- roguelike. as your ship moves to a new location, there is something to do there, which may be good/bad/mixed blessing.
- fixed sequence of events -vs- choice where to go next -vs- backtracking/sidetracking allowed too
- quests
- transport/escort
- scientific anomolies/exploration
- combat
- crew management
- diplomacy
- planet/asteroid mining
- trade
- salvaging wrecks
- management of resources: personnel, fuel, hull damage, idk