SaltEMike reacts critically to the claim that Star Citizen is becoming like Rust, arguing that this comparison is inaccurate because Star Citizen focuses on PvE and story-driven gameplay rather than Rust’s survival and PvP focus. He highlights that many of the game’s systems are underdeveloped or superficial, criticizing CIG’s focus on bug fixing and content delivery over creating a deep, player-empowered sandbox experience.
The video features a detailed reaction to a Spectrum post titled “Star Citizen is becoming Rust in space,” where the author criticizes the game’s current state and direction. The creator begins by addressing the title, noting that the comparison to Rust is inaccurate because Rust lacks features like insurance, safe zones, and instant gear recovery, which Star Citizen has implemented. They emphasize that the post seems to stem from a misunderstanding of the game’s design goals, as Star Citizen is aiming for a more PvE and story-driven experience rather than the PvP toxicity and survival focus that Rust is known for.
Throughout the video, the host discusses how the original vision of Star Citizen has been watered down, with systems like reputation, economy, and exploration becoming overly simplified or not fully developed. They critique the current state of gameplay mechanics, such as cargo hauling, mining, and salvage, pointing out that these are often superficial or inefficient. For example, cargo runs are more about repetitive mission grinding rather than meaningful player-driven trade, which contradicts a true sandbox experience. The host highlights that many of these systems are placeholders or underdeveloped, leading to a game that feels shallow and unfulfilling.
The creator then compares Star Citizen’s approach to other games like Eve Online, criticizing CIG’s tendency to over-control systems rather than empower players to create their own content. They argue that Eve’s community-driven economy and trading systems are more robust because they rely on player agency, whereas Star Citizen’s systems are limited and often require cumbersome workarounds. The host emphasizes that many core gameplay elements, such as fueling, repairing, and exploration, are either too simplistic or not functional, which hampers the game’s potential for a true sandbox experience.
The video also addresses CIG’s recent focus on bug fixing and content delivery, suggesting that these priorities have led to a stagnation in system development. The host criticizes the company’s handling of features like quantum travel, reputation, and mission systems, claiming that they are either incomplete or poorly implemented due to the emphasis on fixing bugs rather than designing solid foundations. They believe this approach has resulted in a game that is “tier zero” — overly basic, with systems that lack depth and meaningful interaction, ultimately failing to meet the original ambitious vision.
In conclusion, the creator expresses disappointment with CIG’s performance and the current trajectory of Star Citizen. They argue that the game has become too simplified and that the focus on selling ships and superficial content has overshadowed meaningful system development. While acknowledging that some systems like Wiccolo and Hatheror are promising, they believe that the lack of foundational stability and depth is holding the game back. The host encourages viewers to critically evaluate such posts, emphasizing the importance of understanding the actual state of the game rather than getting caught up in sensationalized comparisons or misconceptions.