I've been hard pressed to find a space game quite like this one that captures the quiet, somber atmosphere of exploring the cosmos. It's sad and frightening, yet, at the same time, filled with a sense of endless excitement. Piecing together the grand narrative of this game and eventually completing it took a lot of work--but it never confused me. I felt like I was hot on the trail, gathering clues and leads that brought me to each corner of the galaxy multiple times.

Every planet is unique and memorable: from angler fish in pocket dimensions, to a disappearing moon, to a set of planets that trade sand via gravitational pulls, they manage to be mysterious yet instantly identifiable. Despite having to visit them so many times, I never grew tired of the unique challenges that each planet brought to the table; especially since you'll discover things about the planets hours into your playtime that you never realized before.

The score is perfectly inspiring yet melancholic too: there's a song that plays a bit before the 22 minute loop is up that truly feels like something you'd hear at the end of the universe. It's very reflective, not depressing nor exciting; just climactic.

I'm glad I was born at a time where I could have an experience like this one. I'll for sure be checking out the DLC next time it goes on sale