User Score
4.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5473 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    I don't know what so many people were expecting from NMS, but the final product is exactly what Hello Games promised it would be. NMS is not so much a game as it is a journey and experience. And when it comes to offering a beautiful and memorable experience, NMS offers it in spades. Don't go into NMS expecting Dangerous Elite or Destiny, that is not what the game is, and if you do go inI don't know what so many people were expecting from NMS, but the final product is exactly what Hello Games promised it would be. NMS is not so much a game as it is a journey and experience. And when it comes to offering a beautiful and memorable experience, NMS offers it in spades. Don't go into NMS expecting Dangerous Elite or Destiny, that is not what the game is, and if you do go in with those expectations then you will be disappointed. If you want a game that you can relax with and spend your time exploring and seeing things that others may never lay eyes on, then NMS will be a perfect fit for your collection. Expand
  2. Aug 9, 2016
    3
    Rather poor, lazy and generic survival elements covered up by shallow and boring exploration. The game certainly is pretty when you're ignoring the various graphical bugs. But aside from gorgeous music and selectively gorgeous visuals, the game doesn't have much to offer.

    Your super limited inventory space (even after upgrades) makes exploration a chore that you simply can't partake in
    Rather poor, lazy and generic survival elements covered up by shallow and boring exploration. The game certainly is pretty when you're ignoring the various graphical bugs. But aside from gorgeous music and selectively gorgeous visuals, the game doesn't have much to offer.

    Your super limited inventory space (even after upgrades) makes exploration a chore that you simply can't partake in as you'll have almost no inventory space to spare when you factor in upgrades and resources for just maintaining your redundant hazard and life support meters. Your best hope while exploring is finding some super boring wildlife that simply runs away when you get near it, or looking at plants that look like slightly different than real world counterparts (trees, cacti etc.). Its also not very fun discovering planets, wildlife or plants when you have no one to show off too or share your 500th meaningless discovery with. Discovering things doesn't feel fun, isn't rewarding or worthwhile, so why bother exploring?

    What about survival elements? Well you have a health bar that refuses to empty (read: its impossible to die this game is so easy) and lazy, generic "Life support & Hazard suit" gauges that depletes based on planetary conditions. The way to refill the gauges is simply using the super common resources found all around you. So survival is a non-issue at all times, and death doesn't set you back at all. Where's the tension and fear of the unknown when you essentially know nothing will harm you, and even if something does harm you odds are it won't do much of anything? It all seems very tacked on, as if Hello Games realized that the bland exploration caused by proceduraly generated planets would be boring if they didn't tack on various gameplay elements. Problem is, those elements don't enhance the game, its just frustrating.

    Further adding to the list of faults is the combat. With poor aiming mechanics and lackluster enemy variety and design, there is no depth. On foot combat offer very little in the way of challenge or fun, and ship combat doesn't really change much at all. Fighting enemy starships is a tedious "blown one up blown em all up" affair, and outside of pirates occasionally trying to blow you out of the sky,you'll probably forget your ship even has guns attached to it.

    The trade and economy system are lackluster. Galaxies have different values for items, but with such limited space and no way of knowing what the next galaxy's trade rates are, keeping your selling items (indicating by green boxes) in-between trips is sort of impossible when you're always bleeding for inventory room. Trading with NPCs is sort of pointless as well, seeing as how they all behave the same way and you always get the feeling like you're paying or losing out on trades to get next to no benefit. Whenever you walk up to any trade ships you encounter, the flavor text for what the interaction is like may change, but your options are still “Trade for ship or stop talking to this person”. When you finally go into the trade screen, you may think to yourself that you're going to get to bargain, or offer your valuables in exchange for the trader's valuables that can be used to craft upgrades or something. But no, its a black and white “Buy at this one set price or don't bother talking to me”. The whole trading, buying and selling system has about as much depth and is about as interesting as NES RPGs like the original Final Fantasy.

    The sense of discovery is lost here. What you discover isn't interesting and never feels worth discovering. Alien life is boring and dull, and you can't share your discoveries with them or any of the other players. What good is it that I discovered this galaxy when all of maybe 10 NPCs inhabit it, and no other human player will likely ever get to witness it or use my discoveries to aid in their survival there? Exploration proves fruitless, as the randomized planets lack the setpieces and gorgeous handcrafted vistas that such brilliant exploration games like Abzu, Shadow of Colossus, Flower or Journey have provided in the past or present. Combat is dull, survival feels like I'm babysitting some constantly depleting bars rather than using my wits to outsmart the universe, and the economy system is about as generic and uninteresting as any other game's despite its shallow attempts at depth or intrigue.

    In short, if all you want from a game is pretty scenery and can handle the worst pop-up you've ever seen in a game as well as lifeless planets with no personality, than by all means pick this up, you can take some wonderful screenshots for your desktop. But if you're looking for absolutely any substance in your exploration or interactions with the universe, or hope to discover some truly breathtaking moments on par with the aforementioned exploration games, I recommend looking to the upcoming Abzu, or the August PS+ game Rebel Galaxy for your exploration or space trader/pirate needs.
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  3. Aug 9, 2016
    1
    No multiplayer.
    No mountains.
    No deep caves.
    No deep sea exploration.
    No forests.
    No customizable FOV.
    No challenge.
    No interesting NPC.
    No story.
    No ending.
  4. Aug 9, 2016
    1
    One point for trying. People have been very delusional when talking about this game. They put on some hype-glasses and falsely believed (even when evidence was presented):

    * 60 FPS on PS4 [Game is 30 FPS with frame drops] * No pop up [People giving this game a pass because of proc-gen] * Planet textures from space are unique [Nope, it is the same, people] * No loading [Space warp
    One point for trying. People have been very delusional when talking about this game. They put on some hype-glasses and falsely believed (even when evidence was presented):

    * 60 FPS on PS4 [Game is 30 FPS with frame drops]
    * No pop up [People giving this game a pass because of proc-gen]
    * Planet textures from space are unique [Nope, it is the same, people]
    * No loading [Space warp times are long and covers up loading]
    * Online multiplayer [Nope]
    * Grass doesn't rotate [Grass and shrubs rotate to face the player at all times]
    * Real physics [Blasting holes in rocks leaves parts floating]
    * Full of action akin to the four fast paced trailers [Nope, it's boring as heck]
    * Animal food chain [Nope, very simple behaviors]
    * Never ever see the same thing twice [Space stations all the same, and many variations of the same object]
    * Realtime day/night cycles [Nope]
    * Planets orbit their sun [Nope, fixed skybox]
    * and much, much more...

    It's not even a game, it's a tech demo. It's pretty much only one planet with variations that have been all figured out. Spend your money elsewhere.
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  5. Aug 9, 2016
    5
    The basic idea and premise is good, the mechanics are typical of a resource scavenging game. The UI is dull and clunky, the music is largely umipressive and forgetful. After a few hours you realize the whole gameplay is grinding to improve your gear to grind some more. and that gets repetitive very fast.

    Also very buggy. I had 2 crashes in the space of a 5 hour sitting.
  6. Aug 9, 2016
    9
    I think it is unfair for anyone to give the game a 0 or 1 because they think it is boring. This game was NEVER sold as anything more then an exploration game. All of those trailer NEVER showed anything besides exploring, naming, basic shooter combat, trading, and space combat. What were people expecting? The Devs never lied about anything (to my knowledge) that is missing. It is exactlyI think it is unfair for anyone to give the game a 0 or 1 because they think it is boring. This game was NEVER sold as anything more then an exploration game. All of those trailer NEVER showed anything besides exploring, naming, basic shooter combat, trading, and space combat. What were people expecting? The Devs never lied about anything (to my knowledge) that is missing. It is exactly what It looked like. You find cool trippy looking planets, befriend cool trippy looking creatures who you give trippy names, and you harvest trippy plants and minerals. Then there are also cool little word puzzles to solve to get you better gear to get closer to the center. I love this game. Meditative fun exploration and survival. If you are looking for grand space sim or a grand story look elsewhere, but even still the game does not deserve a 0. What is has it does well, a 0 would be a broken game. I can't give it a 10 based on the same logic, a 10 is a perfect game, and no one thing in this world is perfect, but No Man's Sky is damned close. Expand
  7. Aug 9, 2016
    3
    Im 14 hours in and I just don't care any more so bored. Floating copper, I can almost deal with but I have no idea of what the hell Im doing or the point. Not going waste hours to find the centre, you see one planet you seen them all. I will be selling it ASAP. Sorry I know the work Hello game put in but I like mine craft and I like games like x3tc but this is neither. the price tagIm 14 hours in and I just don't care any more so bored. Floating copper, I can almost deal with but I have no idea of what the hell Im doing or the point. Not going waste hours to find the centre, you see one planet you seen them all. I will be selling it ASAP. Sorry I know the work Hello game put in but I like mine craft and I like games like x3tc but this is neither. the price tag should be £20. Hello games announced day before launch further up dates. it essentially not finished. Expand
  8. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    This game has been on my watch-list for a long time and i have to say, it may not have lived up to its over-hype, but it did leave a lasting impact on me due to it's amazing soundtrack, art, and worlds. Thank you Hello Games for making this wonderful game. :^)
  9. Aug 9, 2016
    4
    Wow this is not even worth 20$,is basically farming materials forever and visiting dead ass planets with barely anything interesting to do. Most of the monster you find are just ugly and super random with deform bodies and there is no reason to revisit planets or to think in names for them since they are infinite and a random mess. If you are willing to waste money in this wait for it toWow this is not even worth 20$,is basically farming materials forever and visiting dead ass planets with barely anything interesting to do. Most of the monster you find are just ugly and super random with deform bodies and there is no reason to revisit planets or to think in names for them since they are infinite and a random mess. If you are willing to waste money in this wait for it to drop to 10$ or below on a steam/pstore sale, otherwise you will end up feeling like you got scammed for the absurd price they are asking for this space farmville simulator. Expand
  10. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    A unique and amazing experience. This game is for people who enjoy a great single player experience. It has both simple and refreshing graphics. I felt like Han Solo travelling around the universe. This game might blur the line between triple A and indie titles.
  11. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    Nice relaxing game. The chilled soundtrack and the feeling of being alone out there exploring space is enjoyable. A nice game to play when I feel like playing something different from time to time.
  12. Aug 9, 2016
    9
    I am only about seven hours in at the moment but I must say that I'm deeply entranced by this game. I'm used to playing games like Starbound and Minecraft. No Man's Sky is not those games, but I couldn't help but love it just the same. It has addicting progression and an atmosphere that is unrivaled due to the sheer scope its universe. It's not for everyone, but it does what it sets out toI am only about seven hours in at the moment but I must say that I'm deeply entranced by this game. I'm used to playing games like Starbound and Minecraft. No Man's Sky is not those games, but I couldn't help but love it just the same. It has addicting progression and an atmosphere that is unrivaled due to the sheer scope its universe. It's not for everyone, but it does what it sets out to accomplish very well. I look forward to new features and future updates Expand
  13. Aug 9, 2016
    0
    So boring. So damn boring. As soon as you leave the first planet you might as well stop playing because you've seen everything this "game" has to offer.
  14. Aug 9, 2016
    9
    I truly am amazed how stupid people's expectation are of this game. It seems like they expected some kind of realistic universe simulator. Instead of the survival exploration game with resource gathering & trading elements that it was told it would be.

    It's as if you told them, "I'm going to sell you this candy bar", and they expect that you throw in the candy factory as well. People
    I truly am amazed how stupid people's expectation are of this game. It seems like they expected some kind of realistic universe simulator. Instead of the survival exploration game with resource gathering & trading elements that it was told it would be.

    It's as if you told them, "I'm going to sell you this candy bar", and they expect that you throw in the candy factory as well.

    People are entitled to their own option. However silly they may seem to me. So I wouldn't rule out any of the negative reviews you will come across. The game is not without its flaws, and I would be lying if I said I didn't have a bias towards the game. Furthermore, this game type is not for everyone, which is what I believe causes such a wide range of the mix reviews that are out there.

    Some small annoyances the game have are:

    - the lack of changing your POV

    - the widescreen display shot that happens often which you have to wait for it to go away until you can start doing things again

    -the inability to change the controller scheme (seriously who presses R3 instead of L3 in order to sprint!?)

    -a few bugs that can take you a little out of the immersion

    Nevertheless even with those issues, which I hope they fix, the game is absolutely amazing. The ability to completely loose myself in this game as I run around finding many new points of interest, flying in or out of the atmosphere, finding new star systems to explore, and simply learning the language in order to understand the different NPC's they have in the game. The progression feels real as you unlock more slots to your suit, find new and better ships, and new multi-tools which make it easier to gather resources.

    I think if you are on the fence about NMS, and watching a gameplay videos of someone playing doesn't appeal to you, then this is just not your game. It doesn't make it a bad one, simply one tailor for a certain kind of person. Then again that is just one man's opinion.
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  15. Aug 9, 2016
    0
    Boring.

    Go to Planet "A." Find resources, get rocket fuel. Go find Planet "B." Oh but wait! You can name the planets if you're the first to find them! And it will only take 5 billion years to do it.

    Rinse and repeat.
  16. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    Fantastic sci-fi adventure of solitude, exploration and gradual scientific progression. It's exactly what Hello Games set it out to be: a game where you explore, by yourself, a vast cosmos littered with resources and treasure that are essential for survival and continuation. Think of it as a simulator for what it'd actually be like to be dropped on a planet in space, all alone and you needFantastic sci-fi adventure of solitude, exploration and gradual scientific progression. It's exactly what Hello Games set it out to be: a game where you explore, by yourself, a vast cosmos littered with resources and treasure that are essential for survival and continuation. Think of it as a simulator for what it'd actually be like to be dropped on a planet in space, all alone and you need to fend for yourself with the tools and resources you can find on 18 Quintillion planets . If that sounds like something you'd like then pick this up! Not for everyone but then again, no game is. This is one of pure survival and exploration and - while the first few hours seems more about managing resources (ect.) - like space, the further you continue, the more exciting, wondrous and interesting it becomes! +A Expand
  17. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    If you like the feeling of loneliness among the stars, the breathing of each different planet and the mystery of reaching every new star system, this is your game. Don't trust the negative reviews, probably written by those who never understood what is this game about, which its core is not action, neither the online, just an exploration game which allows you to jump into the stars toIf you like the feeling of loneliness among the stars, the breathing of each different planet and the mystery of reaching every new star system, this is your game. Don't trust the negative reviews, probably written by those who never understood what is this game about, which its core is not action, neither the online, just an exploration game which allows you to jump into the stars to discover the greatness of the huge universe in all its creation adn greatness. Hello Games and Sean Murray have done what they promised, this game is exactly what they said it would be, even much more that we, the ones who understood what they aimed to, could expect. Expand
  18. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    It´s a great game.It´s a good game because it get´s you into it´s universe and you can be playing lots of hours without realising it.
    It´s not for everybody it´s too slow but I recommend it.
  19. Aug 9, 2016
    8
    The start is confusing in terms of what to do and how to do it, but after a while it becomes extremely fun and adventurous wondering what lies on the next planet you can see silhouetted in the night sky of the currently planet sized planet your on. This game is a fun relax game which is a breath of fresh air with all the competitive games coming out (Over watch, Battlefield 1, Call ofThe start is confusing in terms of what to do and how to do it, but after a while it becomes extremely fun and adventurous wondering what lies on the next planet you can see silhouetted in the night sky of the currently planet sized planet your on. This game is a fun relax game which is a breath of fresh air with all the competitive games coming out (Over watch, Battlefield 1, Call of duty) coming out, this is a nice sit down after a long day and exploring space and it's mysteries. Expand
  20. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    Awesome game! Blows everything out there out of the water! Especially everything on the competing platform. Let's be honest here most of the 0 scores around here are from jealous people who can't get to play this pure awesomeness...
  21. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    This is exactly what I was hoping for. Space Opera science fiction is my favorite genre for movies and novels, yet I have never found a space flight game that could really pull me in. After only 6-8 hours with this game, I am happy to say I have found one for me. This game has a ton of depth, a very interesting universe to explore and decent combat mechanics. I was surprised that theThis is exactly what I was hoping for. Space Opera science fiction is my favorite genre for movies and novels, yet I have never found a space flight game that could really pull me in. After only 6-8 hours with this game, I am happy to say I have found one for me. This game has a ton of depth, a very interesting universe to explore and decent combat mechanics. I was surprised that the masses were as interested in this game as they were when it was announced, it seemed like a pretty niche game. I can't help but feel like a lot of the negative reviews are people who the game quite simply wasn't made for.

    If you are an action game junkie or someone that only ever plays AAA games, be wary, this is an independent game that got its scope blown up because of hype. It may not be your cup of tea. However, if exploring space and experiencing the scope of the universe while surviving in hostile environments and just enjoying the immersion of it all, sounds like your cup of tea, you should definitely pick it up.

    The game feels complete already as a unique hybrid of MMO space game with a survival game like Minecraft or Ark. But I can imagine with the base building and other features the developer has coming and the other additions, it will become a truly engrossing experience.

    I can already tell I will be putting an ungodly amount of time into this. See past the BS angry reviews by teenagers who want another COD or have unrealistic expectations of these independent developers and enjoy exploring the universe!
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  22. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    I'll get real about "no man's sky," he had from the beginning the proposal to be a niche game that was hyped and designed for a specific target audience (those who like astronomy and exploration) but the the inclusions were in the wave of the hype, usually they are cod fans, bf fans, gta fans, fifa fans ... now the game was released and pleased of the hype of this target audience, but theI'll get real about "no man's sky," he had from the beginning the proposal to be a niche game that was hyped and designed for a specific target audience (those who like astronomy and exploration) but the the inclusions were in the wave of the hype, usually they are cod fans, bf fans, gta fans, fifa fans ... now the game was released and pleased of the hype of this target audience, but the inclusions didn't understand the fact that no have any explosion or shooting or blood and they found a horrible game, consequently, the average "5,3". Expand
  23. Aug 9, 2016
    9
    RUS:Очень понравилась. Люблю данную тематику. Но 9/10 из-за не очень хорошей физики. А так очень понравилось!
    ENG:Loved it. I love this theme. But 9/10 because of not very good physics. And so very pleased!
  24. Aug 9, 2016
    8
    Please note that this game is definitely not for everybody. Gathering resources and managing various systems can get a little tedious. However, this game has a great art style and inspires a unique sense of wonder and discovery. If you like exploration games, especially if you like space exploration, and if you like adventure games like Minecraft, then you will probably like this game.Please note that this game is definitely not for everybody. Gathering resources and managing various systems can get a little tedious. However, this game has a great art style and inspires a unique sense of wonder and discovery. If you like exploration games, especially if you like space exploration, and if you like adventure games like Minecraft, then you will probably like this game. More than enough content to be worth $60. Expand
  25. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    The game is more than promised, I love the game, and I see myself spending at least about 100 hours of play ... which is pretty rare nowadays some game take both our time and having fun.
  26. Aug 9, 2016
    4
    A thoroughly mediocre game with lackluster objectives. No Man's Sky is the epitome of shallow, with all the beauty and lack of content that you'd expect from a AAA game. Too bad this isn't a AAA game considering they're asking $60 for this... I would not recommend to anyone.
  27. Aug 9, 2016
    9
    No Mans Sky is a universe sim heavily focused on exploration and discovery for gamers who want to unwind and not be forced into a linear story line. I've been following the development, the interviews, the hype, the delays, the videos and finally had the chance to play it for a few hours this morning. It's a beautiful game that's living up to what Sean Murray has said in his interviews.No Mans Sky is a universe sim heavily focused on exploration and discovery for gamers who want to unwind and not be forced into a linear story line. I've been following the development, the interviews, the hype, the delays, the videos and finally had the chance to play it for a few hours this morning. It's a beautiful game that's living up to what Sean Murray has said in his interviews. No, it isn't for everyone but not every game is or should be designed with that in mind. Hello Games has created the game I've been dreaming about for a long time and I'm very pleased with the results so far. Expand
  28. Aug 9, 2016
    9
    I have only been able to spend about a half hour playing this game, due to work, and adult responsibilities having to take priority. But I can already tell that I am going to spend a lot of time playing this game. I have high hopes for the exploration aspect of this game. I played Freelancer for what feels like years. Easily one of my all time Favorite games. If the trading, space combat,I have only been able to spend about a half hour playing this game, due to work, and adult responsibilities having to take priority. But I can already tell that I am going to spend a lot of time playing this game. I have high hopes for the exploration aspect of this game. I played Freelancer for what feels like years. Easily one of my all time Favorite games. If the trading, space combat, and exploration is anything close to Freelancer, (which is over 10 years ago and still no sequel) than I will be one happy explorer. Cannot wait to play it more. Expand
  29. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    El mejor juego de la historia, una obra maestra. con solo la idea que tenes que explorar 18 quintillones de planetas y ver a lo lejos dos y pensar en la cantidad que hay es impresionante. hay mucha gente que no le gusto pero no entiende nada sobre el juego, se pensaron que iba a ser un GTA espacial lo cual es todo lo controario. viva Hello Games
  30. Aug 9, 2016
    5
    The scale and idea of this game is incredible, i cant say the same about the actual gameplay though, i was so hyped and excited, but few hours later i realised how repetitive it is; Search for rescources repeat, repeat, repeat.The creatures are dull and act the same, thw traders do absolutely nothing at all. This game would be fun with friends. I fell for the hype for this game, i wasThe scale and idea of this game is incredible, i cant say the same about the actual gameplay though, i was so hyped and excited, but few hours later i realised how repetitive it is; Search for rescources repeat, repeat, repeat.The creatures are dull and act the same, thw traders do absolutely nothing at all. This game would be fun with friends. I fell for the hype for this game, i was dissapointed after 5/6 hours with it. Its repetitive, gets boring fast :( I wanted it to be worth the wait and hype so much, i wanted hellp games to make a revolutionary game but its not that :( id say its this years 'Destiny': Great idea and promisimg and exciting at first, but VERY boring after a few hours. So dissapointed with it. If you want to try this for yourself, wait for a price drop, it is not worth £45/$60 at all Expand
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 96 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 96
  2. Negative: 1 out of 96
  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.