Give Me Basic [Early Pack] Game Cover

"Give Me Basic " is a budget-friendly game that offers a sandbox experience similar to "Astroneer." Players can explore, gather resources, and build structures in a procedurally generated world, but may find that the game lacks some of the realism and polish of its inspiration. The game's Early Pack edition includes access to early updates and additional content. Follow the installation instructions provided in the game's YouTube video to get started.

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 47,468 reviews
gameplay1,351 positive mentions
stability1,551 negative mentions
  • gameplay3,487 mentions

    The gameplay of Astroneer is characterized by its engaging mechanics centered around exploration, resource gathering, and base building, all set in a visually appealing, low-poly environment. Players appreciate the simplicity and intuitiveness of the controls, although some find the gameplay can become repetitive after a few hours, particularly due to the lack of significant challenges or objectives. While the game has received praise for its charming aesthetics and cooperative multiplayer experience, it also faces criticism for bugs, clunky vehicle mechanics, and a need for more content to sustain long-term interest.

    • “It's a great, relaxing space sandbox game with easy-to-pick-up mechanics that also allow for a lot of creative freedom in base building and terraforming planets.”
    • “The gameplay is really good, but the camera controls are clunky and not that good to say the least, but overall really good game highly recommend if you're new but expect to die sometimes.”
    • “The gameplay is engaging, the levels of progression make sense, and the exploration is engaging and can be challenging.”
    • “If you do not like repetitive gameplay, then you might not want to buy the game because in the start of the game it's very repetitive.”
    • “Most of the late game recipes and mechanics are pointless since they aren't needed in any way to finish the game, and spending the time to gather the materials to make them doesn't pay off and just adds to the frustration.”
    • “The gameplay loop is boring: find materials to craft oxygen poles to gather more materials to craft more objects.”
  • graphics3,301 mentions

    The graphics of Astroneer are widely praised for their charming low-poly art style and vibrant colors, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience. Many players appreciate the game's unique aesthetic, which combines a whimsical atmosphere with smooth animations and a relaxing soundtrack, making it enjoyable to explore the various planets. However, some users have noted performance issues and a lack of detailed graphics settings, which can hinder the experience on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, despite some technical limitations.

    • “The presentation is beautiful, both the visuals and audio - I love the sound design of the industrial machines, the soothing music, and the exodynamics aesthetic.”
    • “The game features a beautifully vibrant and colorful low-poly aesthetic that perfectly complements its whimsical and otherworldly setting.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, magnified by beautiful lighting and the soundtrack really added something to the whole.”
    • “God awful graphics and just boring as can be.”
    • “The graphics may well be simple, and that's okay, but a game has to justify that by having some substance elsewhere.”
    • “The graphics are cute, but the minor differences in planets do not really present much of a challenge over the starting planet.”
  • story1,965 mentions

    The story aspect of "Astroneer" has received mixed reviews from players. While some appreciate the game's open-world exploration and the freedom to create their own narrative, many express disappointment over the lack of a structured storyline or clear objectives. Recent updates have introduced missions that provide some guidance and context, but players still feel that the overarching narrative is minimal and often repetitive, with a desire for deeper lore and more engaging quests. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable for its mechanics and visuals, but it could benefit from a more compelling story to enhance the experience.

    • “The game is light on the storytelling elements, but with enough lore to give some context behind the world and some mystery to uncover.”
    • “The missions help to give direction so you're not overwhelmed, and the story is surprisingly engaging for a sandbox game.”
    • “The story is really cool and the aesthetic of all the planets and environments are extremely beautiful and pleasing.”
    • “For god knows what reason, however, they decided to remove it from the game and replace it with quests that tell you what to do but not how, and text.”
    • “I will say since there isn't really a story, the ending was just kind of meh, like when I finally beat it, it was just kind of like me shrugging my shoulders and saying well that happened.”
    • “The missions are fairly pointless, and nothing more than a checkbox, even the rewards are boring.”
  • stability1,621 mentions

    The stability of the game has been a significant point of contention among players, with many noting that it is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, particularly in multiplayer mode. While some players find the glitches amusing and part of the game's charm, others report game-breaking issues such as freezing, crashes, and vehicles disappearing. Overall, the game is seen as fun and engaging, but its stability issues detract from the experience, especially for those expecting a polished product.

    • “This game is exceptional and mostly bug free.”
    • “Has amazing graphics and runs great on most computers.”
    • “Amazing game, has a really good storyline and the gameplay is amazing, there are no glitches at all.”
    • “When I load the game, it freezes, so I have to Alt+F4.”
    • “Game has glitches like random sudden death in co-op, as well as anything with wheels just desyncing into the ground. Granted, it'll take you about 5-10 minutes to dig it up, but these bugs have gone unaddressed for 7 years and can be really tilting.”
    • “The game is fun, but it has game-breaking glitches that can ruin your experience.”
  • music1,125 mentions

    The music in the game has been widely praised for its calming and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall experience of exploration and creativity. Many players find the soundtrack to be nostalgic and soothing, often describing it as a perfect backdrop for gameplay that allows for relaxation and focus. While some reviewers noted that the music can become repetitive, the majority agree that it significantly contributes to the game's enchanting atmosphere and is a key element of its appeal.

    • “The presentation is beautiful, both the visuals and audio - I love the sound design of the industrial machines, the soothing music, and the exodynamics aesthetic.”
    • “The soundtrack complements the serene yet adventurous atmosphere, creating an immersive backdrop for your cosmic escapades.”
    • “The music and atmosphere make me relaxed while the exploration and building engage the brain.”
    • “The soundtrack is basically just ambiance, not really music.”
    • “The game's soundtrack also adds to the immersion and it creates a sense of wonder and adventure.”
    • “The music is simple and unobtrusive while not being missable.”
  • grinding918 mentions

    The reviews for "grinding" in the game highlight a mixed experience, with many players noting that while the game can be enjoyable and relaxing, it often becomes excessively grindy and tedious, especially in the late game. Players frequently mention the need for extensive resource gathering and crafting, which can feel repetitive and time-consuming, leading to frustration for some. However, those who enjoy grinding and resource management often find the gameplay rewarding, particularly when played with friends, as it can alleviate some of the tedium.

    • “This game is like if No Man's Sky was actually good, not grindy, and incredibly cute.”
    • “Fantastic chill exploration game, progression is cool and exciting, not too grindy since it takes small amounts of new resources to create new tools; environments and general aesthetic are awesome, co-op is fun.”
    • “The progression system isn't too grindy or complex.”
    • “Ultimately, I found this game very frustrating - exploration is dull, resource gathering and crafting is tedious, building is limited and the automation is half-baked.”
    • “There is so much grinding for so little that playing this started to feel like a day job.”
    • “The gameplay loop can feel sometimes a bit tedious when you have to rebuild your base on every planet but the progression system feels impactful enough that it gets easier the more time you play.”
  • optimization803 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While some players appreciate the improvements made over time, noting that it runs smoothly on higher-end systems, many others report significant performance issues, particularly in late-game scenarios and multiplayer modes, where frame rates can drop drastically. Overall, there is a consensus that while the game has potential, it still requires further optimization to enhance the experience, especially for those on lower-end hardware.

    • “While I encountered bugs sometimes, I'm amazed how technically well this game is made: procedural generation, convenient landscaping, seamless planet exploration and interplanetary travel, a huge amount of objects that don't impact performance and remain where you left them, oxygen/power/rail networks that can span to the planet core, vehicles movement, etc.”
    • “I've been playing this game since it came out and the amount of optimization made the game so much more enjoyable.”
    • “The game is well-optimized, has appealing visuals, and piles of things to do.”
    • “The only downside I would say is as you edit the world, your save slowly becomes more performance intensive.”
    • “The movement and UI in this game are very clearly designed and optimized for console and feel absolutely awful on PC.”
    • “The game has a lot of potential, but the performance issues after placing quite a few objects in the map make my saved game now have an astonishing 9fps.”
  • atmosphere513 mentions

    The atmosphere in this game is widely praised for its calming and immersive qualities, enhanced by beautiful graphics and a serene soundtrack. Players appreciate the unique environments of each planet, which contribute to a whimsical and inviting exploration experience. Overall, the game's aesthetic and sound design create a therapeutic atmosphere that encourages relaxation and creativity, making it a standout in the genre.

    • “Even when I'm just AFK for a while to wait for a certain resource to fill up a container, the atmosphere alone was calming and inviting to just take it all in, giving a sense of a breath of fresh air. No regrets going on a long 12-hour streamathon on this game alone.”
    • “The ever-changing skies and atmospheric lighting further enhance the immersive experience, making every moment in the game feel like a visual treat.”
    • “The atmosphere in this game is immaculate, and the gameplay loop is very addicting.”
    • “Very simple game, very cliché concept, very barren atmosphere, lacking content.”
    • “The atmosphere, sounds, exploration, base building and organization always lead me back to this game.”
    • “The atmosphere and music try so hard to make this game feel 3D, but it ends up falling flat.”
  • humor450 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its comedic elements, such as funny character animations, quirky physics, and amusing glitches that often lead to hilarious situations during gameplay. Many reviews emphasize that playing with friends enhances the experience, resulting in shared laughter over unexpected mishaps and silly interactions. Overall, the game is described as a lighthearted and entertaining adventure, perfect for those looking to enjoy a fun and relaxed gaming session.

    • “Congratulations to System Era for creating a wonderfully funny, creative, and logistically solid game.”
    • “In a world where every survival exploration game tries to reinvent the wheel, Astroneer stood out as a game where I can pop on, relax, and enjoy some calming and sometimes hilarious exploration and base-building.”
    • “Whether you're accidentally launching your buddy into orbit or suffocating because you forgot to bring oxygen, you'll be laughing so hard you'll wonder if you've been hit by a laughing gas meteorite.”
    • “So bad, it's actually funny.”
    • “Finally, the inventory system is definitely creative but not funny once your sandbox hoarding habit kicks in, and you realize that it's in vain since there is not much to work towards.”
    • “In need of someone saying, 'this review is not funny.'”
  • monetization314 mentions

    The monetization aspect of Astroneer has drawn significant criticism from players, primarily due to the introduction of cosmetic microtransactions after the game's initial release. While some players appreciate that these purchases do not affect gameplay, many view them as a cash grab, especially given the high prices and the presence of a virtual currency system that complicates transactions. Overall, the sentiment is mixed, with a notable portion of the community expressing disappointment over the shift towards monetization rather than focusing on meaningful content updates.

    • “There are in-game purchases offered, but those are only cosmetic.”
    • “Yes, there are microtransactions, but they are only for some wacky cosmetics.”
    • “The developers have continued to work on the game and to freely provide new content since the release, and have opted for voluntary in-game purchases of entirely cosmetic choices for the player character, which is fair enough.”
    • “The audacity to add microtransactions at all to this pile of rubbish shows where the priorities of the developers at System Era Softworks lie.”
    • “In-game purchases are one thing, but to make them impossible to earn for free in a paid game is a terrible look for the developers.”
    • “The addition of microtransactions, overpriced cosmetics, and EULA abuse has made any future gameplay bitter and melancholy.”
  • replayability263 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it offers a wealth of content and enjoyable multiplayer experiences, it can become repetitive after completing the main objectives. Some players appreciate the potential for endless exploration and creativity, especially with friends, while others feel that the lack of significant end-game content and linear progression limits long-term replay value. Frequent updates and seasonal events are seen as positive factors that can enhance replayability, but many still express a desire for more varied gameplay elements to sustain interest over time.

    • “Don't let the trailer sell you short; this game has a lot to do, and in my opinion, it is one of the more replayable games you can lose yourself in.”
    • “Tons of replayability; the amount you can do after finishing the main missions feels endless.”
    • “This game is a treat, and despite lacking any tangible goals or significant story value, its value to the explorers, gatherers, and crafters out there is intense, and it has a fair amount of replayability as well.”
    • “The big problem with it is that even when no two save files are the same, the replayability is practically zero, because you do all the same things in mostly the same order.”
    • “But after you beat the game there is nothing to do, no replay value.”
    • “Dissapointing ending, with little replayability after full playthrough.”
  • emotional110 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players expressing that it evokes genuine feelings, including tears, through its beautiful storytelling and wholesome gameplay. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a heartfelt experience, often describing it as relaxing and nostalgic, while also noting moments of sadness and joy that resonate deeply. Overall, it is regarded as a touching and immersive journey that fosters emotional connections, both with the game itself and with friends during multiplayer sessions.

    • “It's a 10/10 from me, a game that resonates on an emotional level and even brings tears to my eyes.”
    • “To the devs: I must confess, it is truly rare for a game to extract tears of genuine emotion from me. I commend the skillful construction of this game's story and all of its cute and adorable assets. I pray blessings upon you for making something that has kept me immersed and has truly made me feel something I have not felt in a long time.”
    • “Astroneer is such a satisfying and heartwarming game.”
    • “Now 2 years later, the developers have added a few seasonal events with cosmetic rewards and created newer blueprints to provide a fully autonomous production line, but there are no new planets or resources and the same boring story.”
  • character development10 mentions

    Character development in the game is noted for its whimsical and colorful designs, creating a visually appealing experience. However, some players feel that the character development lacks depth and narrative, with a desire for more AI interactions and a stronger overarching story. Overall, while the character designs are praised for their cuteness and creativity, the gameplay could benefit from more substantial character-driven content.

    • “The character design is adorable, the controls are fairly intuitive, the landscapes are awesome, and there's a decent amount to do given the fact that the game is not complete.”
    • “Colorful, a vibrant palette, great functional character design - although a little clunky; curious objects, etc. the landscape and horizon create a beautiful combination and did not grow boring at any time.”
    • “Yes, the surface of planets can feel empty. Although this isn't a game based on combating enemies, there could have been more AI for character development and more of an actual story, given that there isn't really anything you're contributing to at large.”
    • “The style is unlike any other space game with its bright colors, squishy character designs, and happy music as you suffocate or get crushed by debris in a sandstorm.”
    • “Colorful, a vibrant palette, great functional character design - although a little clunky; curious objects, etc. The landscape and horizon create a beautiful combination and did not grow boring at any time.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Give Me Basic [Early Pack]

Play time

20hMedian play time
537hAverage play time
8-80hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 418 analyzed playthroughs

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