Recent reviews by Azza276 Gaming

This is probably my first (newer) Bethesda game. So my view on some aspects may be different to that that played other similar Bethesda games. I have played for 34 hours at this time, and so far, I have enjoyed it. There are a few aspects which I do miss that are in other games. Some I understand for game play, efficiency and reducing chonkiness in the game size, but there is one aspect that really bugs me, which I'll get to later.

My Specs and Settings:
CPU: Ryzen9 5900X
RAM: 64GB G. Skill 3600 DDR4 (over 4 sticks)
GPU: RX 7900 XTX (I got this game from buying this card)
SSD: Game installed onto 2TB Samsung 980 PRO NVMe
Resolution: 3440x1440

I run the game on Ultra Preset, turning off Dynamic Rendering and FSR. I average over 75FPS.

Controls:
Besides learning a new control scheme, I can tell it was designed to cater to console controllers, It's not a problem, and works well with the game. I know I can change the keybinds to suit what I am used to for other games, it is mostly efficient enough, except 'R' for docking, I keep wanting to use 'Q' for some reason.
I would have liked to see some form of head tracking available. Having the Tobii 5 and being used to looking around, I notice that I miss this feature.
The game graphics look good for me, you can tell it's a game, not reality breaking (as in it doesn't look too real) but on par with current gen IMO.

Gameplay Aspects:
Ground movement and Combat:
Moving around is smooth and fine. But the walk speed is slower than the NPC's, so in missions where you have to follow an NPC, you're either running and stopping, or walking and running. It would have been nice if they matched.
Ground combat is on par as well. no major issues from me. Some combat seems like the enemy are bullet sponges, but this can be a level thing, so waiting to see if this improves. There is a good variety of weapons and I am yet to settle on just one. It's also a good thing the ammo is mass-less, you do use a lot. Or is that just me?
There are some fade to black door entries, This is fine and the next sections loads quick enough.
My major issue with ground pounding is there is no map for the ground. Some facilities and structures are huge, and with many different hallways, paths, holes and doors, I often go through the same area multiple times, backtrack or just wind up going the wrong way. This is probably due to the procedurally generated terrains, but please, give me a map.
Ground to Space (including docking) and vice versa:
These aspects are cutscenes, and there is no smooth transition, like in Elite: Dangerous and other space sims. I don't have a problem with this and the amount of times you do this and the time it would take, it would get tedious eventually. This goes for the Fast Travel system as well, although I try not to use it initially, eventually you use it all the time... there are so many other great aspects to this game, I am glad they didn't bog it down with making us travel the entire distance ourselves.

Story:
So far a good and compelling story. There are also many intrigueing side quests, and I am constantly torn about which one to do next, and weather to continue the story or do a side quest, Thankfully the ones I've come across aren't mutually exclusive, so you can just dump the story mid way and do a few side quests, or even stack a few side quests, and hit them when in the one location.

Space movement and combat:
Mouse to steer, it's a tried and well used method, this is a game, not a sim, I'm not even going to bother mapping my joystick and throttle. I am still using the default keybinds for managing power and throttle, but I am not a fan, and will likely change them. I'd prefer CTRL/Shift for throttle and i'll probably map WASD to the energy control but without using ALT.
I feel the energy management into the Grav Drive mechanic a little redundant, having only 1 bar still only takes a max of 6 seconds to charge it, I feel there should be more penalty for this, meaning you need to sacrifice weapons or shields to charge in a short time to jump out of combat... but then, you have fast travel, unless you are pathing somewhere for the first time, you just fast travel, to it is completely redundant.
Combat is on par as well. No issues for me. It's fast paced, and sometimes risky (though no real punishment as you just start again from the last save), But it is essentially point in general direction and shoot, as the sensors lock on and most shots are on target anyway... so it's more about energy management.
Galaxy Map and Systems maps are fine too. nothing extraordinary or detrimental.simple to use.

Inventory:
I've heard this is a trope for Bethesda games... there is lot's to loot, but no space to store, meaning constant inventory management, selling, and sacrifice. This is no different... I have spent more time than I'd like on inventory, and sacrificing ship manoeuvrability for more cargo space. But it is by design and I accept that. It is part of the game, and a great primer for you to keep it cleaned out of junk and be diligent in what you pick up.

Ship Building:
Not gotten too heavy into this at this point (still too early in the game), but what I have seen, the system is solid, a little janky but workable.

Base Building:
TBA - Not started this aspect yet.

Exploration:
This gets you to go around and scan plants, animals and minerals several times to build a 'profile'. This is fine but you will need to move to different areas of the planetoid to get all of it. Can be time consuming, but mildly rewarding. Only really for the completioninst.

Bugs and Issues:
There have been a few minor bugs, none worth reporting. Things like NPC's floating in T-Pose, before loading in and dropping to the ground, Sarah sleeping on the Frontier bed, in a rather lewd position, but overall, nothing game breaking yet.
I did initially have issues when first trying to play the game, but a GPU driver update fixed those issues straight up.
I've had no crashes what so ever.

Overall:
I am thoroughly enjoying this game. I just wish I had more time to play it, learn all the ins and outs, and enjoy all the aspects.
I would highly recommend this game, and give it a Solid 8/10.
No ground map, and the amount of time I spend in the inventory are my only downs for me at this time.

I will update this Review as I play more.
Cheers
Azza