So I gave the game a try during the free week. And BlueFlames is correct, it's a dream. Buggy, won't be finished etc. but surprisingly not that terrible.
Not sure if anyone remembers when an early version of Doom 3 got leaked years ago. It ran 15 fps on my system, had a few unfinished levels, but I still spent hours just shooting at boxes, watching them fall from shelves and being awed by the physics of the game. I was awed by the graphics and the ability to interact with computers in game. It turned out to be a mediocre game, but the concept was really cool.
Same situation here. I really like some of the elements the game has like the planets, detailed locations, great ship interiors. Generally, space legs. I know other games have already done these and also have competent game loops (x rebirth, x4, no man's sky etc...), but there is something great about the general feel Star Citizen has when it comes to space legs. I think it has something to do with the unnecessary stuff like gimmicky and awkward ship panels you have to use to manage ship energy, shields, etc. I'm waiting 3 in game minutes for a space tram to take me to my next destination and I'm somehow blown away by the experience while at the same time thinking what a chore it will be to use this transportation system after a while. These things will kill the game in the long run, but somehow make it really interesting at first glance.
I don't understand why I am being attracted to this empty immersive shell of a game and praising space legs, while at the same time I'm rolling my eyes when hearing Elite is going to get them and thinking Elite should get more gameplay loops first. Star Citizen is really frickin attractive despite all of it's obvious flaws and controversies and I'm not sure why, I think I need someone more competent to analyze this for me.