in some point it comes to mind what is the point of becoming powerful when there are not any obstacles on the way ? such as small quests, boss battles and so on. Or even some story related quests. Atlas pass and star battles are interesting for a while but they become boring as there are not story and questing aspect in them. So it all comes down to a lonely pointless game! and the reason behind that is that 1. It is a single player but it doest set itself as survivor or an action game, its lost in between because from both of those genres it lacks relevant content! (e.g no quest, no building houses and so on) 2. second reason is that it seems it was not a good decision not to have multiplayer ! you cant complete with others, you cant explore with your friend, you cant do anything with your friend. Only because of this two reason it is easy to understand how much the game is missing in terms of gameplay content.

    just imagine if you could have build space outpost, houses on planet, meet your friends and so on. It would have been amazing. and I hope Hello Games think about updating game with this sort of content. NMS is such a gorgeous game, fantastic visuals, amazing variety and huge scale that is overwhelming at first. but shortly after you will realize its a small game.

    Finally, I believe that NO MAN SKY is a product of technology, a test engine that shows you what future games can hold and how big they can be in scale. other than this unfortunately NMS falls into category of a average game and it is shame to see this has happened to a game that holds an amazing potential in itself.    … Expand
  18. CritzGD
    Aug 10, 2016
    7
    This game in my opinion is truly amazing. Is it a system seller to end them all.... no not really. But it has to be said there is true potential and this game has opened a gate to a whole new WORLD of games. First bad things to get them out of my way. There are a lot of bugs for example I flew to an atlas anomaly with the what I call super speed and I went THROUGH it and my only way outThis game in my opinion is truly amazing. Is it a system seller to end them all.... no not really. But it has to be said there is true potential and this game has opened a gate to a whole new WORLD of games. First bad things to get them out of my way. There are a lot of bugs for example I flew to an atlas anomaly with the what I call super speed and I went THROUGH it and my only way out was to use it again which was difficult. My game has crashed about 5 times now. Basically the game is buggy and glitchy and it crashes a lot. Also I feel like you're doing the same thing over and over again find new planet, name new planet, find resources find bases sell resources etc. etc. Anyway bad stuff out the way. I don't know what it is, but even with the repetitive stuff I still find myself playing it It's like the game is addicting and I can't stop playing it's weird. Also there is A HUGE arsenal of ships, multi-tools etc. This game is truly amazing. The alien races have their own languages which you can learn overtime by finding monoliths or knowledge stones which can teach you a word each time. Also I don't exactly know why people are crapping on the FOV (field of view) it honestly is fine in my opinion. I can go on for hours about this game and the good and bad things about it for me it is slightly above average but it is not a system seller for the ps4, but i highly recommend this game.… Expand
  19. alexmotis
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    At some time or another, most of us have said that we wanted to be policemen, firemen, and/or astronauts when we grow up. If you leaned more towards the latter, if you've ever had a sense of wonder to what lies in the great beyond. If "To boldly go where no man has gone before" thumps in your heart, then this is the game for you. Having played 20+ hours since it's launch yesterday and manyAt some time or another, most of us have said that we wanted to be policemen, firemen, and/or astronauts when we grow up. If you leaned more towards the latter, if you've ever had a sense of wonder to what lies in the great beyond. If "To boldly go where no man has gone before" thumps in your heart, then this is the game for you. Having played 20+ hours since it's launch yesterday and many more to go, I can safely say that this is the game I've been waiting for all my life. Don't rush through it. Don't hurry to finish it (does it finish?). Take your time. Enjoy the enormity of it. There are other great games coming out soon, and I plan to enjoy most of them. I'll come back to this one from time to time, go farther and farther into the edges of the galaxy. But those other games are still some time away, so right now I'll upgrade my hyperdrive, think of a ridiculous name for the next winged hippo I see, and fly to the stars.… Expand
  20. mope84
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    I was worried about the bad user reviews but i think this game is really unique. i cant say yet if i play this game forever but the first few hours were a lot of fun and a great gaming experience. I cant stop exploring.
  21. SpiderJeruselam
    Aug 10, 2016
    8
    No Mans Sky is not for everyone but for those that it is, it is an awesome gaming experience. I am about 20 hours in and cant wait to continue my journey. If you liked subnautica you will love this game.
  22. LOcampos08
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    This game is pretty amazing congratulation sony, always myth in exclusive, im from brazil,the caixist (xbox one fans) They are disqualifying the game, help the game to take note +85, thanksThis game is pretty amazing congratulation sony, always myth in exclusive, im from brazil,the caixist (xbox one fans) They are disqualifying the game, help the game to take note +85, thanks hueheuhdhbsihbdijbsdibdhiabwhidbhisabuidbwauidbusiabuidbwuibadisabdbiwbdisabubwdibduisbauibduisbauidbusiabdiasbdibsauidbuasbdiuasbduiasbduiasbudibiusdbuisbdiuasbduibwuidbuisabuidbasiudbiuabduibduisbuidbduibduibduibuibduidbuibduibuibidubdbdidsbuidsbdsuibdsusdbdisbsibsdidbisdbiudsbdsuibdsui… Expand
  23. jdh5153
    Aug 10, 2016
    2
    Cool concept, but the gameplay is just one big grind. You mine resources to fuel various things which allow you to mine more resources allowing you to mine more stuff. Each planet is basically a new skin but the gameplay remains the same on each. You do the same thing over and over and over again with a different backdrop. It's cool for a few hours, but it gets old quickly. There's veryCool concept, but the gameplay is just one big grind. You mine resources to fuel various things which allow you to mine more resources allowing you to mine more stuff. Each planet is basically a new skin but the gameplay remains the same on each. You do the same thing over and over and over again with a different backdrop. It's cool for a few hours, but it gets old quickly. There's very little game in this game.… Expand
  24. TraceSkipper
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    I think this game will distress certain types of gamers. If you need action / Adrenalin type games this game will get on your nerves to no end.
    I never did like Minecraft and Terraria or Dont Starve which they are similar but for some reason this game stands way apart from those.
    This game is a amazing feat especially coming from a small indie team. The code for the procedural    I think this game will distress certain types of gamers. If you need action / Adrenalin type games this game will get on your nerves to no end.
    I never did like Minecraft and Terraria or Dont Starve which they are similar but for some reason this game stands way apart from those.
    This game is a amazing feat especially coming from a small indie team. The code for the procedural generation is a million lines and never been done at this level before.

    Its an exploration game at its heart. One that makes sense and one thats never ending.    … Expand
  25. SeriousGameFan
    Aug 10, 2016
    0
    I don't know what the hell Sean Murray is thinking. Did Hello Games even playtest this for more than a few hours? Murray is too caught up on his procedural universe as an accomplishment he forgot to design a game. When consumers have to ask the question "What do you do in this game?", you know you're in trouble. I won't even mention the misinformation vagueness that continues fromI don't know what the hell Sean Murray is thinking. Did Hello Games even playtest this for more than a few hours? Murray is too caught up on his procedural universe as an accomplishment he forgot to design a game. When consumers have to ask the question "What do you do in this game?", you know you're in trouble. I won't even mention the misinformation vagueness that continues from Murray.
    The game has no story, but there is a reason why Sony was harsh against early leaks and stream impressions from this game -- it was because they did not want the bad word-of-mouth to spread before the hype machine squeezed all the dollars from the suckers that buy this game at $60.

    The game is like an ocean a mile wide, but only an inch deep. Change your studio to Goodbye Games and pack it up.    … Expand
  26. Gamecriticpro
    Aug 10, 2016
    8
    The game is intended for a niche crowd, if you like chill space exploration games and don't mind some repeating elements, you'll like it. I suggest watching unbiased gameplay vids to solidify your opinion, these metacritic reviews are usually either trollw or fanboys, they don' paint the picture you're looking for.
  27. noquarter
    Aug 10, 2016
    3
    This feels like they built a world for a game but haven't built a game in it yet. There is nothing to do except wander through a repetitive landscape, and when you realize there is nothing to do you fly to another world with another repetitive landscape and nothing to do.
  28. ModdingerZ
    Aug 10, 2016
    0
    The fail of the year, the game is not about exploration is another survival craft game, and the multiplayer thing is completly useless.Too much marketing for a regular game.
  29. dam1730
    Aug 10, 2016
    3
    Many people have legitimized high review scores by discounting the low review scores that many others have given. A common rebuttal to negative commentary seems to be "Well, this is an exploration game, you obviously don't get it and Hello Games told you how it was going to be." That's not a valid rebuttal in the slightest. Exploration is about finding new things, and while each planet isMany people have legitimized high review scores by discounting the low review scores that many others have given. A common rebuttal to negative commentary seems to be "Well, this is an exploration game, you obviously don't get it and Hello Games told you how it was going to be." That's not a valid rebuttal in the slightest. Exploration is about finding new things, and while each planet is technically unique many of them feel extremely similar. Each planet is of a single biome. While Hello Games told us this would be the case, it doesn't excuse the fact that it makes planetary exploration fairly dull. While there are certain outposts placed on many planets for you to find (once you've seen one outpost, you've seen all of them). A level of diversity on the planets, mountains, rivers, deserts, etc. accompanied with varied wildlife for each of these biomes would give more reason to explore a larger amount of the planet. Currently, once you land on a planet you pretty much know how the rest of the planet looks like. Since everything you find is pretty similar, it's hard to even call this game an exploration game, and if it is it's most certainly a poor one.

    The combat mechanics of this game, both on land and in space, are absolutely abysmal. Framerates drop during combat, making aiming even more difficult than it already is. Space combat is boring, simply turning in circles and shooting at each other with each pass. The survival portion of this game serves mostly as a nuisance. With all of the resources that you need being incredibly common, there is no struggle to survive, which is not interesting at all. Since there is no struggle to survive, it's pretty difficult to call this a survival game, and if it is it is a poor one.

    Since No Man's Sky both of its genres poorly (exploration and survival) if at all, I question whether this is really a game at all right now. At the moment, this seems like a very elaborate procedural technology demonstration with very undeveloped gameplay elements. There is limitless area for you to fly around in, but there's really not a lot to find. Unfortunately the way people will view this game is a function of the hype surrounding it and it's AAA price. Without the hype and the $60 price tag, I think you'd see a lot of 6's or 7's for review scores, but when you build it up and you charge this much and fail, the fall hurts a lot worse. To me, I view this as being a bad product regardless of the price and hype. 3/10    … Expand
  30. Jhpontes
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    Honest Review. Games are different, this one I have nothing played before, I got bore after some hours but undecided to play again and discovery new secrets I even didn't know hat was there, this is a discovery game, it won't deep you with a lot emotion you have to search, is a new game concept , give a try , most games right now are in low score , because people expect too much of it ,Honest Review. Games are different, this one I have nothing played before, I got bore after some hours but undecided to play again and discovery new secrets I even didn't know hat was there, this is a discovery game, it won't deep you with a lot emotion you have to search, is a new game concept , give a try , most games right now are in low score , because people expect too much of it , and don't want explore the whole content just want everything at the same try, take your time , if you don't like it well you can't say you had a bad time for some hours, is a bet game could work or not , I am trying to enjoy it , because I have never seen a game like this before.… 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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