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Almost two years have passed since I penned my spontaneous yet wildly popular piece on Citizen Sleeper, a hidden gem within Xbox Game Pass. I’m thrilled to say that now there’s a sequel on the horizon, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, under the expert guidance of Gareth Damian Martin of Jump Over the Age. Martin continues to refine their narrative and world-building prowess, crafting an even richer experience than the first game.
While the sequel missed making it as my birthday present due to my commitment to reviewing Avowed, there was no way I’d let Citizen Sleeper 2 gather dust in my ever-growing backlog of 185 games. Luckily, thanks to Jump Over the Age’s support for Xbox Game Pass, accessing this game is a breeze across multiple devices. It’s easy to recommend, as Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is fast becoming one of my all-time favorite video game sequels.
Why Should You Trust Me? Hi, I’m Zachary Boddy, a Staff Writer and Expert Reviewer. I’ve played hundreds of Xbox and PC games, exploring diverse titles from various developers and cultures. While action-packed games have their place, it’s storytelling excellence that truly captures my attention and heart.
This review was crafted thanks to a copy from Xbox Game Pass. Fellow Traveller had no prior access or influence over this content.
What is Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector?
Citizen Sleeper 2 follows the dice-rolling RPG formula of its predecessor but introduces a new narrative within the same universe, casting players as a different Sleeper. The universe of Citizen Sleeper sprang from the creative genius of Gareth Damian Martin at Jump Over the Age, further expanded with Starward Vector.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector delivers a narrative set in a world shaped by the long reach of capitalism, now fractured by corporate conflicts. Your journey begins years post-Collapse, in a universe where technology remnants sustain life in space. As a Sleeper, you are a mechanical being imbued with human consciousness, a byproduct of a previous life that aimed for something better. You’ve escaped a bleak existence but face new challenges in the process. With a liberator who turned tricker, you’re now on a quest for freedom and understanding of your evolving form.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is out now for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, also featured in Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass with Xbox Play Anywhere support.
Citizen Sleeper 2 Review: The Good
Citizen Sleeper game narratives are stunningly written, and this latest installment continues in that tradition. Grounded in dice-rolling RPG simplicity, these games are immersive text-based adventures reminiscent of tabletop RPGs. Your reflexes aren’t the key here; it’s about managing time and resources.
The first game captured my attention with its intricate narrative, compelling me to write about it on a whim. It translated a dystopian reality into a world ripe with storytelling possibilities, exploring what it means to be human through a Sleeper’s eyes. Citizen Sleeper 2 raises the bar with even richer prose, beautifully blending narrative threads that invite the player deeper into its world.
When comparing storylines, Starward Vector charts new territory by starting with an escape already completed, focusing more on the tumult following newfound freedom. The stories unfold at a different pace, but both weave tales that remain compelling long after the credits roll.
Gameplay-wise, Starward Vector retains the enjoyable mechanics of its predecessor but opts to refine rather than reinvent. Exploring varied locales, managing opportunities with calculated risks, and utilizing a dice-based action system continue to drive the experience. The introduction of mechanics like Glitch effects adds nuance, creating an experience that prioritizes thoughtful timing over constant stress.
Citizen Sleeper 2 Review: The Bad
While having a personal ship opens up exploration possibilities, it also diffuses the depth found in the original’s more concentrated locales. Jump Over the Age’s expanded universe approach offers a grander scope but sacrifices some intimacy in location detail.
Erlin’s Eye from the first game always felt layered and full of secrets. The focus on a broader universe in Starward Vector implies you get a taste of many places but may not develop a deep attachment to them all.
Moreover, Citizen Sleeper 2 isn’t without its rough edges. Some subtitles need polishing, and console controls can be unwieldy at times, leading to moments of frustration as players navigate the game. While I didn’t encounter any game-breaking issues, these hiccups are worth mentioning.
Citizen Sleeper 2 Review: Final Thoughts
This is a game for those who cherish rich narratives over action, willing to savor every word crafted in a remarkable world. As a sequel, it doesn’t require experience with the first game, although those returning will be pleasantly surprised by familiar connections.
Play this if you relished the original Citizen Sleeper or dream of slowly immersing in expansive worlds. But steer clear if text-heavy games don’t spark your interest or you yearn for action-driven experiences.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector deftly continues a fascinating journey initially begun by its predecessor. It bridges the desire for exploration and storytelling, embodying what RPGs are meant to achieve. It’s available on almost every platform and is included with Xbox Game Pass. If you haven’t tried the first installment yet, it’s worth your attention too.
