Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Reviews
Citizen Sleeper 2 is everything you could want from a sequel, building on its predecessor's strengths in storytelling and character design while also bringing new complexity to the dice and clocks that govern its capitalist dystopia.
More than its predecessor, Starward Vector is concerned with the relationship between the human soul (as one character warmly and plainly puts it) and its body, even and especially when that body doesn’t look or function how it’s expected to. More broadly, it’s about being a misfit in a world filled with other misfits and figuring out how to work together anyway.
Citizen Sleeper 2 shakes up its own already stellar formula in a way that’s fresh and innovative whilst also dialing the stress to 11. Its scope is larger and more ambitious but also maintains that fragile beauty of the world and its inhabitants. There's a lot to uncover here for new and existing players, but be careful, this time around it doesn't hold your hand but leaves you flailing around in space. But once you find your feet, you’ll find that you can never tire of Citizen Sleeper’s world.
If you enjoy text- and systems-driven RPGs, or well-written sci-fi in general, Starward Vector is a remarkable achievement as both game and fiction.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector follows on from Citizen Sleeper, but it keeps its distance. It's set in the same world, where the chilly vacuums...
Fans of the original will surely enjoy this — keeping what I’ve said in mind — while those that are intrigued by its concept should get out the original first. Engage accordingly.
Boasting a rich and imaginative sci-fi setting, stellar writing and storytelling, and addictive, choice-driven gameplay, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector improves on its excellent predecessor to deliver an even more memorable experience.
Like Citizen Sleeper before it, Starward Vector feels like a tremendous coming together in so many senses. The marriage between the original's core concepts and the new mechanics feels natural, while the motley crue you take to the stars with, their stories included, are an exceptional cast of characters whose place in my sleeper's own journey I'll never forget.
Everything that I loved about Citizen Sleeper is present here in Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. The music and art are as stunning as they ever were, the quality of the writing is exceptional and there is no shying away from complexity when it comes to the questions posed and the sometimes painful, but often beautiful conclusions drawn from them. While it doesn't engage with its core theme as extensively as I might have liked, I found myself enjoying every moment I spent in the Starward Belt, and I was captivated by everything I saw through the Sleeper's eyes.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector's true success stems from expanding upon its mechanical and narrative foundation without overriding its potent emotional connection.
Starward Vector is a confident, brilliantly written sequel that builds on its predecessor's deft ability to weave thematic and story threads through direct-feed role playing. Gameplay tweaks and the new Contracts system turn what could've been an overly familiar double dip into a follow-up that stands confidently on its own.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Stairward Vector represents a step forward from the previous game and once again adheres to the canons of classic tabletop RPGs. While this will please purists, others may have some impatience with the static nature of the action, which despite the additions offers little dynamism and a really significant amount of text.
Review in Italian | Read full review
An excellent sequel that improves and expands on everything its predecessor did
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a great game for anyone who appreciates a complex science-fiction universe, well-rounded characters, and existential musings.
In yet another great science fiction with deep humane themes, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector improves on what its excellent predecessor achieved and expands the campaign structure. This time, we travel to various locations in outer space in a ship, following Sleeper and his crew through an RPG with dynamic systems and vital choices. The cohesive sum of its parts makes this work a greater whole, one that is memorable and necessary for our times.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a solid sequel, but without the surprise factor of its predecessor, the end result isn't quite as compelling.
Review in Italian | Read full review
This is its greatest strength: once you've reached the end, you feel like there's still so much to discover about the characters and the game world, and it makes you want to play again. You wonder what might happen if you made different choices, at all levels, given the game system's ability to respond coherently and satisfactorily to your decisions. After all, isn't this the true essence of a role-playing game?
Review in Italian | Read full review
A masterclass in sci-fi storytelling. 8-hour core experience expands with multiple endings. Perfect for players who prioritize narrative depth over action.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is not a flashy sequel, but it is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant one. It improves on its predecessor in key areas while holding on to the narrative depth that made the first game so beloved. If you connected with the original, this one is absolutely worth your time.
If you're a fan of narrative games that challenge you to think and mull over, then Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is worth your consideration. It's a title that lingers long after its conclusion, and it's a perfect demonstration of narrative in video games.