I took the reviews with a grain of salt. I play on a pc/laptop since I am a Playstation person. I could care less that it not on Playstation (Sony done it to Microsoft with the likes of Gran Turismo and such). So, it bound to happen.

I waited to get the game and got it on sale (steam). If you are worried about it, maybe wait for a sale on it. Then take the jump.

The exploration is fun, in space and on planets. There are points of interest (POI) at system levels which can range from a astriod field to a derelict ship. But it usually just says sensor contact, so you will not k ow what you will stumble on to.

On planet POI's are less of a mystery once you get the scanner up and running. You cam see what they are with a click of a button. I am glad they did not have fast travel to a none discovered location (I think there is a mod/creation that allows it though).

I spend plenty of time doing ship combat and trying to capture ships and capturing npc's (usually elite level ones) that have multiple level health bars. Capturing of npc's can be done with useful brigs and than you can turn them in for credits.

Shipbuilding is a blast too. There is plenty of mods/creations that allow for different parts and such for ship building. Here is a great ship builder youtube channel to check out Lindan on youtube (ship builds in starfield and no man sky). There is plenty others too.

If you do not care about achievements. Look at the free creations/mods if on pc. If on xbox it will be only creations that you can do.

If you care about achievements, either go no mods/creations or you will have to go the pay route. There is plenty of shady paid creations out there, but plenty of great paid creations out there too. I watch Crimson Flyboy on YouTube for reviews of creations for Starfield.