Star Citizen: A Cosmic Journey (Worth the Hype?)
Source: esport1.hu
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." – Lao Tzu. Well, Star Citizen's a journey into a virtual galaxy, and many are taking that first step.
What is Star Citizen?
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Source: nocookie.net
Star Citizen is a space game (kind of a really huge computer game), a massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), focused on a realistic future of space travel. Players can explore, fight, trade, and even own their ships! (Pretty awesome, huh?)
Gameplay Features
- Explore countless planets.
- Pilot amazing spacecraft.
- Engage in combat (you can be the space cowboy!).
- Trade with other players.
- Build your character. (Customize your avatar. Be whoever you want!)
Initial Thoughts and Reviews
Early in my time playing, the graphics are seriously good. They make you feel like you are really in space, almost. The space ship feels realistic. Lots of people enjoy it.
A friend, who's a really experienced gamer, told me, "It’s not quite finished yet, but it’s cool. I am hopeful, maybe too much so, that the end result will be worthwhile, though." (Many people like him agree.) Some of the older posts of people discussing this game show various negative feelings about gameplay bugs, but generally people are keen on the concept.
Comparing to Other Space Games
Other space games, you know, like Elite Dangerous, are amazing too! (I haven't played them all). The scale and realism feel different. Star Citizen's ambition is massive (and often seen by players in terms of ambition to catch up).
Table 1: Comparing Space Games
| Feature | Star Citizen | Elite Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Massive, open universe | Very Large Universe |
| Realism | Very detailed | Realistic enough (a little less) |
| Accessibility | Initially, harder to jump in | Potentially less, very high curve |
| Cost/Development | Long ongoing development | More stable development |
Challenges and Expectations
One of the BIGGEST problems is (this might surprise you), development has been incredibly long. A lot of planned updates don't end up happening for years, (if at all). Players feel disappointed sometimes (I do understand!). (But don't let the difficulties hold you back!) It's a massive project!
Questions to Ponder
- Will Star Citizen be a fantastic virtual galaxy in 5 years? (Many people have a hopeful viewpoint.)
- Will its features, when complete, match the advertised scale and features? (You'll probably agree it will match in a great number of respects.)
My Personal Journey
Playing Star Citizen for me is all about imagination and feeling, (like I'm in my own sci-fi movie). Building up a pilot identity is great (feeling the power behind the helm is powerful!) I'm excited by the vast possibilities.
What to Expect if You Give it a Try?
Source: redd.it
- A complex world waiting for your story to emerge
- Challenges with updates in their pace of arrival
Source: nocookie.net
My advice? Have patience, be part of it! (And you might just love it).
Other User Experiences
"The world-building is amazing!" (says a user, Maria)
"There are also problems! Crashes occur, some of the design decisions have had unexpected impacts!" (notes Mark, a more seasoned player.)
One person's comment stated: "Definitely better now than before," hinting that there was definite development throughout the months and it was still progressing towards being the desired end product
Another View
Other folks' comments show, that despite technical struggles, many appreciate the concept and the space exploration experience, a feeling of excitement from all directions
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether Star Citizen is for you hinges on personal tastes and patience. A very appealing proposition for its scale and detailed graphics! Will you accept it and try it out?
For me, (the potential) is huge
(Remember, gaming is fun. Do what you enjoy!.) Just be ready to accept this adventure's wild path.) It's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't give up on exploring space; don't miss out!
