Huh? Having more slots means I can carry more inventory which means I can use said inventory to acquire currency to get a new ship or different items. Getting a new ship with its own benefits makes me enjoy the game and discovery more.
Not to mention those "bigger numbers" means you can live longer, swim deeper, explore further, defend yourself better, etc. The gameplay mechanics actually feed into one another very well.
Goal: get to the center of the Galaxy.
Solution: repair ship, and craft hyperdrive fuel
Goal: repair ship, and craft hyperdrive fuel.
Solution: explore environment for the necessary materials.
Goal: survive the harsh environment of the planet, whether it be hostile creatures, or extreme environmental hazards.
Solution: explore for materials to keep you alive while discovering blueprints to improve your suit, mutltitool, and ship.
How much you enjoy those gameplay loops is subjective. Some people will be engrossed. Some people will be bored silly. Neither reaction is wrong.
Also, in the above scenarios, I left out alternative solutions:
Pirate or trade for the above resources (for example, instead of hunting for the antimatter recipe, I initially bought the antimatter itself from a trader until I came across a facility with the recipe).
If course, piracy and trade opens up their own gameplay loops:
Goal: Be a pirate!
Solution: improve and build up your offensive and defensive capabilities to be a more effective (i.e., not dead) pirate.
Goal: Be an effective (i.e., not dead) pirate!
Solution: explore the environment for blueprints and ships that will improve your offensive and defensive capabilities.
Goal: Be a trader!
Solution: improve relationships with the various alien factions so you can get the best deals on the goods you're trying to sell.
Goal: improve relations with the various factions!
Solution: explore the environment to find members of the species to communicate with and improve your standing with them through helping them.
Goal: communicate with various sentient species!
Solution: explore the environment to discover knowledge stones and ruins that will teach you the words of a sentient faction, and even increase your standing with them if you pass their tests.
I just think it's a well designed gameplay loop that's in need of polish and tweaking. The core is good, and it's completely on the individual if they find the core engaging. I plan o offering as much feedback as I can, because I want Hello Games to continue to improve. We know they read GAF, so it doesn't hurt to express your concerns ad gripes with the game.
