is Space Engineers better/comparable to empyrion?

I haven't played in a while, but SE always felt like more of a physics sandbox than an actual game. 'Minecraft in Space' is a far comparison. But it's shalow in that there isn't much, if any story, campaign, or real progression to it. It's fun to build in, and has a continued multiplayer fanbase. Worth wishlisting and getting on sale if you like building in Empyrion.