User Score
4.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5473 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Aug 14, 2016
    10
    Jeese there's some sad people in the world today, I don't know what to say to you.
    I think nms is a victim of the hype train, it stopped at your platform and you got on.
    The exploration is high in the game, new planets animals, places people etc. You have to grind materials to leave move from planet to planet or system to system, which is fine because it encourages new discoveries.
    Jeese there's some sad people in the world today, I don't know what to say to you.
    I think nms is a victim of the hype train, it stopped at your platform and you got on.
    The exploration is high in the game, new planets animals, places people etc.
    You have to grind materials to leave move from planet to planet or system to system,
    which is fine because it encourages new discoveries.
    The graphics are fine not the best not the worst, it has a particular art direction.
    Everyone complaining about bugs, most got fixed day 1 patch, let alone day 2.
    I don't understand what people wanted from this game or what they were expecting, space games weren't ever for everyone.I'm giving it a ten it deserves the critics review of a seven but it definitely doesn't deserve a 5.
    To everyone enjoying no mans sky, continue too. I will see you in the stars.
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  2. Sep 30, 2016
    10
    It's a real shame that so many people don't get the relaxing nature of NMS. The whole point is exploration and I love the randomness of the planets. Yes the crafting system is a little confused but not that much. Not much goes on on each planet but what were you expecting? Thriving cities each with it's own unique set of assets? Be reasonable: its a PS4 not a super computer. Yes theIt's a real shame that so many people don't get the relaxing nature of NMS. The whole point is exploration and I love the randomness of the planets. Yes the crafting system is a little confused but not that much. Not much goes on on each planet but what were you expecting? Thriving cities each with it's own unique set of assets? Be reasonable: its a PS4 not a super computer. Yes the game was hyped but everyone should be used to that by now.

    This is not the game for the COD generation as this requires patience and a little role play on behalf of the player. Its a pity that this game pushes so many boundaries yet it will be remembered for what it doesn't have rather than the imagination and freedom that it does have.
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  3. Aug 17, 2016
    10
    Don't listen to the negative reviews, the game is original, fresh and addictive if you like exploration and discovery... usual negative reviews comes from people that are so used to play the same formula for years... I can honestly say this is one of the best gaming experiences I've had in the last decade, cannot stop playing it.
  4. Aug 18, 2016
    10
    ACTUALLY a masterpiece. A very true life simulation. It doesn't hold your hand or make you feel like you are god, THANKFULLY. There is beauty and exploration and wisdom in it, that is as good or better than anything else ever made in the video game genre.
  5. Aug 11, 2016
    10
    I'm enjoying the game right now even if I think it's a little repetitive. But that's not a real problem, this game and the technology they created to construct such a universe, deserve much more than a hundred of zeros here, given by (non-players, opposite console fans, no-life people, extremists : choose the most accurate).

    I was not going to write a review here, and if I'll have to,
    I'm enjoying the game right now even if I think it's a little repetitive. But that's not a real problem, this game and the technology they created to construct such a universe, deserve much more than a hundred of zeros here, given by (non-players, opposite console fans, no-life people, extremists : choose the most accurate).

    I was not going to write a review here, and if I'll have to, I'll give the game a deserved 7. The game is so unfairly bashed... it's fun to explore, graphics are good enough, and you know what? On my very first planet, I got MOUNTAINS and CAVES to explore (yes, these things are said "non-existent" by the "0 to 5"-people).

    Give the game a chance, it is really atypical and very pleasant to travel.
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  6. Aug 12, 2016
    10
    I get the distinct impression that a huge amount of negative posts are from people who have clearly NOT PLAYED THE GAME!! There is far more to this game than simply mining for materials and upgrading things. Or some people just don't 'get' the game. It's not a space battle, FPS, all action fest. It's a very clever, deep and somewhat emotional game. How would you feel if you were theI get the distinct impression that a huge amount of negative posts are from people who have clearly NOT PLAYED THE GAME!! There is far more to this game than simply mining for materials and upgrading things. Or some people just don't 'get' the game. It's not a space battle, FPS, all action fest. It's a very clever, deep and somewhat emotional game. How would you feel if you were the only one of your race in the galaxy with the slightest 1 in a million chance of seeing anybody again?

    For those of you of a certain age, NMS is the glorious child of Captain Blood and Elite!! I've been playing for a couple of hours now and I've already discovered loads of new species and different flora and fauna and uploaded them to earn some units. I've learnt a tiny amount of an alien language. I've become a friend of a particular race of aliens which means I get info from them. I've built my hyperdrive and visited a new start system. I've bought and sold stuff on the intergalactic market, I visited a space station and I've just broken into a disused plant to steal some blueprints. I had to 'blow the bloody doors off' to get in which alerted the sentinels which meant I had to hide in a tunnel until they disappeared!!

    From what I've seen so far this game is simply amazing and looks fantastic (if you landed in the middle of the Sahara desert you'd think earth was pretty dull!!). Each planet I've visited has looked and felt completely different. Some have just been rocky with very few animals, where as some have had huge areas of plants and trees, with bizarre hopping creatures, massive caves to explore and loads and loads of materials to mine. For me I think this is going to be my next Elder Scrolls On-Line which I spent over 100 hours playing!

    I've given it 10 to hopefully boost the score because this game deserves it. No game should get a 10 as no game is perfect. So I'd probably have given it a 9 if there weren't so many morons about.
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  7. dpc
    Aug 12, 2016
    10
    No Man's Sky won't appeal to everyone. And I can absolutely understand those who find it boring or flat out dislike it. However, if you're like me and love all the nooks and crannies of games like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry and Fallout or Skyrim; if the idea of growing your character, finding tidbits of lore or just standing at a high vantage point and taking in spectacular views, then youNo Man's Sky won't appeal to everyone. And I can absolutely understand those who find it boring or flat out dislike it. However, if you're like me and love all the nooks and crannies of games like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry and Fallout or Skyrim; if the idea of growing your character, finding tidbits of lore or just standing at a high vantage point and taking in spectacular views, then you will like this game. It truly is about the journey and not the destination as some reviewers say. NMS had no chance of living up to the hype, but as for me, I can't stop playing and can't stop planning what I'll do next as soon as I pick up the controller again. Expand
  8. Aug 10, 2016
    10
    What a fun game this is. I have been playing for about 12 hours now and it's so addicting. Just bought a new ship that is so much faster and sleaker than the old original ship. Just got a Bow Caster so I am now holding my own against predators and sentinels. So much to do and the resource gathering is fun. I love how the game doesn't hold your hand and allows you that tremendousWhat a fun game this is. I have been playing for about 12 hours now and it's so addicting. Just bought a new ship that is so much faster and sleaker than the old original ship. Just got a Bow Caster so I am now holding my own against predators and sentinels. So much to do and the resource gathering is fun. I love how the game doesn't hold your hand and allows you that tremendous feeling of discovery and wonder. I am really looking forward to the future of this game. With freighters and base building on the way I can see NMS being a completely different game a year from now. Expand
  9. Aug 10, 2016
    10
    I really enjoy this game. it's thoughtful and contemplative and most certainly not for the ADHD folks out there who couldn't even sit through the movie "My Dinner With Andre."

    My life was going pretty good until I bought a used PT Cruiser. I mean I know how people look at them now, but a few years ago when they first came out I though they looked kind of cool. Well, I got caught up in
    I really enjoy this game. it's thoughtful and contemplative and most certainly not for the ADHD folks out there who couldn't even sit through the movie "My Dinner With Andre."

    My life was going pretty good until I bought a used PT Cruiser. I mean I know how people look at them now, but a few years ago when they first came out I though they looked kind of cool. Well, I got caught up in PT Cruiser fever and I bought a used purple one.

    It was OK for the first three months, but then there seemed to be some sort of cultural shift and PT Cruisers were now for losers. But I couldn't afford anything else and the trade-in value just plummeted. So, I had people pointing and laughing and I was embarrassed to pick up guys and girls for dates for fear they would hate my car. So I ending up staying home most of the time. And then I got depressed and I was in a really dark place.

    All because of that dam car!

    Anyway, enjoying the game.
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  10. Aug 11, 2016
    10
    This game is brimming with wonder and delight. It is both an unparalleled technical accomplishment and a noteworthy feat of human endeavour, given the very modest team behind its staggering scope. Aside from the tremendous craft involved, it provides a comprehensive realisation of the escapist fantasies of my childhood. It is a unique and special thing. I am glad it exists. I wouldThis game is brimming with wonder and delight. It is both an unparalleled technical accomplishment and a noteworthy feat of human endeavour, given the very modest team behind its staggering scope. Aside from the tremendous craft involved, it provides a comprehensive realisation of the escapist fantasies of my childhood. It is a unique and special thing. I am glad it exists. I would recommend it without hesitation. Expand
  11. Aug 10, 2016
    10
    Its not a 10 my vote is between 8 and 9 but its absurd to see so many zeroes. Metacritic should ban those accounts. Game is s lot of fun and gave me in my first day a lot of emotions that it was long time that i didn't feel in the game industry. Survival and exploration ftw. A must have for sci-fi lovers
  12. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    No man's sky creative a new perspective for the game world. Definitely, deserves to respect. There most voters not the play game yet. Also xbox fans are intense attack.
  13. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    Giving this game a bad rating because you expect something else is truly unfair to HG. The developer has delivered on everything they promised, and as someone who followed this game very closely for 3 years, it's exceeded my expectations thus far. This is a game more akin to Journey or Minecraft than it is to Battlefront or CoD. Don't expect INSTANT action at all times. This is a game forGiving this game a bad rating because you expect something else is truly unfair to HG. The developer has delivered on everything they promised, and as someone who followed this game very closely for 3 years, it's exceeded my expectations thus far. This is a game more akin to Journey or Minecraft than it is to Battlefront or CoD. Don't expect INSTANT action at all times. This is a game for people who appreciate nuances, and an ethereal experience that can be played for hours at a time. The game looks and feels amazing. People complaining about FOV, did you ever think that maybe it was done to simulate the feeling of wearing a mask/helmet? Either way, this game is everything they said it would be, and now that it's in my hands, I feel a sense of relief that it's everything I wanted it to be. Expand
  14. Aug 15, 2016
    10
    This game is a pioneer in gaming history. A game mechanic like this has never done before and it´s awesome fun to explore the endless space, if you´re into crafting, exploring and stuff like this. Anyway it´s a milestone in gaming. Worth buying!
  15. 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
  16. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    A marvel. A wonderful game with a beautiful look, I didn't want to go to sleep. This title, I think, will be engaging to gamers who enjoy exploring without much hand holding. It's a bold experiment, there aren't many devs making procedurally generated titles these days and with any luck Hello Games has shown the others what can be made with this technique.
  17. Aug 12, 2016
    10
    9/10 Amazing game (10 to balance trolls). Negative reviews were mostly just trolling or little teenagers or close minded people, ignorant of our latest understanding of the nature of reality and our universe.

    This game is basically a set of subroutines and laws that sprouts existence upon its observers as long as it is observed. Which sounds a lot like the universe we live in. NMK hints
    9/10 Amazing game (10 to balance trolls). Negative reviews were mostly just trolling or little teenagers or close minded people, ignorant of our latest understanding of the nature of reality and our universe.

    This game is basically a set of subroutines and laws that sprouts existence upon its observers as long as it is observed. Which sounds a lot like the universe we live in. NMK hints future of gaming/simulations with its procedural design. Also excellent visuals and fun space traveling.
    Its vast playground, might offer endless possibilities. Repetitiveness is inevitable in such a large worldmap although i am sure devs are going to increase variety in terms of point of interests/events etc. The game is out only for a couple of days and people started to claim they have seen everything... Your brain cannot even visualize 10 million beans while there are 10 million times more places to go.

    This game is a must buy for people that likes exploring and chilling out while enjoying scenery. Settlers will need to wait a bit more since the devs said construction will be available in later content patches.

    I do not recommend this game if you only like action and narrative focused games.

    (This game is not meant to be rushed.)
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  18. Aug 15, 2016
    10
    At first I was a little disappointed about the whole multiplayer thing. But after playing the game for over 30 hours so far I have yo sau, I love this game. It is not perfect, but nothing in life is. No Man's Sky is a one of a kind experience, in some ways itnis revolutionary and will change gaming forever. Thr procedurally generated universe is awe inspiring, with unlimited brautifulAt first I was a little disappointed about the whole multiplayer thing. But after playing the game for over 30 hours so far I have yo sau, I love this game. It is not perfect, but nothing in life is. No Man's Sky is a one of a kind experience, in some ways itnis revolutionary and will change gaming forever. Thr procedurally generated universe is awe inspiring, with unlimited brautiful worlds to discover. The plot isnnot the stromg point, but compared to Elite Dangerous, at least No Man's Sky has a plot!
    Sure the rlight controlls are a little bit awkward on PC, I wish there eas joystick support, but still, it is a good time. I wholeheartedly recommend this game. It had a few glitfhes but nothing that makes it unplayable for me. No doubt the devs will fix these things soon.
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  19. Jul 24, 2018
    10
    Beware of reviews from the old version of the game!!

    The game on launch 2 years ago was rocky, to say the least. It a put of people of people off from trying the game since. Which is a shame, as the subsequent updates added a lot to the game, and refined much of the gameplay. Now the 'NEXT' update has landed, the biggest one yet, it overhauls a lot of gameplay that people weren't
    Beware of reviews from the old version of the game!!

    The game on launch 2 years ago was rocky, to say the least. It a put of people of people off from trying the game since.

    Which is a shame, as the subsequent updates added a lot to the game, and refined much of the gameplay.

    Now the 'NEXT' update has landed, the biggest one yet, it overhauls a lot of gameplay that people weren't happy with, and adds a ton of new and awesome content.

    One of the best games I've played!
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  20. Aug 12, 2016
    10
    Love it and hate it. It's probably the hardest game I have ever played and persevered with. It's not about skill or bring fast with a controller it's about learning what works and what doesn't. Its about managing limited inventory space in sometimes very hostile environments. Yes there is a lot of repetition. The same buildings on every planet. The very limited interaction with the alienLove it and hate it. It's probably the hardest game I have ever played and persevered with. It's not about skill or bring fast with a controller it's about learning what works and what doesn't. Its about managing limited inventory space in sometimes very hostile environments. Yes there is a lot of repetition. The same buildings on every planet. The very limited interaction with the alien races who are never ever seen outside. However the environments are stunning and so immersive. It's down to me facing down the hazards of weather, atmosphere and wildlife. It's like a game version of The Martian and I am playing Mat Damon and I will get through this come hell or high water. Awesome game. Awesome. Expand
  21. 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
  22. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    Music, atmosphere, sense of accomplishment from exploring... this game is just such a masterpiece. It truly lives up to the hype. Talk about leaving reality and living in another universe. There are so many details, so many awesome things to discover... words can't do it justice. Play it.
  23. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    A beautiful, interactive universe that will be your game of the year if you purchase with the right expectations of what this game is. This is a game driven by your will to explore, discover, and build. Murray and Co. added a lot in the first update of the game, and will be adding quite a bit more in each new installment of update. Thus, there is a lot more content to come along with theA beautiful, interactive universe that will be your game of the year if you purchase with the right expectations of what this game is. This is a game driven by your will to explore, discover, and build. Murray and Co. added a lot in the first update of the game, and will be adding quite a bit more in each new installment of update. Thus, there is a lot more content to come along with the great stuff already in the game!

    There is A LOT more to do in this game that other people fail to realize or let on. It is almost mind-bending at how big the universe really is, and it is a real pleasure to explore it! That even goes without mentioning the space combat, and ground combat!

    If you're into a DIY exploration game that is world class, then buy it and never look back!
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  24. Aug 16, 2016
    10
    This is the most fun I have had playing a game in awhile. Whenever I sit down to play for a bit I always end up spending at least an hour or two more than I planned. The reviews that say everything is the same must not have played for very long before giving up. As you progress the planets are very different as you move to a new star system. It is a bit repetitive at times, but itThis is the most fun I have had playing a game in awhile. Whenever I sit down to play for a bit I always end up spending at least an hour or two more than I planned. The reviews that say everything is the same must not have played for very long before giving up. As you progress the planets are very different as you move to a new star system. It is a bit repetitive at times, but it never feels like a chore. The game lets you choose your path and speed. Explore for a bit, or progress along the story line. Stick with it a bit, explore, relax, and this game is very rewarding. Expand
  25. Aug 10, 2016
    10
    Before the releas, I've been quenching my thirst for general space awesomeness with SpaceEngine, and sometimes I just floated around the universe with a generic ship, landed on a planet and stayed there for hours, admiring the views and amazing terrains/oceans.
    Being able to do all that PLUS seeing gorgeous landscapes with life around it, both flora AND fauna, PLUS shooting stuff, PLUS
    Before the releas, I've been quenching my thirst for general space awesomeness with SpaceEngine, and sometimes I just floated around the universe with a generic ship, landed on a planet and stayed there for hours, admiring the views and amazing terrains/oceans.
    Being able to do all that PLUS seeing gorgeous landscapes with life around it, both flora AND fauna, PLUS shooting stuff, PLUS gathering resources, PLUS crafting/upgrading, PLUS caves, PLUS trading, PLUS cool ships, PLUS aliens, PLUS mystery lore... What else could I possibly want???
    I feel sorry for those who say it gets old fast. SpaceEngine have a lot less in terms of content and stuff to do, and I didn't get any tired of it at all after more than 2 years "playing". No Man's Sky can last a lifetime.
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  26. 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.
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  27. Aug 10, 2016
    10
    I actually think this game deserves an 8 out of 10 but because of the wild number of negative reviews based on unmitigated and unhinged expectations I am giving it a 10. This 10 is based on 6 hours of game-play and 2 planets explored. The game provides an incredible and eye opening sense of discovery and exploration. The fact that this game can get even better throughout the years is evenI actually think this game deserves an 8 out of 10 but because of the wild number of negative reviews based on unmitigated and unhinged expectations I am giving it a 10. This 10 is based on 6 hours of game-play and 2 planets explored. The game provides an incredible and eye opening sense of discovery and exploration. The fact that this game can get even better throughout the years is even more exciting. This game could develop into whatever the user wants it to be because of its algorithm and its overall breadth.
    As for now I am happy mining floating gold mountains to eventually trade that gold with an auto generated in game character to buy and even bigger spaceship so I can mine more gold to sell it to another auto generated in game character all while trying to micromanage my resources so I can survive when I do all of this.
    If you like someone to hold your hand and tell you what to do then this isn't your game. Gather some of your friends and go play destiny.
    I will update this as I keep exploring
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  28. Nov 11, 2016
    10
    Why all the hate this was the best game ive ever played this reminds me of the time i took a sledge hammer to my balls and that was great just like this game the best game ever i want you all to understand you need to look for the deeper meaning to this game for you to truly understand its amazing value.
  29. Aug 14, 2019
    10
    The development of this game is a story worth writing a novel about. It started out over hyped and under delivering, thanks to the games creator talking big but not having the time or people to back up many promises. But after years of the team not giving up we have No Man Sky 2019, which is not only a very different game to what was released in 2016, but its is one of the most original,The development of this game is a story worth writing a novel about. It started out over hyped and under delivering, thanks to the games creator talking big but not having the time or people to back up many promises. But after years of the team not giving up we have No Man Sky 2019, which is not only a very different game to what was released in 2016, but its is one of the most original, technically impressive and even industry leading games , this generation. There is almost infinite things to do in this game , and its great fun, but the fact you can do it all in VR is what elevates this game to a 10/10. Just like RE7 its a great game on its own , but when you are able to feel like you are in the world and the sense of immersion and atmosphere is that realistic, it elevates the whole experience. the only negative I could give the game today is that it is a bit Blurry on PSVR, ive seen many other games look much sharper on PSVR which makes me wonder in they are taking advantage of the PS4 Pro hardware yet.. Its not entirely fair to mark a game down for the hardware limitations with such new tech, though, so for me the game sits at 10/10 in 2019. Expand
  30. Aug 11, 2016
    10
    It's as simple as this: do you like the idea of spending lots of time exploring, by yourself, just for the sake of exploring? If the answer is yes, buy this game, STAT. If the answer is no, you're probably not going to enjoy it very much. Users (and many critics) are comparing it to their own hopes of what it could have been, but if you hold this game to exactly what the developers said itIt's as simple as this: do you like the idea of spending lots of time exploring, by yourself, just for the sake of exploring? If the answer is yes, buy this game, STAT. If the answer is no, you're probably not going to enjoy it very much. Users (and many critics) are comparing it to their own hopes of what it could have been, but if you hold this game to exactly what the developers said it would be, you see it for what it is: a masterpiece of procedural generation, and a strikingly beautiful indicator of where gaming may head in the future. 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.