Lodestar

Prepare yourself for Lodestar. You take control of the captain of a vessel in space, and its up to you to find and bring in resources from various planets without drifting off into deep space or dying from some terrible monsters. A straight up exploration and resource management game, the entire drive of the game will be left to you and your friends. That’s right, there’s multiplayer with online co-op, so you can take this amazing adventure on in a group, making it all the more fun. If this sounds like something you would find interesting, then keep reading as we get into it.

Gameplay

Lodestar is a third-person action shooter, exploration and resource management game. You start aboard your ship, and then you must begin fixing things immediately, so you can move to other places and gather resources. This way you are able to increase your production of materials, which allows you to fix and build more stuff, and go to more places. The amazing journey that any space faring hero has to go through. If you liked No Man’s Sky but wanted something with a bit more combat, this is the game that you will have a mighty good time playing. The movement is fluid and responsive and you aren’t limited to basic one-dimensional battles.

Mind you, it isn’t just a case of running around and killing space spiders. There are also a few pretty great boss fights in here as well. For instance, there is one that is reminiscent of a specific Minecraft boss, but I shan’t go into further detail out of fear of spoiling.

There is a strong base building mechanic here that will provide you and your friends with endless creative fun. There is something in building a base with friends that makes it all the more special. Customization options are available, and you are free to place things wherever you want to, as to make it as personalized as possible.

Visuals

Although the visuals in Lodestar are relatively simple, they are perfectly serviceable to the game itself. At no point do you need to question what you’re looking at. The landscapes vary in biome but each equally possess a pleasant aesthetic. The ship itself, along with the tech suits you wear, look high tech and shiny. Adding to the belief that this is indeed set far in the future.

The user interface is clear and easy to follow without filling your screen up with unnecessary meters and gauges.

Ambience

This game offers something that few games can master; ambience. Some people say that No Mans Sky was better when there were no other people and you were stuck in a galaxy all by yourself. This game explores what that is like. You really feel like you’re on your own and that provides a unique challenge that I did not hate.

Multiplayer

If you wish to play with friends, you can. You can jump in with up to four other players and enjoy the fun, or the madness, that comes with company. I found the system handled four players with no issues or disconnects. Can’t ask for more.

Pros

• Good visuals
• Nice combat
• Interesting universe

Cons

• Needs more story to propel the player through the game