Stranded on a distant planet, an explorer must scavenge for resources, build a place to live, battle alien creatures and cooperate with others to survive. If that sounds like everything reviewers hoped controversial galactic exploration game No Man's Sky would be, you're not the only one to think so. In some ways, this game actually has more in common with games like Empyrion: Galactic Survival or Eden Star, especially in term's of the latter's glossy presentation.

Fighting for life on the frontier

Characters in Osiris: New Dawn start in one of two faction -- UNE space explorers, or the Outlanders, a group of space pirates. Initial gameplay will be familiar from other survival games. With the aid of a robotic drone, the character mines mineral and gas resources, crafts items and builds a habitat to live in. More advanced structures yield more crafting options. Naturally, the planet is also inhabited by hostile alien creatures, including a colossal monster reminiscent of the sandworm in "Dune." Multiplayer gameplay sees characters teaming up with other members of their faction and competing with rivals for scarce resources.

Exploring a brave new world

If you like your crafting and exploration gameplay to include strong action elements, Osiris might be the game for you. It certainly looks beautiful, with stark alien landscapes, a well-designed interface and impressive creatures.