Very nice game. not too long, about 5h playtime. played it together with friends through family share. so my playtime is short. if you like exploring and finding out for yourself, you will probably like it.

A game where the player is left to figure out how to operate a complex machine in a hostile environment is quite bold and appealing. Understanding the machine does brings a sense of satisfaction and fondness to it despite its issues which shows the design works as intended. Beyond the other game issues, this short game is definitely worth trying.

What is disappointing though is how short or not as rewarding despite the initial complexity. Learning how to even operate the thing is fun early on but actually operating and progressing through is really awkward specially with a controller or a SteamDeck although a keyboard and mouse setup may be intended. With either control style, the camera swivels made me motion sick so a fixed camera accessiblity option would be appreciated. Aside from the small switches and font sizes, the nobs which require mouse holds feel so bad with a small screen or resolution for tiny adjustments without a mouse sensitivity slider. I just wish there was a keybinding option for every or even just most interactions given some ship movements have keybinds. I know what I need to do but the controls are ruining my immersion.

Assuming one is at peace with the controls, the game does not much have much complexity outside of micromanaging fuel and energy to the point where taking damage is optional. The map randomization is good but that is pretty much it as following signals is the only decision. No strong route planning or resource management to add flavor or depth in movement. I am a bit torn though about the game mixing turn-based and realtime movement or timings as demand precision with imprecise controls where I can see it adding a little variety. While there are other phases and machines, it highlights the limits of the game's concept where it loses the joy of its trial-and-error discovery.

Again, all this is wrapped up in a short game so most of the issues don't stay for long. In retrospect, the developer of the game made a VR successor which might be the more appropriate control scheme. Still, I do want more of this and recommend it.