Everspace 2 is a visually stunning space shooter developed and published by ROCKFISH Games. The game is a sequel to the 2017 game Everspace and builds on the foundation of the original game, offering players an even more immersive and engaging experience. Everspace 2 had been available in early access on Steam for a while, gathering overwhelmingly positive reviews from players and critics alike, and has now launched into its 1.0 version. Time for a closer look.
One of the things that sets Everspace 2 apart from other space shooters is its emphasis on exploration. The game encourages players to take their time and explore the universe, with hidden treasures and secrets waiting to be discovered. The game’s universe is massive, with different sectors, each with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing players to create and upgrade their weapons and gear, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay.
The game’s storyline is engaging, with a well-written plot that keeps players invested in the game’s world. The game’s characters are well-developed, with their own backstories and motivations, making them feel like real people rather than one-dimensional archetypes. The game’s voice acting is also excellent, with talented voice actors bringing the characters to life.
The game’s user interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate the game’s menus and upgrade your ship and gear. The game’s tutorial is also well-designed, teaching players the basics of the game’s mechanics while also allowing them to experiment and learn at their own pace.
Another standout feature of Everspace 2 is its replayability. The game’s procedural generation ensures that each playthrough is unique, with different encounters, missions, and loot drops. The game also features different difficulty levels, allowing players to customize the game’s challenge to their liking. The game also offers a New Game+ mode, allowing players to continue their progress with their upgraded ship and gear.
The game’s combat is fast-paced and exciting, with players engaging in dogfights and taking down enemy ships with a variety of weapons and abilities. The game’s controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to dodge enemy fire and maneuver your ship through tight spaces. The game’s visuals are also top-notch, with stunning space environments and detailed ship designs. Everspace 2 impressed us the first moment we saw it when it was unveiled a few years ago, and still looks great in 2023.
However, while the game’s combat is fast-paced and exciting, it can feel a bit repetitive at times. The game’s enemies are varied, but some encounters can feel overly familiar, with the same types of enemies appearing repeatedly. The game’s mission structure can also feel a bit formulaic, with players tasked with completing similar objectives in each sector. This of course ties into the game’s rogue-like elements, where players must learn from their mistakes and adapt to survive, but we would’ve enjoyed a bit more variety at times.
Overall, Everspace 2 is a fantastic space shooter that offers players an immersive and engaging experience. The game’s stunning visuals, tight controls, and satisfying combat make it a joy to play, while its emphasis on exploration, crafting, and replayability ensure that players will keep coming back for more. While the game’s combat and mission structure can feel repetitive at times, the game’s strengths more than make up for these minor flaws. Everspace 2 is an excellent addition to the space shooter genre and a must-play for fans of the genre.
Score: 8.1/10
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