Additionally, your freighter is where you'll encounter the new frigate system. This wasn't a feature I saw myself during my playtime, but is described as something like Monster Hunter's Palico system. You can buy frigates - up to 50 in a fleet, which will be visible around your freighter - and each can have its own specialisations. Frigates are sent on procedurally generated missions which play out in real-time, and can be followed across the galaxy or simply left to complete their mission, reaping the rewards of a successful adventure.

NEXT's additions go much further though: building has received a major overhaul, with a greater focus on construction using individual pieces (floors, walls ceilings, etc.) to make more elaborate, more distinct rooms and layouts - and I was especially taken with the way room pieces now automatically carve out the landscape, meaning it's easy to build cosy planetary bases underground, straight into the rock.

To that end, it's implementing something akin to a live events programme, in which players can work to achieve certain community goals in order to earn a second currency that can be spent in a new in-game rewards shop. This currency - and Hello is keen to stress that this is all free, and that there will be no micro-transactions - can be used to purchase the likes of emotes, customisation parts, and eventually unique ships and vehicles.

That's still not all though; this will be joined by a new Galaxy map system, enabling players to scrutinise No Man's Sky from afar. It's a way of highlighting just how much of a living, changing space it is, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of the game's remarkably engaged community. It will show the likes of galactic hubs and just how far afield the surroundings systems have been explored, as well as player discoveries, and even community-provided points of interest

Perhaps more than anything though, it's the newfound sense of scale that impresses, with the game now sporting a more "earth-like" planetary generation system. Mountains tower above undulating valleys, populated by looming trees, larger architectural "props", and notably improved fauna. Creatures feature more nuanced animations, improved AI, and a broader range of sounds, all of which help sell the illusion of life just that little bit harder.