I haven't played NMS either and want to give it a go. @JDR13; and I sometimes like the same types of stuff; especially hybrid type games.
It's not a hybrid really but a logical step up from Privateer games (and Freelancer). It will remind you on Spore's endgame, but it's not as boring as Spore.
There is a main story and a subset of sidestories plus random missions, different spaceships and economy (crafting/trading) involved just as in Privateer, but this time planets are fully explorable with added base construction and terrain changing tools as in Sims games (okay not as in Sims 4 where you can't have a car, in NMS you can have your personal yet pretty useless Mako!
), farming as in Stardew Valley and environment hazards as in any survival game.
Neverheard about Privateer? Doesn't matter. What I need to say is that I'm still on NMS, I have no idea how the game played initially (apparently it was junk before a few patches), but after cca 20ish hours in I have to admit it's fun.
What saves the day? Survival parts in NMS don't read "torture ahead". You won't starve to death unless your brain has problems (medically), all you need is oxygen, thankfully plants to suck it out from grew everywhere so you just "loot" it. Or, make a farm with these. Or, there is an oxygen generator that filters it from atmosphere machine so build it. Or simply buy it from traders.
Of course that's not everything but I'm saying it's not like indie random generated crap where unbeatable trashmobs are thrown on your head after 10 minutes of playing.
The random generator is the core part of NMS, but unlike overrated games like FTL, here developers limited it based on your progress. For example, you won't receive a gulid/species mission for a system in galaxy your current hyperdrive cannot reach. Your pisspoor starting ship will never get swarmed by impossible to destroy pirates, you will meet some harder ones when you get a better (and equipped) ship.
Not everything is great though, the game is full of outdated consoley designs which could annoy you, but for some stuff there is a solution (without mods!).
I'll open a tips and hints thread for this game later (unless one already exists).