Hardspace: Shipbreaker

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 4, 2022
    90
    There is a simplicity to the core gameplay of Hardspace: Shipbreaker. Movement and momentum add an element of skill to every action. The difficulty ramps over time but treats you well to ease you into the escalators. Combining the strategy of breaking the ship with the skill of positioning yourself in place to do so, Shipbreaker wraps it up well with a clever main story to maximize - well, reduction of debt. But most of all, it's calming and fun, set in a world that feels similar to the many wonderful other sci-fi stories that have captured us over the years. Hardspace: Shipbreaker nets you a unique opportunity to inhabit a small corner of those worlds a shift at a time, for a job well done. "Live, Laugh, Salvage."
  2. PlayStation Universe
    Sep 20, 2022
    85
    Hardspace: Shipbreaker is an expertly crafted work simulator. The methodical dismantling of the ships is very satisfying. It contains an addictive gameplay hook and an intriguing story that focuses on the exploitation of workers. It is a job well done indeed.
  3. PlayStation Country
    Nov 15, 2022
    80
    Hardspace Shipbuilder is a glorified recycling simulator with okay visuals, repetitive gameplay and a bleak setting but that doesn't stop it being our new go to chill out game. Its relaxing, compelling, satisfying and worryingly addictive.
  5. PLAY
    Oct 15, 2022
    80
    A sim-like approach leads to a great feeling of learned mastery. Repetition isn’t a problem until you get invested in the story, which takes a bit too long to play out. [Issue#20, p.89]
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  6. Press Start Australia
    Oct 11, 2022
    80
    Hardspace Shipbreaker is a sci-fi-inspired sim that puts you in the role of someone that spends their time working in low orbit pulling apart and salvaging old spaceships. And with all great sims, the premise is only a part of the appeal with the end result delivering pure low-orbit job immersion.
  7. Push Square
    Sep 19, 2022
    80
    A blue collar simulator-cum-puzzle game, where each ship feels like a mini-campaign, Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a truly unique and rewarding experience, if you have the time and patience to clock in and put in the work.
  8. Metro GameCentral
    Oct 11, 2022
    70
    A deep space shipbreaking simulator with a mellow feel and a satirical edge, that’s only let down by a gameplay loop that eventually gets a little too repetitive.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. IURCAS7
    Dec 16, 2022
    10
    Is good game to relax and spending nice time .I play more then 50hours and I liked...
  2. krelek1000
    Nov 1, 2022
    8
    Addicting, fun, and funny but some things become repetitive, or tools arent useful. along with a boring story. Your job is to "break ships"Addicting, fun, and funny but some things become repetitive, or tools arent useful. along with a boring story. Your job is to "break ships" up and earn money towards a "debt" your given by your employers. Overtime your debt becomes less and less and your tools/options expand as your gain levels.

    As you build up your levels, the ships become increasing harder or even require different tools to do the same job that was acceptable at a lower level. That said, I ignored those tools. Once I learned what ships required them, I wouldnt work on them. Dont worry, those tools are optional buys so you can wait until later to get them or focus on what you have to upgrade. I made do with 4 out of 6 options.

    As things got repetitive, I did like the break in the late game and wish there was more to it in game, something like a contest of whom is fastest to achieve it for multiplayer or something. Otherwise, its a one off that you can do on your own but doesnt feel like an achievement.

    The story is bland. Some will love it, others will hate it. I didnt mind it but wasnt compelled by it either. I would say the videos, visuals, and the voice acting being included in the title are a nice touch. Most games in this kind of genre give a bland start and set of objectives. I would like to see both options. Deep end good luck dive and the career that teaches you the ropes while giving you an option to opt out of the story. However, for that one activity that happens near the end, the story can be worth the time. Like I text before, sucks its a one time thing though...

    Recommend this title because you get to break ships up. Fun and addicting. Happy Ship Breaking.    … Full Review »
  3. UncleWillard
    Oct 5, 2022
    10
    I am addicted to this game. I've already fixed the ship and we bucked Lynx and got our debt reversed (I'm currently $60+ in the black), but II am addicted to this game. I've already fixed the ship and we bucked Lynx and got our debt reversed (I'm currently $60+ in the black), but I can't stop playing. I don't know what I will do when I hit the level max and max out all the equipment. Probably still keep tearing ships apart. I want this job in real life. Sign me up!… Full Review »
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