Anyway to answer your question, didn't Sean once say the game can be completed entirely from space, without ever setting foot on a planet? Is that possible within the game? Even conceding that the player must get off their starting planet, can one make it to the center by trading and pirating in space only? I always thought that was a cool concept and would attempt such a playthrough if possible.
Going to be a long day waiting to get home to check this out, going to lean on GAF for some screens and updates!
It's still possible , but it's MUCH MUCH harder.
You can still trade in space stations so by doing this you will have way less money , so it'll be harder to upgrade anything , way less ressources.
While doable , the game does want you to land on planets because the gameplay loop is made for that. How are you going to survive space battle in order to get better NPCS and better standings with a race if you ship is very weak ?And the hunt for fuel for the hyperdrive , or the hyperdrive upgrades are going to be a total pain in the ass since you won't control what goes into trade in space stations. Your language learning will be MUCH slowed down as well
This route and way of playing is ONLY for the total masochists. There are no positives at all to not land on planets to explore them and get ressources