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EverSpace, developed by German studio Rockfish Games, throws players into the vast expanse of space with a roguelike twist on the classic space shooter genre. While the game boasts breathtaking visuals and streamlined controls, its repetitive gameplay and underdeveloped narrative ultimately hold it back from reaching its full potential.

EverSpace

A Visual Masterpiece

One of EverSpace’s undeniable strengths is its stunning visual presentation. The game captures the awe-inspiring beauty and mystery of space with a masterful use of color and lighting. From the icy blues of asteroid fields to the fiery reds of exploding ships, every scene is a visual feast. The developers have clearly paid attention to detail, creating a universe that feels both vast and vibrant. The interplay of light and shadow, coupled with the vibrant hues of nebulas and distant stars, creates a truly immersive experience. Even the destruction of ships is beautifully rendered, with explosions and debris adding to the chaotic beauty of space combat.

EverSpace

The careful use of color palettes further enhances the visual experience. The cold blues of ice fields contrast sharply with the warm oranges of desert-like asteroid clusters. Purple nebulae shroud derelict ships, creating an eerie and atmospheric backdrop. These contrasting colors add depth and visual interest to the various environments.

Streamlined Controls for Intuitive Combat

Unlike some of its more complex predecessors, EverSpace simplifies ship controls, making it accessible to a wider audience. The game leverages the mouse for aiming and firing, allowing for fluid and intuitive combat. Essential functions like boosting shields, repairing damage, and crafting new weapons are mapped to easily accessible keys, minimizing the need to navigate complex menus during intense battles. This streamlined approach allows players to focus on the action without being bogged down by cumbersome controls. Resource gathering is also automated; simply fly near floating debris or asteroids to collect materials.

EverSpace

A Repetitive Journey Through Space

Despite its strengths, EverSpace suffers from a repetitive gameplay loop. The roguelike structure, while promising in theory, doesn’t quite deliver the excitement and challenge typically associated with the genre. Players are confined to a series of interconnected nodes, presented as a lane-based map reminiscent of MOBA games. Each node offers similar encounters: navigating asteroid fields, scavenging derelict ships, and engaging in predictable skirmishes with pirates or the G&B corporation. While the backgrounds change, the core gameplay remains largely the same.

EverSpace

The narrative also falls short, offering a fragmented and underdeveloped story that fails to engage the player. The lack of meaningful interactions with factions, limited ship customization options, and the inability to explore planets or undertake diverse missions further contribute to the feeling of repetition and a lack of purpose. Death simply resets the cycle, sending players back to the upgrade screen with only currency and blueprints retained.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

EverSpace is a beautiful game with intuitive controls, but its repetitive gameplay and underdeveloped narrative ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the visual spectacle and streamlined combat are initially engaging, the lack of variety and depth quickly becomes apparent. The roguelike elements, while present, fail to inject the sense of progression and strategic decision-making typically associated with the genre. For players seeking a visually stunning space shooter with a more engaging and dynamic experience, EverSpace may ultimately leave them wanting more.

EverSpace

Technical Information, Minimum & Recommended System Requirements

• Developer: ROCKFISH Games
• Publisher: ROCKFISH Games
• Genre: Space Shooter, Roguelike
• Release Date: May 26, 2017
• Platform: PC

Minimum System Requirements:

• OS: 32/64-bit Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10
• CPU: Intel Core i5
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 770 / AMD Radeon R9 280X
• Storage: 8 GB

Recommended System Requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• CPU: Intel i7-6700K 4.0 GHz
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB
• Storage: 1 TB HDD