In this vast, procedurally generated galaxy, players have a blank canvas, free to craft their own narrative. They may opt to vanquish an ancient evil that destroyed their home planet, unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, or eschew heroism altogether in favor of a peaceful, intergalactic venture. The game’s sandbox design allows for unparalleled creativity, as players can build, farm, collect rare creatures, or delve into treacherous dungeons in pursuit of exotic treasures. With unprecedented modding capabilities and a plethora of customizable items, Starbound invites players to shape the universe, adding their own twists and flavours to the game. A rich narrative campaign awaits, replete with memorable characters, challenging bosses, and engaging quests. Journey through a starship, expanding and customizing its capabilities as you explore the galaxy. Colonize uncharted planets, nurturing tenant relationships and potentially recruiting loyal crew members. With three challenging game modes, including casual, survival, and hardcore options, each playthrough offers a distinct experience. Ultimately, Starbound’s open-ended design and expansive content make it a boundless adventure, limited only by the player’s imagination.
Should I play Starbound in 2024?
The good
Starbound captivates players with its expansive universe, allowing you to explore countless planets, gather resources, and build to your heart’s content. The 2D sidescroller format ensures it can run smoothly on even older machines, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Starbound’s music is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, providing an immersive and dynamic soundtrack that adjusts according to the situation.
The game’s modding community is one of its most significant assets. With built-in modding support and a plethora of available mods, including the comprehensive Frackin’ Universe mod, the gameplay experience can be endlessly customized. Players also cherish the unique, charming aspects like diverse playable races, each with their own flavor and ship design, as well as the delightful interactions with NPCs.
The bad
Despite its strengths, Starbound has faced criticism for its development history. The developers, Chucklefish, have been accused of abandoning the game and removing promised features. Some players feel the final product is a slimmed-down version of what was initially promised, with certain features feeling half-baked or watered down. There have also been allegations about Chucklefish’s poor business practices during the game’s development, which have left a sour taste for some backers and early supporters.
Verdict
Should you still buy or play Starbound in 2024? Absolutely! 🌌 While the development history and some cut features might be seen as flaws, the overwhelming sentiment from the gaming community is positive. Starbound’s rich modding community and inherently charming gameplay keep it vibrant and engaging. Whether you are a newcomer or a returning player, you’ll find joy in this cosmic sandbox. So gear up, chart a course, and let the stars be your playground! 🚀
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In-game Screenshot
Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG
