I actually purchased Satisfactory on their release date and it was rather underwhelming.
The core gameplay loop is very different between both; the one in Satisfactory seems to be more about building some automated set up, then exploring while things are building, as the factory production seems rather slow. In contrast, the core gameplay loop in Factorio (increase the production of whatever input is currently starved, build new more complex set ups) is clearly more polished and engaging, IMHO.
Of course, that could change, Satisfactory is still in early access and it seems that they've been more focused on adding new environments and gameplay mechanics than touching the core gameplay loop. Satisfactory is also a lot better IMO with regards to exploring stuff, just like Subnautica.
Satisfactory is interesting in its own way. It'd be easy to initially think that its the better/easier game to get into for someone who hasn't played a game like this before, but I'd argue the opposite. The three-dimensionality introduces logistical insanity that is startlingly difficult to wrangle, and the first person viewpoint makes planning the factory floor very difficult. The terrain is also a constant challenge, whereas the terrain in Factorio is generally pretty easy to work around.
But, the world design is totally incredible; it begs you to explore every nook and cranny, and its non-random, so you can link up with friends and share secrets you've found. There's far more super-fun goodies to unlock, like the hypertubes or bounce pads.
Its just different, and I think someone who enjoys one would enjoy both. I tend to tell people to start with Factorio, though; its simple, yet infinitely deep. After about 50 hours in there, you'll gain a new respect for some of the simplified mechanics and fun-factor of Satisfactory; 50 hours there, and you'll gain a deeper respect for the nefarious complexity of Factorio. They complement each other perfectly.
> "The three-dimensionality introduces logistical insanity that is startlingly difficult to wrangle, and the first person viewpoint makes planning the factory floor very difficult."
As a former player of the Tekkit mod for Minecraft, the three-dimensionality is what I miss. As good as it is, Factorio is so disappointingly planar, despite the tools they give you to manage belt intersection and materiel transfer.
One of the big advantages Minecraft, and Factorio, have is their strict global grid system. Factorio's is two-dimensional, Minecraft's is three-dimensional, but they both have one.
Satisfactory does not have this global grid. It does have very limited local grids, when you lay down foundations, but even these are less powerful than the grids on Minecraft/Factorio.
This makes every stage of logistical planning more difficult, which is both good and bad. Highly organized Satisfactory factories are, visually, more chaotic than highly organized Factorio factories. But, they can also be more satisfying to look at; from chaos emerges beauty, against all odds.
"the three-dimensionality is what I miss. As good as it is, Factorio is so disappointingly planar"
For me it's exactly the opposite. I very, very rarely enjoy a 3D game. Factorio's 2D world is a huge plus for me.
I'm definitely an outlier in this opinion, but for me the games industry took a seriously wrong turn in its embrace of 3D games, and I really appreciate it when I can find a solid 2D game like Factorio.
No idea why you're getting downvoted. I have several hundred hours in Factorio and now approaching probably a thousand hours in Satisfactory. Anyone who likes Factorio should try Satisfactory. My absolute favorite games of all times.
Satisfactory is great. Its different than factorio, but definitely worth exploring. There is something about walking through your factory and seeing all those machines work in 3D.
I started with factorio, bought satisfactory as soon as I could......really enjoyed, but then I fizzled on it. I actually go back and play factorio way more often. I mostly just try to speedrun to robots.
