This game is so good (IMO) it’s still worth full price.
I bought it on a sale like this recently and am so disappointed. The procedurally generated world feels so soulless. And the “story” has not picked up so far, after around 6 hours in. Will this get better? I seriously can’t see the appeal.
My biggest complaint is the fact that each world is the same biome. I would love planets with deserts and snowy mountains but sadly that’s not there.
The more you explore the more interesting it gets though. To be honest I never finished any of the story and I just explore around taking out pirates and doing simple quests. I racked up about 70 hours just doing that.
Try out the current expedition and play with friends. If you still don’t like it then it just ain’t for you and that’s okay.