Mechanical spoilers that reveal a couple early game map secrets
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I've been looking for a good PC creature collector game, and of the ones I've tried (which, frankly, is very few), this is the best one. A great mix of Metroidvania platformer/adventure, and creature collector with strategy and skill involved, as well as a rather large host of creatures to collect and fight with.
If you're thinking pokemon clone, you're not quite right, but the 2d view definitely brings it close. If I had to argue for it being like another game franchise, it'd be the Dragon Quest Monster Joker games, in particular DQMJ2. The system for gaining power isn't based on evolution (Though there is an evolution mechanic, it's very limited), but rather from a complex skill tree for each and every creature you can collect. This allows you to use each creature in a unique way (some focusing pure DPS, some support, tank, etc.).

it's fun, albeit I'm bad at it

Edit at 1000 or so hours: less bad at it.

While I'm frequently frustrated at how much is locked behind the membership, I am very nostalgic for this game and enjoy the crafting and skilling process to now ends

I will start this off with my major complaints, and then go on to my praises.
Cons:
1 ) Some planets feel samey
2 ) While playing Multiplayer, the bosses don't really match up to any real challenge
3 ) The Navigation panel is hella laggy
4 ) Late game crafting menus are also laggy.

Pros:
1 ) Massive, randomly generated "World" consisting of many, randomly generated maps makes exploration a great deal of fun
2 ) Endless possibility in base customization due to the multitude of blocks and furniture available.
3 ) Ease of modding allows for extra customization and design
4 ) An interesting, if trope-y story
5 ) The weird chestnut creatures on Lush planets are called "Nutmidges" which is a pro in itself.

Honestly quite a good game, enjoyable for hours on end.

Pros:
Custom buildings
Simple, pleasing art and textures
Easy gameplay even on higher difficulties
Easy assignment of tasks to characters
Plenty of content to create your town with
Nice music

Cons:
Buggy AI (Plans are made to improve this, luckily!)
Currently no forseeable multiplayer section, but I would find this interesting, personally.
Develops memory leaks causing it to start to have extreme lag after playing for long times, but this is fixed upon restarting the game, so it is not that big an issue

So much longer, and ever so much better than the first installment, and that's with the first one being already great! Loved it!


Also, singing turrets at the end FTW!

Amusing at least. The possibilities with this game are endless, even with the currently limited parts selection.

Need I say it? This is in all senses, the best game that could ever be found on steam, even with its limited engine and simple art style.