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Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Item: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Indie, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJan 31, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperJump Over The Age

Overview

Roleplaying on the edge of a system in crisis. You are an escaped android, with a malfunctioning body, a price on your head and no memory of your past. Get a ship, find a crew, and keep both running as you navigate the shifting landscape of the Starward Belt. Can you build refuge among the stars?

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics highly praise Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector for its exceptional storytelling, exploring themes of freedom, history, and personhood. The game's focus on escaping oppression and philosophical conflicts resonates well, with emotional depth and impactful themes contributing to a rich narrative experience. Some critics note minor criticisms like dark elements and text-based storytelling, but overall, the narrative's depth and complexity outweigh any perceived shortcomings. Critics agree that the game's story is a standout feature, showcasing thought-provoking themes and immersive storytelling that make it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven experiences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector has garnered high praise from the majority of critics for its exceptional storytelling. Critics like But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming commend the game for its memorable narrative that delves into themes of freedom, history, and personhood. The game's focus on escaping oppression, chasing dreams, and exploring thought-provoking questions about identity and belonging resonated well with reviewers like GAMINGbible and IGN. The emotional depth and impactful themes of the story, as highlighted by IGN Deutschland and PC Gamer, contribute to a rich and engaging narrative experience. The exploration of philosophical conflicts around personhood and community, as noted by IGN, adds a poignant human touch to the sci-fi setting. While the overall sentiment towards the story of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is overwhelmingly positive, there are some minor criticisms to consider. Critics like Stevivor mention elements of failure and stress as focal points in the dark and dystopian narrative, which might not appeal to all players. Additionally, the reliance on text-based screens for conveying the story, as highlighted by Stevivor, could potentially limit the immersive experience for some players who prefer more visually engaging storytelling methods. Despite these points, the depth and complexity of the narrative, as praised by PCGamesN and Slant Magazine, seem to outweigh any perceived shortcomings. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the story of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a standout feature of the game, with the majority of reviewers lauding its thematic depth, emotional resonance, and engaging storytelling. The game's exploration of existential conflicts, political elements, and human connections, as noted by VG247 and Slant Magazine, showcases a narrative that is both thought-provoking and immersive. The positive reception from critics like TechRadar Gaming and The Indie Informer further solidifies the game's reputation as a must-play for fans of narrative-driven experiences. Overall, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector's story is a shining example of storytelling in the gaming medium, offering players a compelling journey through themes of identity, community, and the human experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics praise Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector for its innovative gameplay mechanics like dice rolls and active abilities, offering a strategic and engaging player experience. However, some reviewers criticize its slow pace and disconnect between mechanics and storytelling. Overall, the game's mixed but generally positive reception lauds its diverse activities and challenging gameplay that blend RPG elements with video game mechanics for an immersive celestial journey.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The Gameplay of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector has received praise from multiple critics for its engaging and strategic decision-making mechanics. Critics like But Why Tho? and PCGamesN commend the game for introducing new gameplay elements such as dice mechanics, clocks, and active abilities like Push, which enhance the depth and challenge of the player experience. The emphasis on player choice-driven gameplay, as highlighted by GAMINGbible, adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the narrative outcomes. Additionally, the inclusion of crew management, contracts, and resource management, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and GLHF on Sports Illustrated, brings variety and depth to the gameplay, offering players a diverse range of activities to engage with. On the downside, some critics, such as IGN and PC Gamer, point out certain limitations and criticisms of the gameplay in Citizen Sleeper 2. IGN highlights the slow-paced and repetitive nature of the gameplay, attributing it to the tabletop-inspired design that heavily relies on dice rolls and limited dice allocation. PC Gamer criticizes the mechanics for not fully aligning with the storytelling and lacking in pressure and challenge, suggesting a disconnect between gameplay elements and the overall player experience. While the game introduces new mechanics and challenges, there seems to be a consensus among these critics that certain aspects of the gameplay could be further refined to enhance player engagement and immersion. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Gameplay of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector are mixed but generally positive. The game is praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, strategic decision-making elements, and the inclusion of diverse activities like crew management and contracts. Critics like Stevivor and TechRadar Gaming appreciate the challenging nature of managing stress levels, dice rolls, and consequences, which add depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and alignment of mechanics with storytelling, the overall consensus suggests that Citizen Sleeper 2 offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that successfully blends tabletop RPG elements with video game mechanics, providing players with a rewarding and immersive journey through celestial missions and strategic decision-making.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics love the graphics of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, praising its stunning art design, detailed character locations, and unique visual style. While some mention areas for improvement like clarity in location descriptions, overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The game's intricate designs, immersive atmosphere, and artistic flair have won over reviewers, making it a visually captivating and engaging experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector are overwhelmingly positive. Checkpoint Gaming praises the game for its beautifully crafted locations and characters with stunning art design, highlighting the attention to detail and aesthetic appeal. IGN Deutschland commends the comichaft-abstrakt visual style featuring hand-drawn characters and atmospheric space station environments, which adds a unique and artistic flair to the game. TechRadar Gaming also appreciates the impeccably designed system with beautiful, dystopian cosmos and detailed map design, showcasing the visual richness of the game. While the majority of critics had positive feedback, there are some areas of improvement mentioned by Slant Magazine. They note that some location names and descriptions are obscured in the game, suggesting that clarity could be enhanced to provide a smoother gaming experience. This feedback indicates a potential need for better visual communication within the game to avoid confusion. Despite this minor critique, the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector remains largely favorable. In conclusion, the critics' consensus on the Graphics and Visual Design of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is predominantly positive. The intricate character designs, atmospheric environments, and unique art style have been well-received by reviewers such as PCGamesN, IGN Deutschland, and The Indie Informer. While there are some minor issues highlighted by critics like Slant Magazine, the overall impression is that the visual design of the game enhances the player's experience and contributes significantly to the storytelling and world-building aspects. The combination of stunning visuals, detailed designs, and immersive atmosphere has garnered praise from the critics, making Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector a visually captivating and engaging gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously rave about the exceptional Sound Design and Music of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, praising its ability to set the mood, enhance the atmosphere, and evoke emotions throughout gameplay. The seamless integration of music with storytelling and gameplay immerses players in the game world. No negative feedback suggests high quality and consistency, making the soundtrack a standout feature that enhances the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. But Why Tho? praised the soft and thought-provoking soundtrack, emphasizing its lasting impact on the player. IGN Deutschland highlighted the ambient soundtrack's ability to enhance the game's atmosphere by offering a range of moods, from melancholic to cozy. PCGamesN commended the immersive soundscape and synthwave score for effectively transporting players to different locations within the game world. The Indie Informer specifically pointed out how the audio design transitions between emotions, enhancing the player's emotional journey and complementing the storytelling and gameplay experience effectively. Checkpoint Gaming also lauded the fantastic writing, art design, and soundtrack, indicating that the music played a significant role in enhancing the overall experience. TechRadar Gaming appreciated the soothing atmospheric soundtrack for further immersing players in the game. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were no notable negative criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector from the critics. This absence of negative feedback suggests a high level of consistency and quality in the audio aspects of the game, as none of the critics raised any significant issues or drawbacks in this area. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector are exceptional and greatly contribute to the overall experience of the game. The critics unanimously praised the soundtrack for its ability to set the mood, enhance the atmosphere, and evoke a range of emotions throughout the gameplay. The seamless integration of music with the storytelling and gameplay was highlighted as a major strength, with critics emphasizing how the sound design effectively immerses players in the game world. The positive sentiments expressed by But Why Tho?, IGN Deutschland, PCGamesN, The Indie Informer, Checkpoint Gaming, and TechRadar Gaming collectively indicate that the Sound Design and Music of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector are standout features that significantly enhance the game's immersive and emotional impact.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. Positive aspects like diverse outcomes and character classes enhance replayability, according to GAMINGbible and IGN. However, concerns raised by some critics, such as limited personalization options and lack of consequences for choices, may impact replay value, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and PC Gamer. Overall, the consensus leans towards the game offering substantial replay value, with features like branching storylines and dynamic Contracts system praised by critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector are quite varied, with many highlighting the positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. Critics like GAMINGbible and GLHF on Sports Illustrated emphasize the game's high replay value due to the different outcomes, choices, and divergent experiences offered in each playthrough. IGN and IGN Deutschland also praise the game for its variety in character classes, crew systems, and difficulty levels, which enhance replayability by providing players with different challenges and decision-making opportunities. However, some critics express concerns about factors that may limit the game's replay value. Checkpoint Gaming points out the limited personalization options and infrequent gameplay sections, which could potentially impact the overall replayability of Citizen Sleeper 2. PC Gamer also notes that the lack of significant consequences for choices and the crew system not fully integrating with the story may hinder players from fully engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector offering substantial replay value. Critics like PCGamesN and The Indie Informer appreciate the multiple choices and consequences in the game, encouraging players to explore different paths and endings. VG247 and TechRadar Gaming highlight the branching storylines, crew interactions, and dynamic Contracts system as elements that enhance replayability. While Stevivor mentions the evolving narrative and consequences of choices as positive aspects, they also acknowledge that the constant feeling of failure may deter some players from enjoying multiple playthroughs. In general, the interconnected systems, narrative depth, and variety of gameplay experiences in Citizen Sleeper 2 seem to outweigh the potential limitations, making it a title that many critics believe players will return to for multiple engaging playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector has garnered praise from multiple critics for its standout features. But Why Tho? commends the game for its memorable narrative, engaging gameplay with resource management, diverse crew interactions, and impactful soundtrack. IGN Deutschland also highlights the engaging narrative, strategic gameplay, atmospheric visuals, and replay value, making it a compelling sci-fi RPG experience. The Indie Informer goes as far as describing it as a masterwork, phenomenal, evocative, and haunting, emphasizing how the narrative, gameplay, visuals, and sound design work seamlessly to create an immersive experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out areas for improvement in Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. PC Gamer criticizes the game for mechanics that don't fully align with the story and a lack of pressure, though they appreciate its ambition and emotional impact. Stevivor notes that the challenging and stress-inducing experience may not appeal to all players due to the difficulty level and constant sense of failure. These critiques suggest that while the game has strong elements, there are aspects that could be refined for a more cohesive experience. Overall, the majority of critics found Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector to be a very good game. GAMINGbible hails it as an exceptional game with an emotion-driven story, intelligent mechanics, and sumptuous writing, catering to fans of tabletop RPGs and narrative-driven games. TechRadar Gaming praises the well-written, immersive science fiction experience with a balanced gameplay system and a focus on community and hope. VG247 lauds the fantastic storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and grounded approach to sci-fi, offering a compelling experience for players seeking immersive narratives and strategic challenges. The consensus among the critics is that Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector delivers a captivating and engaging experience, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector for its gripping narrative, engaging gameplay, diverse interactions, and impactful soundtrack. While some mention room for improvement in mechanics alignment and difficulty level, the majority agree it's a standout sci-fi RPG with masterful storytelling and immersive gameplay, making it a must-play for genre fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

83 reviews found

100

VG247

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is praised for its fantastic storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and grounded approach to sci-fi. It offers a compelling experience that resonates with players looking for immersive narratives and strategic challenges.

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100

TechRadar Gaming

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector delivers a well-written, immersive science fiction experience with a balanced gameplay system and a focus on community and hope.

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The Indie Informer

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is described as a masterwork, phenomenal, evocative, and haunting. The game's narrative, gameplay, visuals, and sound design work together to create a compelling and immersive experience that ranks it as one of the year's best games.

PCGamesN

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a sequel that builds on its predecessor's strengths, offering a deep and engaging experience with challenging gameplay and a rich narrative, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

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GAMINGbible

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exceptional game with emotion-driven story, intelligent mechanics, and sumptuous writing, offering a unique and engaging experience for fans of tabletop RPGs and narrative-driven games.

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But Why Tho?

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Memorable narrative, engaging gameplay with resource management and diverse crew interactions, impactful soundtrack, lacks information on technical performance and replay value

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Slant Magazine

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a compelling RPG with deep storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and rich world-building. Despite minor issues, it offers a unique experience that will keep players coming back for more.

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GLHF on Sports Illustrated

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is recommended for players seeking a great story with impactful decision-making and varied outcomes, offering a compelling and engaging experience.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector delivers a captivating experience with a beautifully written story, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, despite some limitations in personalization and gameplay frequency.

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IGN Deutschland

Jan 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is praised for its engaging narrative, strategic gameplay, atmospheric visuals, and replay value, making it a compelling sci-fi RPG experience.

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