I guess you could say I’m an OG NMS player. I had preordered the game, as it was one of my most hyped games back in the day. Like most people who played on release, I was a bit confused and underwhelmed upon first booting up the game; it was nothing like the pre-release footage (I know, old news at this point). Even still, I clocked in around 50 hours, as I was able to find some enjoyment in its simplicity, and could see potential in it (and perhaps I hoped to discover more depth hidden somewhere).

After those initial 50 hours, I uninstalled and didn’t touch it again until the Pathfinder update. I messed around a little, liking the improvements, but ultimately moved on again after about 10 hours. It wasn’t until the Next update that I tried again, and this is where I really started to see some of that initial potential shining through.

All of this is to say, I am just now coming back to the game all these years later. It is absolutely astonishing how much this game has evolved. I started a new save, wanting to experience the game how we all wish it had launched, and I’m loving it. HG have added SO MUCH to this game, it’s honestly a bit overwhelming. Playing NMS today vs the launch version is one hell of a trip, let me tell you. The ability to make bases ANYWHERE you want, and the massive amount of base customization now compared to Foundation…the new planet types…the fact there are now actual deep oceans, and you can even build underwater…the improved cave systems…the look & feel of space, and the improved combat depth…the vehicles and mechs…the improved land combat and sentinels…the new fauna types…the expanded crafting…there is just SO. MUCH.

I honestly don’t even know the point of this post, other than to say this game always has had a special place in my heart, and playing it in its current form is one hell of a ride. This is one of those games I’ll probably never uninstall again. I can’t even put a finger on why I love this game so much…there’s just something…special about it. It gives me a inexplicable feeling when I play it. It’s like a warm mug of coffee on a Winter’s morning.

Thanks, Hello Games. You did right by us players. I can’t wait to see where you take NMS next.

Anyway, sorry for the long-winded post, and thanks for reading!