EVERSPACE™ 2

Developer: ROCKFISH Games
Release: Apr 6th 2023
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
RPG
Simulation
Addictive
Beautiful
Customizable
Repetitive
Puzzles
EVERSPACE™ 2 Poster

" Fast-paced action RPG with stunning space exploration and deep ship crafting but repetitive puzzles "

EVERSPACE™ 2 Review

EVERSPACE™ 2 is a visually stunning and ambitious space action RPG that shifts from the original's roguelite style to a sprawling, open-world looter-shooter. Players engage in fast-paced six-degrees-of-freedom dogfights, exploring handcrafted star systems filled with diverse environments, puzzles, and side quests. The game offers deep ship customization across nine subclasses, with a loot system inspired by action RPGs, although some find the gear progression repetitive. Its story centers on Adam, a clone pilot navigating a lawless galaxy, with dialogue and characters that some find clichéd but others appreciate for their emotional moments.Gameplay is accessible yet complex, with smooth controls and varied combat styles. Visually and aurally, the game excels, boasting impressive lighting, detailed ship designs, and an immersive soundtrack. Performance is strong across platforms, supporting multiple control schemes. While lacking multiplayer, the game provides challenging endgame content and encourages exploration and build optimization.Some players miss the roguelite elements and find puzzles tedious or the story underwhelming.

Highlights

Players praise EVERSPACE™ 2 for its gorgeous graphics and immersive environments, ranging from lush planets to derelict space hulks. The fast-paced, satisfying combat mechanics with varied weaponry and ship types keep gameplay fresh. The deep customization and crafting systems allow meaningful ship upgrades. Exploration is rewarding, with numerous side quests and puzzles adding variety. The story, while not groundbreaking, provides enough intrigue to engage many players. The game's smooth controls and strong performance across devices, including Steam Deck, enhance enjoyment. Fans of space shooters and looter RPGs find it a compelling solo experience with a well-balanced blend of action and RPG elements.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the removal of roguelite elements from the original game, leading to less replay value. Many players find the puzzles repetitive and tedious, detracting from the overall fun. The story and characters are often seen as clichéd or dull, with some dialogue feeling stilted. The loot system, while frequent, can feel repetitive and lacks dramatic progression in mid-to-late game. Some find the ship flying and 3D flight mechanics nauseating or less realistic. Others mention UI limitations like poor loot sorting and weak trading mechanics. Multiplayer absence and occasional bugs, such as display issues on multi-monitor setups, are also noted.

Pros

  • Stunning and diverse handcrafted star systems enhance exploration and immersion.
  • Fast-paced, fluid six-degrees-of-freedom space combat feels rewarding and varied.
  • Deep ship customization with meaningful crafting and upgrade options.
  • Engaging side quests and puzzles break up combat and add variety.
  • Beautiful visuals with impressive lighting and detailed ship designs.
  • Strong performance and smooth controls on multiple platforms including Steam Deck.
  • Well-balanced mix of action, RPG, and looter shooter elements.

Cons

  • Removal of roguelite elements reduces replay value for original fans.
  • Puzzles often feel repetitive, tedious, and formulaic.
  • Story and characters rely on sci-fi clichés and lack depth.
  • Loot progression can become monotonous in mid-to-late game.
  • Flight mechanics sometimes cause nausea or feel less realistic.
  • UI lacks advanced loot sorting and trading features.
  • Absence of multiplayer or co-op disappoints some players.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

EVERSPACE 2 is a fast-paced single-player spaceship shooter with exploration in space and on planets, tons of loot, RPG elements, mining, and crafting. Experience an exciting sci-fi story set in a vivid, handcrafted open world full of secrets, puzzles, and perils.

Release Date Apr 6th 2023
Publisher ROCKFISH Games
Developer ROCKFISH Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (6,561)
89% Positive 11% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
81