Overview

• The final frontier, full of possibilitiesThe galaxy is filled to the brim with things to do, discoveries and dangers. Procedurally generated, thousands of solar systems await. Many alien factions have each their territories, reputation criteria, trading habits and distinct style - being friends with some means being disliked by others. Locations are present in each planet and solar system, ranging from stations, to derelict ancient ships, abandoned labs and more. Be a paladin and free the galaxy from tyrants like the Zirax Empire, or just mind your business on a remote system, or again become a trader - the choices are endless.
• Engineering is hard, if you want it to be
Empyrion has many depth levels for all player needs. The basic survival and crafting systems are friendly enough, as they have many quality of life and automation features. For those in need for a deeper experience, there are systems such as custom circuit-building with logic ports, individual configuration of each machine behavior, control groups and advanced parts. It's not that complex to build a working space vessel or base - but it can become so if one wishes, while remaining accessible for those wanting a simpler gameplay.
• An extra coat of paint
I have rarely seen open-galaxy games with this scale and depth, having so relatively few problems. Empyrion is excellent at this with no game-breaking problems, generally a good polishing level. There are some minor and moderate inconveniences from time to time, however. If we want to make a direct comparison, No Man's Sky is much more broken than this game.
• Wait, this was just the tutorial? You joking, right?
The tutorial section of this game is probably the longest I have ever seen, lasting multiple hours at the very least. It does cover very well all the mechanics, from simple to the most advanced, making you ready to face what the Galaxy has to throw at you. It is exhaustive... but also exhausting. Still, you will definitely need it as figuring out certain things alone is pretty difficult.

• What is the life of one race, compared to the stretches of cosmic time?This title lacks heavily on endgame stages progression. Once you acquire the necessary technology to build a spacecraft, there won't really be any more real progression from there. Alien worlds and distant stations will offer great challenge, only to find the same items you could on the starting solar system. You will find yourself with a potent capital ship, only to soon realize there isn't anything to look forward to.
• Not entirely done yet
Despite a good polishing level, Empyrion does feel unfinished and rough in several occasions too. For instance, certain resources, crafting materials or items will not have any use, being placeholders part of something never implemented. NPCs found around do not talk most of the time, react, or even die at all in some cases. Hell, you can scrap people with your recycler tool and turn them into cash, really. There are many small things that make it partially feel like not everything was fully integrated as intended.
• Fool's Errands
The game does have a quest system, entirely optional, that unfortunately has trash rewards unless very early in game. Such quests can be a decent variation but in the end become a chore without a real point in being done at all. Definitely could be better.

Rating: Good

In-Depth Breakdown

Technical Breakdown

• Critical ProblemsNone.
• Optimization
Decent, the resource consumption is in line with expectations.
• Performance
Runs without issues in 1440p, 85hz
• Bugs
Some minor and moderate bugs at times
• Other Issues
None