In Everspace, players take the cockpit of a space fighter as they battle through hostile sectors, gather resources and gradually uncover the truth behind their mysterious origins. The space shooter blends procedurally generated environments with intense dogfights, a well-designed upgrade system and classic permadeath mechanics – no two runs are the same, and every mistake can be fatal. The game’s presentation impresses with atmospheric space backdrops and fully voiced cutscenes.
Everspace plays like a mix of FTL and Freelancer, offering a blend of strategic tension and action-packed space combat. With randomly generated levels, limited resources and constant threats, the experience stays fresh and unpredictable. Players can choose from three distinct ships, each with its own strengths: the Interceptor offers a balanced mix of firepower and agility, making it ideal for newcomers; the Scout focuses on speed and mobility; and the Gunship delivers raw power with its heavy weaponry.
True to its roguelike roots, death in Everspace isn't the end but a chance to grow stronger. After each run, you can spend earned credits on permanent upgrades like enhanced weapon damage, tougher shields or extended sensor range. These improvements make future runs not only easier but more varied, opening up new strategies. During a run, you can also find temporary gear – stronger weapons, better shields and special devices – but these upgrades vanish when your ship is destroyed, keeping the stakes high every time you launch.
Reviews: Engaging roguelike gameplay, but flaws in the combat system
Everspace, developed by ROCKFISH Games, launched in May 2017. Upon release, the space shooter was reviewed by German gaming magazine GameStar, which praised its striking visuals, responsive controls and engaging roguelike mechanics. The constant pressure from limited resources and ever-present danger keeps each run tense, while the upgrade system adds long-term motivation. However, the review also pointed out some notable weaknesses: the story was described as shallow, resource management felt overly complex and combat often came across as too chaotic. According to GameStar, the gameplay leans more toward arcade-style action than traditional space simulation, with few moments that truly capture the feel of a classic dogfight.
Despite its flaws, GameStar gave Everspace a solid 80 out of 100, highlighting an overall positive impression. Reviews on other platforms paint a similar picture: on Metacritic, the game holds a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 7.5. Over on Steam, more than 9,000 players have shared their thoughts, with 77% of reviews being positive.
95% discount on Steam
Normally priced at around $20 on Steam, Everspace is currently available for less than $1 thanks to a 95% discount valid until May 19. According to SteamDB, this isn’t the first time the game has seen such a steep reduction – the same deal was last offered in March. That said, the price has never dropped any lower.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.