Right so, played for a short period of time, and will be playing more, but here is my take so far.
World - Interesting and varied. I like what I have seen so far, but I feel a little lost. I expect I should though, considering I am thrown into a vast space with innumerable paths to go down. If it was a so fixed path, it would ruin a lot of the game imo. Haven't seen a lot of planets yet, but they are huge and remind me of alien places, as they should. I've found space stations and outposts, but am not sure if I should find bigger places later and should know this now or have it as an, intentional, surprise.
Inventory - It isn't so much that I constantly run out of room, and I do, but that I am confused as to what matters to keep. While it is somewhat simple to just sell items, especially higher out of norm priced items, I am always worried I am selling something I might have a hard time finding later. I like finding recipes to make items, but needing to occupy inventory space to hold sub-materials and final crafted items, it reduces space super quick and you have so little to begin with.
Items - It is unclear if I am doing something wrong here, but I made several items for my ship; Pulse Beam, Canon Damage Sigma, and Pulse Jet Sigma. Each takes up a precious inventory spot on the ship. The Sigma items mention improving existing items, but it is frustrating they use an inventory spot doing this, why not have them combine with the item they upgrade? Both my starting ship weapon and the Pulse Beam say use X to fire. My photon canon is described as a ship to ship weapon, and the beam as a mining weapon and ship weapon. Do I get rid of one or have both and can cycle through them? Same type of stuff with the suit. I made a stamina enhancement for sprint, but it takes up a slot again. I can't help but feel the game needs dedicated inventory spots and dedicated gear/ship slots. It would remove a lot of confusion and maintain a balance as far as upgrading not costing ability to harvest/loot stuff. It would also help to have a better indication of gear quality. A short sentence or two hardly givs me an idea of what gun is better than another.
Alpha whatever things? From the first spot through pretty much most of them, places/containers are locked requiring this card thing. I don't see it explained what this is to me. Do I know what they are, do I know where to get them, or is it written someplace and I don't know what they are or where to get them as a game design choice? Should I go and get this first somehow, so as not to miss things in these places/objects?
Fuel use for gear and ship - I like that it is not unlimited, but maybe a little harsh. Might get better as I get more tech.
Overall, I like the game, and think it will really draw me in as I learn more. I feel a bit to confused right now. Not looking for a tutorial and book of answers, but feel I lack even basic knowledge a space traveler might have.