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Star Explorers

83%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
story, music
83% User Score Based on 180 reviews

Platforms

PCWindows
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About

"Star Explorers" is a sandbox-style space exploration and survival game that allows players to mine asteroids, trade with alien races, and build their own space stations. The game features a procedurally generated galaxy, giving players a vast and unique universe to explore, complete with diverse environments, hidden treasures, and hostile encounters. Players must manage their resources, build and upgrade their spaceship, and navigate the challenges of space to survive and thrive.

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Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
Star Explorers screenshot
+12
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83%
Audience ScoreBased on 180 reviews
graphics11 positive mentions
stability7 negative mentions
  • The game offers a unique and charming atmosphere, reminiscent of classic space exploration games, with a focus on discovery and adventure.
  • The music and sound design enhance the immersive experience, creating a cozy and engaging environment for players.
  • Despite some rough edges, the game has a strong potential for growth, with frequent updates from the developer and a dedicated community.
  • The user interface and controls can be clunky and unintuitive, making navigation and gameplay frustrating at times.
  • There are numerous bugs and performance issues, including crashes and resolution problems, which detract from the overall experience.
  • The game lacks a comprehensive tutorial, leaving players to figure out mechanics and objectives through trial and error, which can be discouraging.
  • graphics
    41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming, retro aesthetic reminiscent of 90s and early 2000s titles, featuring simple, low-resolution visuals that evoke a cozy, handmade feel. While some players appreciate the nostalgic design and find it fitting for the indie nature of the game, others criticize the graphics as outdated and lacking in detail. Overall, the visuals may not appeal to everyone, but they contribute to a unique atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience for those who enjoy a lo-fi style.

    • “Everything about it feels handmade and bespoke, strangely cozy, and very much coherent, from simple stylized graphics to a minimalistic yet very fitting soundtrack.”
    • “Its simple yet charming low-res graphics give it a cozy, classic feel that's hard to find these days.”
    • “There is something so satisfying about the graphics, giving you that retro vibe of 90s and early 2000s PC games.”
    • “If you want graphics, this ain't it.”
    • “The graphics are awful even by year 2000 standards; the controls are clunky and it is quite hard to navigate.”
    • “I can see that the developer seems to be loving his work, but honestly, the graphics are really simple like in the 90's and I did not feel that I want to spend much time with this game unless it gives me interesting things to do.”
  • gameplay
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Star Explorers is characterized by a simple yet engaging loop focused on exploration, resource gathering, and upgrading equipment, reminiscent of classic space games. While the game offers a charming atmosphere and surprises, some players note issues with UI design and mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, many find the game enjoyable for its straightforward approach and the depth of exploration it provides, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

    • “The UI and general gameplay have both been improved over the years, and while it isn't for everyone, it is still very approachable and full of surprises.”
    • “Star Explorers has a very simple and expedient gameplay loop: you warp into a carefully chosen solar system, examine and scan the various planets, and determine which ones are safe to land on and most likely to contain something you need.”
    • “The gameplay loop of Star Explorers is simple, and you have to be okay with seeing the same things over and over, just like the space games of old.”
    • “But what makes me not recommend the game is just inattention to detail in how the mechanics work, how the UI works, how the gameplay is designed.”
    • “A game should be hard by its gameplay elements and not because the user is fighting the interface and must play in the most uncomfortable way possible.”
  • story
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is relatively short and linear, primarily revolving around completing mission objectives assigned by the mothership's captain, which can be finished in a single sitting or over several sessions. While players can explore the galaxy and engage in side quests after completing the main quest, the narrative lacks depth and is often described as simplistic, with a focus on resource collection and exploration rather than a rich, immersive storyline. Despite its limitations, the game offers replayability through procedurally generated quests and a relaxed pace, appealing to those who enjoy casual space exploration.

    • “The game is short but infinitely replayable - after completing the main quest, you can continue to complete procedurally generated fetch quests which encourage you to explore the remaining locations on your star chart.”
    • “Once you get past the mild learning curve, you'll be off exploring, trading, and fending off aliens to progress through a no-nonsense, relaxed pace story.”
    • “Exploring a vast universe with random suns and planets that you can land on to complete your main mission, retrieve fuel for your mothership, and engage in varying adventures in FPS against aliens, cave hazards, and hostile environments.”
    • “Although you probably won't be doing much space trading, mining, or following a deep narrative-driven story through a galaxy.”
    • “There is a fairly linear and short mission path that you can follow to 'beat' the game.”
    • “The story seems decent but still very limited.”
  • atmosphere
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is described as uniquely uncanny, effectively capturing the essence of an isolated and alien universe. Players appreciate the diverse environmental details, such as varying atmospheric densities and liquid types, which enhance the immersive experience. The combination of atmospheric music, charming graphics, and the sense of exploration contributes to a compelling and atmospheric gameplay experience.

    • “One of the best space exploration games I know of with an atmosphere I can't entirely describe except for 'uncanny but in a good way.'”
    • “The game's still very much in development, but updates are frequent and I can't really put my finger on why, but this game absolutely nails the atmosphere of a truly isolated and alien universe.”
    • “With variations in atmosphere density, liquid type, surface type, temperature, etc., all having an impact on the visuals of the planet and the experience you have when you land.”
    • “Thick atmospheres which feel like moving through water, pools of silvery and reflective liquid mercury, and meteors that rain down on low-atmosphere planets to name but a few details.”
  • music
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is praised for its handmade, bespoke quality, creating a cozy and coherent atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. While the procedural generation of music adds variety and fits well with the alien worlds, some users find it to be somewhat repetitive. Overall, the soundtrack is considered atmospheric and well-suited to the game's style, contributing positively to the gameplay.

    • “Amazing music.”
    • “Everything about it feels handmade and bespoke, strangely cozy, and very much coherent, from simple stylized graphics to a minimalistic yet very fitting soundtrack.”
    • “The procedural generated music sounds really nice while visiting the alien worlds.”
    • “Very repetitive music.”
    • “Relaxing if somewhat repetitive music.”
    • “The music is worth mentioning.”
  • stability
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has been a significant concern for players, with reports of numerous glitches, clunky controls, and game-breaking bugs that can hinder progress. While some users acknowledge ongoing improvements from the developers, many still find the experience frustrating due to persistent issues that may require manual fixes. Overall, the game shows potential, but its stability remains a major drawback.

    • “I've seen many glitches in the 10 hours of play that I've logged.”
    • “The controls can be a bit clunky, and I've even experienced a couple of game-breaking glitches, unfortunately.”
    • “The game was going great; I could enter caves, find items, etc., but then the first time I entered a building requiring a key, there was a buggy blank wall for a certain route. I had to go that way to get a quest item, and I ended up getting stuck and having to start all over.”
  • humor
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by unexpected comedic moments and whimsical creature designs, blending survival challenges with lightheartedness. Players appreciate the game's quirky charm, especially in its PS1-style presentation and the amusing context of its release during a sanctioned Steam sale. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the gameplay experience.

    • “Then, funny little things will happen along the way that you might not expect.”
    • “It's [insert space exploration game] but lovingly rendered in PS1 style and with some of the most hilarious creature designs I have seen in gaming.”
    • “The game is not a walk in the park; the survival aspect is essential and funny at the same time.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it offers an engaging experience worth trying, players are advised to test the demo first due to potential performance issues on certain systems. Specific areas, like the mothership and alien cities, exhibit noticeable performance shortcomings, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “Starfield but without performance issues, more interesting planets, cute self-awareness, and better art direction.”
    • “To anyone reading this, the game is absolutely worth trying out, although I heavily recommend testing the performance on the demo first as my other computer had some issues running it.”
    • “Performance in areas such as the mothership, alien cities, and highly decorated planets leaves a lot to be desired.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers high replayability through its short main quest and procedurally generated fetch quests that encourage exploration of various locations. While some players appreciate this stability in replay value, others may find it leads to diminished interest over time. Overall, it is considered a worthwhile experience for fans of free-roam space exploration.

    • “The game is short but infinitely replayable - after completing the main quest, you can continue to complete procedurally generated fetch quests which encourage you to explore the remaining locations on your star chart.”
    • “The game is short but infinitely replayable - after completing the main quest you can continue to complete procedurally generated fetch quests which encourage you to explore the remaining locations on your star chart.”
    • “I don't really mind this since it makes the replayability more stable and intact, unlike other games, but for some it's a problem causing them to lose interest.”
    • “If you're looking for a replayable, free-roam space exploration game, this one is easily worth twice the current $5 asking price.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find that "Star Explorers" avoids the typical grind associated with survival crafting games, though some initial tedium arises from the game's lack of guidance, requiring players to meticulously explore stars individually.

    • “This isn't just a grindy survival craft fest; it offers a unique experience.”
    • “The grinding mechanics are engaging and rewarding, making progress feel satisfying.”
    • “I appreciate how the grinding aspect is balanced, allowing for both challenge and enjoyment.”
    • “I have to tediously comb through stars one by one while trying not to get disoriented.”
    • “Star explorers may be a bit tedious at first, but that's mainly because it doesn't hold your hand.”
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23h Median play time
20h Average play time
10-40h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs
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