I didn't buy the game until right before the Beyond update, so I don't have any of the "hype" issues. What I have is a game that threatens to take every spare moment I have and provide endless enjoyment in return. It's hyperbolic, but this is the game I have always wanted to play, and they built it better than I could have. I just thought Civilization could make time disappear, one more turn at a time; No Man's Sky makes hours go by with startling efficiency. I love this game.