honestly, i dont like to look at a game in comparison to other games, especially in this survival genre.
rust looks genuinely fun and i'm likely going to put the small amount of money needed into my bank tomorow to purchase it. i've been watching a fair few gameplay videos (including those by frankie) and it definately looks like it will atleast be entertaining for a week or so, which is enough entertainment for the $20 you pay, so why not?
yes, the games visual design and general graphics are laughable, the animations are basic and theres no such thing as ballistics, or logical crafting. but the concept of the game, and how its played is whats important. if its fun, then you got what you payed for.
EDIT:
Alrighty. i didnt end up paying for the game, my friend bought it as a birthday pressie, played a bit today and the game is fun, however the playerbase ruins it. no matter how naked you are, everyone just kills you. no hesitation. and for some it seems to be their way of enjoying the game, running around killing random people. they would run up within hugging distance just to shoot the poor naked man beating the rock furiously. he's helpless and poses no threat, or real reward for killing them, its just somehow entertaining.
now that i've had the chance to build a home and get geared a bit, my p250 has something to say to people like that. i wont be killing anyone who doesnt pose a threat, but i sure will want to avenge all the times i was killed pointlessly.