Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Review
Explore new worlds, make impactful choices, and survive in Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. A gripping sci-fi RPG adventure awaits!
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector keeps the strong storytelling that made the first game and classics like Blade Runner so special. It focuses on deep themes like identity and community in a world that feels fragile. While the game can feel slow and has a lot of reading, the new survival systems, missions, and more exciting dice rolls make it better than the first one.
The game is inspired by tabletop RPGs like Blades in the Dark. Instead of using skill trees or lots of stats, you roll a few dice to do tasks. How you use your dice decides if you succeed or fail, so every choice matters.
You can not avoid every risk or have complete control over everything. The game seems authentic and poignant because of this. It requires more than just planning to win; you also need to adjust.
Starward Vector stands out with its powerful story, tough choices and new features that add tension and strategy. It’s a smart and meaningful sequel that builds on everything that made the first game great.
If you enjoy narrative-driven games that make you think, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is worth exploring.
Citizen Sleeper 2 uses its new crew system effectively to enhance gameplay
In Citizen Sleeper 2, your protagonist, an android with the mind of a long-dead human, still comes in three classes. I chose the Extractor class, which is built for tough physical work and risky environments but struggles with delicate tasks. The game tweaks class strengths and weaknesses compared to the original, making the dice rolls more unpredictable. For example, your “dump stat” – the lowest stat on your character sheet – can’t be improved and gives a penalty when used for tasks.
One of the most novel aspects of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is the crew system. You can bring up to two crew members on special missions, such as searching for water on asteroids or examining spacecraft that have been abandoned. Because every crew member has unique skills, choosing the right one is essential. These missions are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and can quickly fail if you run out.
Picking the right crew helps cover your weak points. New abilities like the Extractor’s “Rally,” can boost performance but also raise stress levels. Some missions even trigger emergencies, adding extra pressure and challenge.
The old health system is replaced by the new Stress meter, which also makes things more challenging. When you fail at chores, you become stressed. You will be subject to additional penalties the more stressed you are. Even low dice rolls might result in major issues if your stress level is too high, making missions riskier and more intense.
Citizen Sleeper 2 Adds the Danger the First Game Lacked
In Citizen Sleeper 2, your dice can take damage. Each one can break after three hits and can’t be used until it’s repaired. This can be tough during important missions, but it adds real danger, which was missing in the first game. Luckily, things get easier later in the game when moving around and managing supplies isn’t as hard.
Most missions in the game are called Drives. They focus on building relationships and working with others. The first game was about creating a community on a space station called Erlin’s Eye. Starward Vector continues this idea. It shows how working together and helping each other can overcome big problems, even when resources are low. It’s a strong message that feels important today.
The writing in the game is also very good. It’s simple and clear, letting you imagine the world. The game does a great job exploring deep topics, like identity and control, especially with the android main character. However, action scenes like fights and escapes aren’t as exciting as the rest of the story.
The characters you meet are interesting and feel real, even if they aren’t too deep. Some, like the space rider Kadet, follow common character types. Others appear only for a short time but still leave a strong impression. They help move the story forward and keep things fresh.
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Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great story with deep ideas | Slow gameplay with a lot of reading |
| Dice system makes every choice matter | Bad dice rolls can ruin your plan |
| New crew system adds fun and strategy | Missions can fail fast if you run out of supplies |
| Updated classes with new abilities | Some characters feel simple or basic |
| Stress system adds more challenge | High stress makes tasks harder |
| Dice can break, adding danger | Broken dice need time and resources to fix |
| Missions help build strong connections with others | Fights and action scenes are not very exciting |
| Inspired by popular tabletop games | No skill trees or deep stat systems |
| Improved features from the first game | You can’t fully control everything or avoid risks |
| Writing is clear and emotional | More like a storybook than an action game |
Conclusion
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector keeps the same style that made the first game popular. And that works well. It tells a deep story about identity, control, and finding a place in a tough world. You play as a machine with a human mind, trying to understand yourself and build a community.
The game feels like a visual novel, with lots of reading and dice rolls. It’s not fast-paced, but the new character classes, crew missions, and stress system make it more interesting. These changes add a feeling of risk and keep the game engaging the whole time.
