EVE Online

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 20,662 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
EVE Online Game Cover
A compelling virtual world that stands the test of time with an incredible 15-year history.
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"EVE Online" is a free-to-play, massively multiplayer, sci-fi MMORPG set in an open world sandbox. Create your own unique space adventure by engaging in combat, exploration, industry, and more. With its renowned online space games community, players can choose their own path and interact in a vast, persistent universe. The game offers co-op and PvP options, allowing for a diverse and player-driven experience.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 20,662 reviews
story177 positive mentions
grinding534 negative mentions
  • story1,578 mentions

    The story aspect of "Eve Online" is largely player-driven, with many users expressing disappointment in the lack of a structured narrative or engaging quests. While the game offers a variety of missions, including combat and mining tasks, these are often described as repetitive and lacking depth, leading to a grindy experience. New players are encouraged to complete tutorial and career missions to understand the mechanics, but many find the missions uninspired and the overall storytelling weak, relying heavily on community interactions rather than a cohesive plot.

    • “Eve is a game where you create your own story in a vast universe filled with limitless possibilities, allowing for a unique experience for every player.”
    • “The storyline missions involving the Minmatar Republic are particularly engaging, allowing us to immerse ourselves in our people's quest for freedom.”
    • “The game offers a completely player-driven economy, the largest PvP battles of any MMO by far, and a very enticing story that is shaped by the players themselves.”
    • “The mission system is sorely lacking and hasn't been updated properly since release almost 2 decades ago.”
    • “The story for these missions was forgettable.”
    • “The quests are all linear starting out, and all quests are a variation of the same event.”
  • gameplay1,359 mentions

    Eve Online's gameplay is characterized by its immense complexity and depth, offering a unique blend of sandbox mechanics, player-driven narratives, and a robust economy. While the game provides a vast universe for exploration, combat, and trade, it also presents a steep learning curve that can be daunting for newcomers, often requiring significant time investment to master its intricate systems. Players appreciate the strategic elements and emergent gameplay but frequently criticize the repetitive nature of certain activities, the harshness of the player environment, and the impact of pay-to-win mechanics on overall enjoyment.

    • “The amount of freedom regarding gameplay is wonderful in this game.”
    • “This game was fun to start and there is a lot of depth and complexity to the gameplay loops.”
    • “Eve online's open-world PvP mechanics contribute to a harsh and unforgiving player environment.”
    • “The gameplay is boring, dry and you feel distant to your character.”
    • “The gameplay loop can feel monotonous and time-consuming, especially for players seeking more immediate action or excitement.”
    • “The game is very hostile to new players overall both mechanically and otherwise.”
  • graphics836 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate designs, particularly in ship aesthetics and space environments. Many players note that the graphics have significantly improved over the years, maintaining a high standard that rivals newer titles, although some mention that the user interface can feel outdated. While the visuals are often described as breathtaking, there are mixed opinions on their necessity given the game's heavy reliance on menu-based gameplay.

    • “The graphics are stunning, especially when exploring the diverse environments of space.”
    • “From the stunning vistas of distant galaxies to the intricate designs of ships and stations, the game's graphics never fail to impress.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, and the space gas clouds, star clusters, nebulas, and other spatial anomalies do a fantastic job of making the darkness of space seem well-lit, visible, and artistic.”
    • “Despite periodic updates, EVE Online's graphics and user interface (UI) remain outdated compared to modern MMO standards.”
    • “It's had a few graphics upgrades, but still many of the ship textures and space backgrounds are super pixelated.”
    • “The game looks dated - it is 20 years old, and the graphics and scenes are limited.”
  • grinding557 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the real-time skill training system that minimizes traditional grinding, others feel that the need to grind for in-game currency (ISK) to progress or replace lost ships leads to a frustrating experience, especially for new players. Overall, the game is characterized by a steep learning curve and a heavy reliance on grinding, which can be rewarding for dedicated players but overwhelming for those seeking a more casual experience.

    • “If you're not grinding, you're losing.”
    • “It's the only MMO where I've ever felt like I'm not grinding away at a thinly veiled slot machine.”
    • “Unlike other MMORPGs, skilling is based on real-time and not grinding, so all players advance as time goes on.”
    • “The grinding can be a bit tedious at times, though as training new skills happens in real time (if it says 2 days to complete, that is 48 hours in real life).”
    • “You will be devastated by losing a ship worth a week of grinding.”
    • “The game is grindy as hell and can be very difficult and time-consuming, but I am okay with that.”
  • monetization169 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a cash grab due to its high subscription fees and extensive microtransactions that impact gameplay. Players express frustration over the reliance on real money for progression and the perception that the game prioritizes profit over player experience, leading to a feeling of exploitation. Overall, the shift towards aggressive monetization tactics has soured the experience for long-time fans, who feel the game has strayed from its original vision.

    • “Eve Online operates on a subscription-based model with optional microtransactions for cosmetic items and in-game advantages.”
    • “While the game's business model has evolved over the years, there are still concerns about the impact of microtransactions on gameplay.”
    • “Moreover, the game's subscription model and microtransactions might be a turnoff for some players, but the subscription fee does ensure a consistent level of quality and support.”
    • “Unfortunately, Eve is going down the trash mobile game cash grab road with game economy manipulation designed to force you to spend cash to afford anything in the game beyond basic stuff.”
    • “The amount of microtransactions and cash grabs on an already expensive MMO have become too much.”
    • “This is an obvious cash grab to try to get people to buy their ISK from CCP by making it impossible to play without subscribing and buying currency.”
  • music167 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall experience of exploring space. Many players find the soundtrack soothing and beautiful, often creating playlists to enjoy outside of gameplay. However, some critiques mention that the music can become repetitive over time, leading players to seek additional audio sources for variety.

    • “The soundtrack and sound effects enhance the immersion, making space feel alive and dynamic.”
    • “Combined with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, EVE Online creates an immersive atmosphere that draws players into its world like few other games can.”
    • “The music, sound effects, and visual aesthetics create an immersive experience that enhances the sense of exploring a vast, uncharted universe.”
    • “The music is terrible and there is no background ship or battle noises.”
    • “Some of the worst music I've ever heard in a space game; after 2 hours of playing, I had to mute it.”
    • “The music in EVE passes the time well, but bring your own music because even good music gets boring after your 15th material haul.”
  • humor91 mentions

    The humor in the game is often derived from the absurdity of player interactions, such as the joy of ganking unsuspecting newbies or the comedic mishaps that occur during gameplay. Players find amusement in the game's challenges, the dramatic moments that unfold, and the community's shared experiences, often laughing at their own misfortunes and the seriousness with which others approach the game. Overall, the humor is a blend of dark comedy, irony, and the camaraderie that develops among players as they navigate the game's chaotic universe.

    • “Even low-end PvP with throwaway fits can be hilarious when you pop someone's uber expensive one.”
    • “The amount of drama that goes on in this game is hilarious!”
    • “It's hard to learn, impossible to master, and hilariously fun.”
  • atmosphere62 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and stunning visuals, complemented by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the experience of exploring a vast universe. Players appreciate the tranquil and chill vibe in high-security zones, while also noting the tension and excitement in more dangerous areas. However, some reviews mention that the complexity of the game can detract from the overall enjoyment, and there are concerns about the impact of monetization on the game's atmosphere.

    • “I began my journey as a humble industry player, and I was brought to tears as soon as I left the home station. The atmosphere, the music, and the unified universe of NPCs, AI, and humans flying all around you create a giant, immersive universe.”
    • “Combined with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, EVE Online creates an immersive atmosphere that draws players into its world like few other games can.”
    • “The graphics and overall atmosphere in this game are amazing, and CCP continues to update this game visually so that every time you log in and undock into space, you just stare in amazement at the beautiful wonder of space.”
    • “The missions are boring, the gameplay is boring, the atmosphere is boring, it's just all completely boring.”
    • “Eve Online has a toxic community, horrid atmosphere, go nowhere grind and even past all of that it's dated.”
    • “They try to pretend an open atmosphere but the reality is if you don't adapt to boomer speech and mentality you aren't welcome and an outsider.”
  • stability55 mentions

    The stability of the game is widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and connectivity issues that render it nearly unplayable. Many users express frustration over the developers' lack of effective support and the persistence of glitches, even after years of updates. Overall, the game's stability is deemed poor, leading to a strong recommendation against playing until significant fixes are implemented.

    • “Runs great on all three of my Linux boxes.”
    • “Game runs great even though my PC isn't that powerful.”
    • “Unplayable, has a sound bug that crashes & freezes Eve, even on a high-end PC. Nobody wants to play without sound; would not recommend until that's fixed, good game or not.”
    • “Horribly buggy experience and really cannot recommend anyone play the game in its current state.”
    • “The game starts, but it freezes on resource loader... unplayable.”
  • emotional43 mentions

    Eve Online elicits a wide range of emotional responses from players, ranging from intense joy and excitement to heartbreak and frustration. Many players find themselves deeply invested in the game's complex dynamics, experiencing both the thrill of exploration and the pain of loss, particularly in interactions with other players. However, the game's steep learning curve and the presence of toxic elements within the community can lead to feelings of confusion and disappointment, making it a challenging experience for those who become emotionally attached.

    • “As a lifelong appreciator of many good space games, it was so emotional to finally find the perfect space game, and in my opinion, Eve really is the perfect space game.”
    • “Feeling that journey firsthand, from a tiny mining ship to a massive mining barge filled with attack drones, reinforced shields, and armor, the journey of just a few months will be very emotional. You will experience a depth, an endless possibility of learning, exploration, and combat in an endless dimension.”
    • “So, here's to Eve Online, a universe of breathtaking vistas and heart-wrenching losses.”
  • optimization33 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its stunning graphics and moderate performance even on lower-end PCs, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and long loading times, particularly during large fleet battles. Many users express frustration over the game's outdated mechanics and the need for better single-thread performance, indicating that despite recent visual improvements, the overall optimization remains lacking. Overall, while some aspects are well-optimized, the game struggles with performance consistency, especially in high-demand scenarios.

    • “Truly wonderful, extremely well optimized, very friendly to new players, and a ton of fun if you like MMOs and space games.”
    • “Great soundtrack, amazing graphics, and the level of customization of the game settings sets the bar for optimized gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, it's well optimized that even a relatively low-end computer can play it, the ships are very uniquely designed and sleek, the weapon effects look very futuristic as it should, and the in-game economy is well designed.”
    • “Un-optimized dog shit, UI is a mess, constant stutter and crash for seemingly no reason, and the worst of all: if you disconnect, the game will just force itself to close... why???”
    • “Throughout the years, they rolled back the server performance and offloaded a ton of things onto the client, meaning things that used to take seconds (like loading into a new ship) now take 4-10 times longer.”
    • “It has far too much downtime waiting for things to happen, and the game itself is unoptimized despite being almost 2 decades old now.”
  • character development14 mentions

    Character development in the game offers a vast array of customization options, particularly in ship fittings and skill progression, which some players find overwhelming and tedious. While beginners may appreciate the depth and variety, the slow-paced and passive nature of character advancement can lead to a sense of stagnation. Overall, the experience is mixed, with some players enjoying the long-term progression and connections, while others feel it lacks excitement after initial character design.

    • “The level of depth and customization available for ship fittings, skill progression, and character development is simply unmatched.”
    • “This unique approach means that a player's skills continue to advance, providing a sense of persistence and depth to character development.”
    • “Many of the activities you can do in the game might be seen as 'boring' but if you find enjoyment through long-term character development and making meaningful connections with real people, then you will find out why this game can be so interesting.”
    • “When creating a character, be advised that the race and gender are not changeable after completing the character design.”
    • “Character development is passive.”
    • “I got the sense that promotion, character development, etc. is by design a perpetual, bottomless pit and not really forward moving.”
  • replayability12 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find it infinitely replayable and engaging due to its depth and team dynamics, others feel it lacks replay value, citing a lack of a definitive stopping point and diminishing returns after significant investment.

    • “That's a testament to the depth, longevity, and replayability of this game.”
    • “Still requires coordination and team play for maximum growth, and does not disappoint with endless replayability.”
    • “🔲 infinitely replayable”
    • “It's a fun time, and there is no replay value because the game does not have a set stopping point.”
    • “I dumped around 2000 dollars in this game and now realize it has no replay value.”
    • “Moderate replay value.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

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Play time

64hMedian play time
579hAverage play time
10-527hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 192 analyzed playthroughs

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