Title: Everspace 2 – Early Access
Developer: ROCKFISH Games
Publisher: ROCKFISH Games
Genre: Single-player Space Shooter
Available on: PC (Coming to consoles after Early Access)
Version Tested: PC
Official Site: https://www.everspace.game/
Release Date: January 18, 2021
Where to Buy: Steam Store
I’ve slowly come around on combat flight simulators. While I was always skeptical about trying them due to the steep learning curve, every one I try surprises me with its quality and exhilarating dogfights. It’s a very underappreciated genre, one that deserves much more attention than it currently gets. As you might’ve guessed from the title, ROCKFISH Games’ Everspace 2 is further evidence of the true potential of the genre. While the developers still have well over a year ahead of them, Everspace 2 has enough content to be considered well worth its admission price.
Journeying into Everspace 2’s Frontier
Everspace 2 follows the story of series protagonist Hero/Adam following the events of Everspace 1. While continuing to evade the colonials, he finds himself working for G&B as a mining escort. All goes awry though as his friend is hurt resulting in their capture. Thanks to the help of a new friend though, he may just be able to start anew. For how basic that may come across, the game’s story presents a surprising level of depth and emotion. Thanks to a stellar voice cast, each character feels realistic, having their own ambitions and emotions towards the various situations. They don’t stick the landing every time, but where they do adds to the depth and feeling of the story.
But where Everspace 2 shines the brightest is in its atmosphere and visuals, something all too important in space flight games. Where most space games do pretty well in this space, Everspace 2 sets the bar for the level of immersion possible. The various locations are depicted with such finite levels of detail and beautiful colors, making you look off in awe as you fly across the star systems. Even the asteroids, which should normally be quite boring to look at, have incredibly intricate details. I usually am pretty easy when it comes to some beautiful environments, but this game brings that beyond to ask the question “what if it was something more?”
I almost wonder if this game was made for me, given its use of synth tunes through various aspects of the game. Not only is it one of my favorite genres of music, but it fits the space theme so perfectly. It helps to further accentuate that sense of discovery you get as you explore a fresh system, discovering the intricacies of each planet and asteroid as you scavenge for supplies. Whoever was on the sound and art design teams have a serious passion for the IP, something that pays off greatly throughout your experience. It leaves a sense of excitement for what they plan to create throughout Early Access, with the promise of even more incredible setpieces to come.
Flight Combat At Its Best
Even beyond the beauty though, Everspace 2 is an absolute blast to play. For the first time in the history of flying games, a mouse and keyboard actually feel great to use. That might sound like something silly to praise, but this genre is infamous for being terrible to play on PC peripherals. Mind you, the nature of the ship flight is a lot more forgiving for it, but it’s great to see nonetheless. If this game could set the standard for flight controls, it would go a long way in bringing the genre to new audiences. All around though, ship flight is a joy thanks to precise movements and various tactics. It isn’t the best I’ve ever seen, but it’s very, very good.
We can’t forget one of the most important areas of all though, that being your ship’s combat functionality. I’m happy to report that, like everything else Everspace 2 offers, this seeks to reward those willing to put in the time and learn. As this is a looter shooter, there are plenty of various weapons to choose from. Between your fast-firing plasma shooters, heaving hitting rocket launchers, shotguns, and various other types, there’s enough to fit your playstyle while giving you plenty to work with. You can even have six different weapons for every situation if you so desire.
Looking Towards Everspace 2’s Very Bright Future
I’m not putting it lightly when I say that Everspace 2 should set the precedent for space shooters now and beyond. What ROCKFISH Games have crafted here is something filled with enough passion, charm, and intricacy to last you for hours, without soon tiring. I’d almost argue that Early Access has enough content to be considered a finished product, minus plot progression and some bugs here and there. It wouldn’t surprise me if this becomes one of my games of the year off of Early Access alone.
Verdict: Everspace 2 should become the new standard for future space shooters. The developers are creating something more than just a fitting sequel, they’re bringing it beyond to offer an incredible experience, one filled with all the intricacy and skill potential you could ever hope for. That’s not even mentioning its aesthetic charm, one that easily warrants the addition of a photo mode. This is near perfect in Early Access and has me extremely excited for what the team has in store over the next year.
