[2023] Just downloaded for PS4 - Can't Start a New Game?!

I had really been looking forward to trying Everspace out, waited for it to go on sale on PS4 so I could afford it. But the game won't let me start a new game! I mean....

A few hours ago I started a new game and something irl needed my immediate attention so I had to walk away from the console right after I started. When I came back, things had happened, there were tutorials missed? Whatever, nbd.

I exited so I could just start a new game, but my only options on the main menu were to "continue" or start a new "hardcore" game. I just wanted to start a new game entirely, but regular mode. Selecting new hardcore and quitting still didn't let me start a new regular game and I don't want to play hardcore.

So I deleted the game from my PS4, spent 2 hours downloading it again (slow connection) only to find that I STILL CAN'T start a new game, only "continue."

This is so ridiculous and infuriating. JUST LET ME START ALL OVER, NEW GAME. Why is that so hard? It's such a simple, basic option, it makes me not even want to try to play this game anymore.