JDelekto: OK, let me first apologize by bringing up a game (Elite: Dangerous) which isn't on GOG; however, I wish GOG did provide it, but I imagine by its requirement (even for single player) to be online, it didn't fit the DRM model.

That being said, I've been doing some research into some of the space exploration games out there and it seems that there are at least four of them out there worthy of looking into; however, I decided (after watching several YouTube videos) to go with Frontier Development's Elite Dangerous (and Horizons) . I should note that Kerbal Space Program is one awesome game, that was definitely a labor of love.

I see both good and bad critique about Elite --most negative reviews seem to cite lack of shmup game play while others sing praises of its attention to physics, large exploration area, attention to detail, etc.

In my opinion, I love sandbox exploration games --even if there is no real action at times, it's great to wander around, see what you can find and look at the beauty of generated heavenly bodies.

OK, that being said, what games on GOG are closest to something like Elite Dangerous or even other sandbox exploration games where you're not necessarily fighting for survival, but just exploring and discovering?

Gnostic: ....

You miss all the drama here
http://www.gog.com/forum/general/frontier_have_decided_to_make_elite_dangerous_online_only

SCPM: The Privateer games and the X series are the closest in spirit to Elite, I would say.

JDelekto: I have all the Wing Commander and Privateer collection --I've also been looking at Star Citizen (of course another online only game) and there are two others which caught my attention, "No Man's Sky" and "Infinity: Battlescape". Of course, with the exception of Elite, the rest are in some type of beta status waiting for future release.

The interesting thing about Infinity is that I've seen its engine prototype videos a few years ago --it seems like it takes *many* years for these games to reach fruition, but as long as they're done right, it is worth the wait.

For people who were fans of shows like Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Space 1999, Buck Rogers (and of course) Star Wars, having games like this are a wet dream at worst.

Each seems to be a great game in its own right with differences that one wishes were all put into one, but I think in another 5 years, humanity will be trying to survive online. :)

SCPM: ...
And I understand, I'm a fan of space shows and films, and I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid and was obsessed with the history of space travel. :-) I'm still working towards a career with a space agency or private space company.

JDelekto: Definitely get Kerbal Space Program if you haven't already! :)

SCPM: I did get that one too! But, I haven't put a minute into it yet, between work and some lengthy RPGs I've been playing.

JDelekto: Ooh, which RPG's out of curiosity?

I showed Kerbal Space Program to a friend at work who likes "science stuff" and while he loved watching the YouTube videos of people playing it, he thought it was "too much work" to play. haha.

SCPM: I finished Risen and Two Worlds not too long ago, now I'm working on Inquisitor, that one's rough. I played the demo of Kerbal and also felt it was quite a bit of 'work', which is okay, but it just means that I need to put more focus on that game when I get around to it. Likely after the holiday busy-ness. :)

JDelekto: I have all the Wing Commander and Privateer collection --I've also been looking at Star Citizen (of course another online only game)

Gnostic: Star Citizen is suppose to have Single Player Offline Campaign, unless they break their promise like Elite Dangerous Devs. They start to hire some big names for voice acting, so I would say may be 2 years later before we see it, given SC history of long delays.

JDelekto: You know, I went "all in" with the Elio. I even invested in their "start your engine" campaign to buy shares. I'm really hoping that they will deliver that vehicle fourth quarter of next year as planned. From what I've seen on their timeline however, they are making milestones and it looks good.

Not sure if I could wait 2 years for a game which is much less tangible and has less utility, but the game could wait for me. :)