Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Massive galaxy to explore
Thanks to the fact that the entire galaxy of No Man's Sky is procedurally generated, the amount of planets to explore is almost endless. The number of planets would be 18,446,744,073,709,551,616. However, the fact that 2 players managed to find each other in game on the first day, seems to make this number quite questionable.
Pro Loads of survival elements thanks to randomly generated planets and a wide variety of things to manage
Each planet not only has its own randomly-generated and potentially dangerous terrain to navigate, but each one also has a variety of dangerous atmospheric or weather conditions. For example, some planets have caustic acid raid while others have radiation or incredibly hot temperatures. In order to survive these conditions, you'll have to keep your Exosuit (spacesuit) and it's various components, such as sheilds and oxygen supply, in working order at all times - and also keep your ship in flyable condition, which you may need for a hasty retreat from a particularly harsh planet.
In order to survive and keep everything running smooth, you'll be exploring and scavenging each planet for its natural resources which includes precious minerals, elements, and plants. These materials are then used to replenish the components of your Exosuit, repair and upgrade your spaceship, keep your weapon powered up, and build useful items such as scanners and beacons. There's no shortage of survival management for those who enjoy an in-depth survival experience.
Pro Endless procedural generation
This game procedurally generates almost everything. Your spaceships are procedurally generated, so are the planets, moons, every animal on these planets, the resource nodes, trade routes, languages, etc. When discovering new species or planets, players get to rename these and leave their mark on the galaxy.
Pro Freedom to choose how you want to play
Ally with factions, trade or just be a pirate. When trading with NPC aliens, you build up a positive reputation with the faction they belong to. Alternatively you can also be hostile and attack trade ships, or even be attacked by NPC pirate spaceships. Both can be ways to get what you need, so do whatever suits your play style.
Cons
Con No clearly defined missions
The objective of the game is to ultimately reach the center of the galaxy. However, the player is completely free and unguided from the beginning. You figure it out for yourself as you start mining, crafting and upgrading your ship and gear. This game doesn't have a big story to tell.