Dyson Sphere Program
- January 20, 2021
- Youthcat Studio
- 50h median play time
Get on Steam"Dyson Sphere Program" is a sci-fi simulation game where players must construct a Dyson sphere to harvest energy and resources to save their civilization from an impending threat known as the Dark Fog. Utilizing advanced technology provided by the CentreBrain, players must build and manage factories, gather resources, and expand their energy infrastructure while defending against the encroaching mechanical enemies. This update marks the beginning of a new and exciting challenge for players in the Dyson Sphere Program.
PC
Windows
Cloud
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Reviews
- gameplay3,256 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Dyson Sphere Program is characterized by its engaging and addictive mechanics, blending familiar elements from factory-building games like Factorio and Satisfactory with unique features such as interplanetary logistics and the construction of a Dyson Sphere. Players appreciate the smooth controls, stunning visuals, and the depth of gameplay, which offers a satisfying progression from simple beginnings to complex systems. However, some users note that the game can feel repetitive over time, and certain mechanics may lack clarity or polish, particularly in its early access state. Overall, the game provides a rich and immersive experience for fans of the genre, with significant potential for future updates and improvements.
“On default settings, the pressure isn't overwhelming, but you have to either patrol your occupied systems or invest in defenses to avoid being raided, and just that small amount of having to pay attention while exploring and exploiting the environment elevates the entire gameplay loop.”
“Dyson Sphere Program offers extensive gameplay depth and replayability at a reasonable price point.”
“Its scope and depth make it a standout in the genre, offering hours of engaging gameplay for those who enjoy a significant intellectual challenge.”
“There is so much missing quality of life, a lot of the main mechanics don't work properly, e.g. blueprints (not to mention you can't even blueprint sorters by themselves...?????) even though they've been in the game for years.”
“The gameplay becomes pretty repetitive after I spent 2 days walking at a pace slower than the snails next to me from no energy.”
“The gameplay is boringly over complicated.”
- graphics3,096 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of Dyson Sphere Program have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and immersive design, often described as a significant improvement over similar games like Factorio. Players appreciate the vibrant, detailed environments and the unique aesthetic that enhances the overall gameplay experience, with many noting the breathtaking views of celestial bodies and the intricate animations of factory operations. While some users mention minor graphical issues and performance demands, the overall consensus is that the game's graphics contribute greatly to its appeal and enjoyment.
“Breathtaking visuals, especially when I built my first Dyson sphere.”
“The graphics are bright, detailed enough, and enjoyable.”
“The visuals are stunning, and the Dyson sphere design allows you to feel like a demigod, encasing stars in colorful shells of your own design.”
“But I try going back into it since the dark fog updates hit, and I just can't: the game has no respect for my graphics card and I can't get above 20 fps no matter what I do (including mods and lowering resolution), despite my card being well above minimum spec.”
“I shouldn't have even had to mod the game to get 'disable shadows' as a graphics option, but when even disabling everything the game still can't manage even 30 fps early-game before I've even built anything?”
“The aesthetic of the art style is of the 'generic sterile' variety - everything feels like it came out straight out of a mediocre art student's portfolio for a generic 'future' vision.”
- optimization1,036 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players praising its performance on lower-end systems and its ability to handle large-scale operations smoothly. However, some users report significant performance issues in the late game, particularly when managing extensive factory setups or dyson spheres, indicating a need for further optimization. Overall, while the game is well-optimized for early and mid-game play, late-game performance can suffer, suggesting that ongoing updates and improvements are necessary.
“Highly optimized, great showing from this developer, who is continuously adding and tweaking.”
“Don't get me started on how well this game is optimized, even with hundreds of thousands of factories and logistics there is somehow still capacity for the game to calculate the AI that will attack you (optional) based on how much you grow and the items you produce.”
“The optimization of the game is very well done.”
“The game is extremely unoptimized for late/endgame.”
“I can't in good faith recommend a game with such incredibly poor optimization.”
“Performance is terrible late stage of game, even with 3090ti and amd beefy processor.”
- music1,000 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its relaxing and atmospheric qualities, effectively complementing the futuristic theme and enhancing the immersive experience. However, many players note that the soundtrack can become repetitive over extended play sessions, with calls for more variety and additional tracks to maintain engagement. Overall, while the music is well-received, there is a consensus that it could benefit from greater diversity to enrich the gaming experience.
“The soundtrack complements the futuristic theme and adds to the immersive experience.”
“The music is relaxing, the atmosphere is great, the graphics are beautiful, exploration is fantastic.”
“The soundtrack and vibe are both 100%.”
“The music is pretty awful though.”
“The music was distractingly bland, similar to Riftbreaker (is it the same music? It's too much either way).”
“They had the opportunity to have different songs for different biomes (different planets) and while there is a light diversity it's mostly 90% the same song playing all the time.”
- grinding640 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting it can be excessively tedious, particularly in the early and late stages. While some appreciate the depth and complexity of resource management and factory building, others find the repetitive tasks and lack of quality-of-life features frustrating. Overall, players suggest that while the game can be rewarding, it often requires a significant time investment, leading to the sentiment that "you'll need a second life for grinding."
“This goal, though massive, is nibbled at slowly bit by bit, with resource and research challenges. Resource gathering isn't too grindy because you get auto miners from the get-go.”
“It does a good job of making the 'work' of factory building fun, fast, and not too tedious - while still being a very detailed game with pleasingly complex builds and powerful drone-based supply lines that eventually reach out into the stars.”
“Combining a factory game with a space game was a genius idea. It's an absolutely amazing game; the game is always presenting more challenges but isn't too grindy, and most of the things that take time will do themselves in the background once you queue them.”
“Certain recipes seem to exist just to be tedious for the sake of tedium; research orders make no sense (why the heck do I get deuterium before high strength glass...???).”
“This game feels like Factorio, but everything has been revamped to be as painful and tedious as possible.”
“I could go into detail about everything, but it boils down to setting up your factory is slow and tedious.”
- story570 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story in Dyson Sphere Program is minimal and primarily serves as a backdrop for the gameplay, which focuses on resource gathering and factory building. While players embark on a mission to construct a Dyson Sphere and explore the cosmos, many reviews note that the narrative lacks depth and structure, often feeling like a basic tutorial rather than a compelling storyline. As the game is still in early access, there are hopes for future updates to enhance the narrative elements and provide more guided objectives.
“Dyson Sphere Program catapults players into an awe-inspiring journey across the cosmos, where they embark on a quest to harness the power of the stars and construct a magnificent Dyson Sphere.”
“This is kind of Three-Body's ideological opposite: while Three-Body is a story of holding fast in the face of a hostile universe, DSP is about fulfilling humanity's greatest dream, englobing and harnessing the full power of the stars.”
“The background of this game, scientifically speaking, is also incredibly realistic. Even if this is still sci-fi, it stays accurate: the research is based on real-life discoveries and theories, and they're adapted pretty well to be understandable and logical in the story.”
“It has no real traceable story, but that's about the only negative.”
“The storyline, if any, is extremely barebones and basically an advanced, fancy tutorial that contextualizes why you're bothering to make dyson spheres at all.”
“It's not a story game, but it does need a reason for the dyson sphere to be built and to keep the player pushing through the late game, and right now it doesn't have one.”
- stability362 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is highly praised, with many players reporting minimal bugs and glitches, especially for an early access title. Most users have experienced smooth performance, with no significant crashes or game-breaking issues, making it one of the more polished early access games available. However, a few minor glitches and occasional freezes have been noted, particularly during specific gameplay scenarios.
“For an early access game, it is bug free and has stable enough performance.”
“These devs are that rare breed we all dream our favorite games had; they have created a fully polished, bug free game that could easily be considered finished.”
“Despite early access status, the game is virtually bug free.”
“I went into this game with high expectations, but it is very buggy and annoying.”
“This game is the only thing that freezes consistently.”
“Conveyor belts are buggy... something you cannot have in a game like this.”
- replayability266 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its high replayability, attributed to its sandbox nature, procedural generation of worlds, and extensive customization options. Many players report enjoying multiple playthroughs, with some noting that the game can provide hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay. However, a few reviews express concerns about potential repetitiveness and a lack of significant end goals, suggesting that while the game is fun, it may benefit from additional challenges or content to enhance replay value further.
“Dyson Sphere Program offers extensive gameplay depth and replayability at a reasonable price point.”
“The game's breathtaking visuals, intriguing production chains, customization options, and replayability make it a captivating and enjoyable experience.”
“There is an insane amount to do, and the replayability of this game is through the roof.”
“I'm now done with my second playthrough and there is no more replayability; the game would be the same if I start a new one, but if there were mods, I'm sure there would be hundreds more hours to enjoy community-created content.”
“Also, there is zero replay value as in a new game everything is basically the same (starting planets and resources don't matter much in my opinion), but just slower because you have no upgrades, and there is zero value in exploring the universe any further as there is nothing more to do.”
“The biggest flaw in my opinion is that the game currently has no replay value since, except for randomly generated planets, you probably will always do the same style of factory building once you figured out the most efficient way to place things.”
- atmosphere176 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and relaxing qualities, enhanced by beautiful graphics, dynamic weather effects, and a soothing soundtrack. Players appreciate the ability to explore vast, procedurally generated planets while enjoying stunning sunrises and sunsets, which contribute to a sense of tranquility and wonder. Overall, the game's atmosphere sets it apart from other factory-building titles, creating a captivating experience that encourages exploration and creativity.
“The game has atmosphere: you can stand on a planet and watch the local star rise or fall beyond the horizon and the colors meld as you would expect.”
“The atmospheric music enhances the immersion, making every discovery and accomplishment feel monumental.”
“The atmosphere combined with the beautiful graphics and the soothing soundtrack create for a cozy gaming experience.”
“I tried to play it but the atmosphere seems kind of boring and the artistic direction is very plain/soulless.”
“Planets have no weather and the atmosphere is basically irrelevant.”
“It's like all the awesome things in Factorio went 3D and left the atmosphere.”
- humor160 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, primarily stemming from its hilariously poor English translations and quirky mechanics. Players find the awkward phrasing and comedic situations—like faceplanting into planets or the absurdity of the gameplay—entertaining, often leading to laughter and a lighthearted experience. While some users express frustration with the translation quality, many appreciate it as a charming aspect that adds to the game's overall enjoyment.
“It's like playing mad libs with the laws of physics, and the results are as mind-bending as they are hilarious.”
“Fantastic game - so much about this game just works from the mechanics, audio and graphics, to the hilarious statements that must come from some kind of lost in translation thing.”
“The most hilarious part is that they had the tutorial fully voiced, and the voice actor dutifully and with great earnestness reads the text exactly as is, mistakes and all.”
- emotional40 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game evokes strong emotional responses from players, with many describing it as deeply satisfying and wholesome, often leading to moments of genuine tears and joy. While some players find the interplanetary aspects lacking over time, the overall experience is characterized by a sense of heart and passion from the developers, making it a captivating and rewarding journey. Despite minor bugs and dialogue issues, the emotional impact and engaging gameplay resonate strongly with the community.
“An emotionally moving puzzle game.”
“I literally shed a tear the first time I lifted off from one planet and boosted my way to the next.”
“The style and gameplay ticked so many boxes for me; I became emotional.”
- monetization16 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is praised for being fair and player-friendly, with no microtransactions or cash grabs, setting it apart from many AAA titles that often employ predatory practices. Players appreciate the consistent updates and responsiveness from the developer, viewing the game as a prime example of effective game development without exploitative monetization schemes. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing alternative in a market saturated with monetization pitfalls.
“This is a prime example of how to do game development right, not like the majority of triple-A releases which are thrown onto the market bare-bones and with predatory monetization schemes.”
“You ever watch those mobile game ads that go from 0 to 100 with the progression, and you're just like, 'there is absolutely no way they have that much content'?”
“This is a prime example of how to do game development right, not like the majority of triple A releases which are thrown onto the market bare-bones and with predatory monetization schemes.”
“No microtransactions (god hopes this doesn't come later).”
