SC will happen eventually, at this point I have enough other games to play that it isn't really bothering me. I am awaiting 3.0 before I play anymore in EA even, so we'll see what that ends up offering experience-wise for the masses once it leaves its special access only state. It is slow going, always has been, and will be post-launch too I imagine. I kinda hope they'll reduce the scope of the open world and get SQ42 out sooner than later...I am definitely excited for that part of it!
For those that haven't tried it, Void Destroyer 2 is actually pretty damn fun and has a lot going on, has a living universe going on where AI are off doing what they do, whether they're working for you or not, it is a sandbox where you can do a lot...but you're a pilot or on a space station (limited ATM). There is some AI targeting at the player for challenge that the dev is trying with recent patches...the pirates can be a little overbearing at times. If you want something combat-oriented, Void Destroyer 2 is where its at. Honestly the dev kicks ass and while the art department is lacking in visual WOW compared to Elite, Star Citizen, SPGW, Helium Rain, etc., it really makes up for it in actual involvement in the game world and game play. The variety of ships, bases, clans, things to do, it all works well and feels cohesive to the experience in a positive way that I want to go out and try more things, find that next big money task. My wife likes watching this one, and even played (and got blown up), and she never plays video games. Let alone space sims with a mouse and keyboard. LOL!
Helium Rain is right behind it and more into markets/business and slightly more realistic physics and takes a queue from The Expanse for how ship designs work, lack of shields and lasers, etc. The overall presentation is really nice, and while they have quite a bit to do, the universe itself could be bigger, but the two-man team has done a great job providing what I would call a polished EA experience. That being said, this game is just shy of having something that will keep me entertained. This game doesn't have the depth of games like X3 or Eve, but it does have some similarities while maintaining a unique feel and process. So far these guys are on the right track, I can't wait to see what the future holds here.
Starpoint Gemini Warlords is pretty to look at, a little more arcade than the other two gameplay-wise but has a campaign and is quite fun. This one has been fun since EA, though it isn't one that I'll play until my eyes bleed, it is however one I'll pop on for a few hours a week to increase my empire, fleets, upgrade my station, etc. I've definitely gotten my money's worth, and still have so much to see and do. While the game world feels alive, it doesn't have the same feeling that Void Destroyer 2 does in that respect. And that could be down to how I prefer an "alive game world" to be. Also, Steamworks mods are pretty damn good for this one.
Honestly I haven't done much with Elite Dangerous even after the Thargoids were unleashed upon the game world. Mostly because I don't have time to take an hour to get anywhere to do anything at the moment, but eventually I'll dive back into this one as well.
