No Man's Sky Pre-Review Diary - Day 2

Day 1 Recap

By the end of my first day in No Man's Sky I had repaired a ship, conversed with aliens, travelled into outer space, and enlisted as a follower of a mysterious force known only as Atlas. Going into my second day, I knew I had a long road ahead, and prepared to settle into my new role.

Nice ride!

After my induction into Atlas' ranks, I stopped off at a nearby space station to catch my breath and assess my immediate action plan. I began to look at passing starships in the hangar through a renewed perspective: window shopping. The wide variety of chassis, color schemes, and accessory hardware made me imagine what my dream ship might look like, and how I'll be able to afford it.

How many zeros?

This ship arrived and its color-scheme immediately caught my eye. Compared to some of the more cumbersome ships that frequent space stations, the Otowaraso S96 has a sleek, understated form. It also had a scary price-tag. Once again, I walked away from buying a ship, but I gained a better idea of what I was looking for, and how much I'd have to pay for it.

Aberration detected.

I set out into the beyond in search of resources to finance a new starship, and what do I see: an unusual space station; an anomaly. I get a whiff of Atlas, and head in.

Talk to strangers.

After entering the anomaly, I'm caught off guard. Not only am I not looking at Atlas, I'm talking to another lifeform in English--the first real conversation I've had in the game. The Priest, Nada, knew of Atlas, and offered a nudge in its direction. Alternatively, my new friend could have also steered me towards a black hole leading to the center of the galaxy. I felt relief. Nada didn't pressure me one way or the other: I could explore my other options and make an informed decision regarding Atlas. I requested directions to the nearest black hole.

Black Hole Sun

Atlas' temples are mysterious, but black holes are faceless and ominous. With no way of knowing what lay on the other side, I crossed my fingers and dove in headlong.

2016: A Sky Odyssey

Like the FTL sequence in 2001: A Space Odyssey, No Man's Sky presents a mesmerizing, dreamlike version of space travel.

Back on solid ground.

I made it to the other side of the black hole in one piece, and what did I find? More of the same. I checked my star map and confirmed that I was closer to the center of the galaxy, but only slightly so. At least I a found a moon that provided some fantastic views of its nearby planet. I considered mining, and though the idea sounded boring, I had nothing better to do. I wondered what Atlas was doing.

The Golden Hour

As a nearby star began to set on the horizon, I stood in the long shadow of my starship. This poignant moment seemed to signal the end of an era. It was time to take off my training wheels and upgrade to new model. Something had to fill the void in my spirit.

New Ship Smell

I finally did it: I found a ship that both looked great and was in my price-range. Its hard angles and advanced equipment set it apart from the round, safe design of my first ship. "Goodbye, training wheels," I thought. The old steed was still available to me in the hangar, but I knew this was goodbye. I was momentarily grief stricken. It's just a machine, but in the cold and lonely vastness of outer space, you'd be surprised what you can grow attached to.

What's in a name?

I set out in my sharp new ride towards the nearest planet: Nutunutunento. It's not the sort of name that rolls off your tongue, but it's fun to say nonetheless. I eagerly dove in, dreaming of riches and strange creatures, proud of my recent purchase.

Keeping up with the Joneses.

I should have seen this coming. I should have realized that my new starship, however attractive, was only a temporary bandage. Seeing this orange and turquoise beauty on Nutunutunento re-opened the wound that I hoped material goods would heal, and made it clear that as long as I valued myself based on my possessions, I'd never be satisfied or at peace. I needed help. I needed Atlas to give me a purpose and my journey meaning.

Help me, Nada. You're my only hope.

Lost, without a clue where to find Atlas, I began to jump solar systems. Luckily, I ran into Nada's station again. As I hoped, I was offered assistance, and leapt at the chance to reconnect with Atlas. Nada proposed some wild theories about the galaxy. "What would Atlas think," I pondered. When I returned to the star map, a familiar voice beckoned me into the beyond.

Hello darkness, my old friend.

At last, I reunited with Atlas, and in a strange way, myself. That feeling confirmed what I already knew: Atlas was my rightful compass. Atlas was my shepherd. My fears were put to rest, and my questions silenced. It felt good to be home.

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