Within the Cosmos

Isn't it about time we had a decent sci-fi RPG? After the unmitigated disaster releases of the last couple of years, Within the Cosmos is a title that attempts to right the genre wrongs of late. Considering there have been some absolutely phenomenal entries of our time, expectations are always high. However, any semi-decent, entertaining effort will do at this point.

Within the Cosmos is a game set in a secluded star system where you, the player, are selected to embark on a journey that will keep humanity thriving as it nears the brink of extinction. What mysteries will unfold in this indie sci-fi epic? Hopefully, it will give us hope that new releases can be as exciting as classics.

It's the Right Time to Colonize

Within the Cosmos is an ambitious sci-fi RPG that strives to blend traditional role-playing elements with the vastness of space exploration. Developed by a small indie team, the game offers an expansive world filled with rich lore, player-driven dialogue, and strategic combat. It draws inspiration from classic RPGs, but its ambition sometimes outpaces its execution.

The story of Within the Cosmos places players in the role of a soldier who wakes up aboard a starship, only to find that all is not as it seems. As you unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of your crew and the ship's malfunction, you soon become embroiled in a more significant conflict involving intergalactic factions, alien species, and ancient technologies. The game presents players with moral dilemmas that shape the story's direction, allowing for multiple narrative branches. Each decision has far-reaching consequences, giving your choices a sense of agency.

Regarding gameplay, Within the Cosmos employs a mix of real-time combat with tactical elements. Players can switch between ranged and melee combat, use various abilities, and strategically manage resources like ammo and health kits. The combat system feels satisfying when things click. Still, there are moments when the AI can be inconsistent, either behaving aggressively or passively. This lack of balance in enemy behavior can make some encounters feel too easy or frustrating.

Exploration is another game highlight, as players can visit various star systems and planets. While the planetary exploration promises diversity, some environments feel underdeveloped, with repetitive layouts and objectives. The core exploration mechanics, such as scanning and resource gathering, are serviceable but lack the depth seen in more giant space RPGs. While visually appealing, space travel can become tedious over time due to long travel sequences between locations.

Far from the Cosmos

One major issue with Within the Cosmos is the technical performance. Despite its immersive design, the game is plagued by bugs, frame drops, and occasional crashes. These technical hiccups detract from the overall experience, especially during critical moments in the story or combat. Hopefully, future patches will address these issues, but they are a significant drawback in their current state.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Rich, immersive lore and detailed world-building
• Player-driven decisions with meaningful consequences
• Engaging exploration across multiple star systems

Cons:

• Unbalanced AI behavior and inconsistent combat difficulty
• Repetitive planetary environments and underdeveloped exploration mechanics
• Significant technical issues, including bugs and performance drops