I've played this game on and off for the past 4 years or so. I even bought the Limited Edition at launch with the fancy steel book and art book. The very beginning the game felt aimless, tall towers of resources of gold, emerel, etc.
I came back with the Atlas update and felt the change with the early semblance of base building, I took a break and didn't bother with the Desolation update. Horror stuff doesn't really appeal to me to be honest but mysterious alien threats was an interesting concept.
Started a new game with Origins and everything clicks. I feel like I'm actually accomplishing something. I didn't even craft my hyperdrive yet but I still have a small base and feel like I'm getting things done in a progress sort of way.
Looking forward to getting a freighter and expanding into a a fleet.