The game can be split into 2 parts - preparing you colony and bringing your humans. With a semi-random order of techs, varied terrain and resource distributions and different 'mysteries' each playthrough can present a somewhat different experience.

Although not 'realistic', the simulation is fun and makes for good gameplay, and the devs have already shown they are listening to feedback and have updated the game accordingly with requested features.

This game reminds me of games like FTL and XCOM, and is very fun. I tried it save-scumming but actually started again without doing that and found it more fun when accepting my losses.

The FTL element in my mind is the controlling of crew around the aircraft, moving them between stations and to go repair parts, put out fires etc. With crewmen going out on the wings, bringing up ammo to reload guns, and saving injured crewmates, it keeps you concentrating and on your toes.

The XCOM element comes from the game structure of going out on missions, then returning to base to upgrade your gear and aircraft between. With rewards from every mission, this generates an engaging and fun loop.

Additionally, you will take some losses. Sometimes crew will be downed and you can't save them all, or occasionally you will find yourself in so much trouble your plane crashes or does an emergency landing. This is generally from over-reaching and getting yourself into a situation you shouldn't have, including from selecting a mission you have been warned may be very dangerous (but may have higher rewards). This loss and rebuilding/recovering is another great element of the game and I would recommend against avoiding it like I did at first! The game is well balanced around you taking losses and recovering from this so fear not!