Review of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector — A Perfect Sequel

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Reflecting back nearly two years, one of my standout articles was an unplanned editorial about the indie marvel, Citizen Sleeper, a hidden treasure within Xbox Game Pass. Today, I am thrilled to explore and give my take on its sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, again under the creative direction of Gareth Damian Martin, the mastermind behind Jump Over the Age. In this sequel, Martin has honed both narrative and world-building skills, expanding upon the solid groundwork laid by the first Citizen Sleeper.

The sequel timing was almost perfect for my birthday — a fortuitous scheduling, had I not been preoccupied with reviewing Avowed. Yet, there was no way I was letting this gem slip into the abyss of my ever-growing backlog. Thankfully, Jump Over the Age ensures its presence in Xbox Game Pass, just like its predecessor, making it a breeze to play across devices—and even easier to recommend. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is shaping up to be one of my all-time favorite video game sequels.

A little about me: I’m Zachary Boddy, a gaming enthusiast and expert reviewer at Windows Central. Across Xbox and PC, I dive into diverse gaming landscapes from various creators, drawn particularly to rich storytelling. I value a compelling narrative over incessant action, believing in games that are built to linger in your memory.

This review was made possible through a copy accessed via Xbox Game Pass, independent of any input from Fellow Traveller.

So, what is Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector about? It’s the follow-up to the dice-rolling RPG Citizen Sleeper. This time around, you step into the shoes of another Sleeper in an evolving tale within the same universe. Created by Gareth Damian Martin at Jump Over the Age, Citizen Sleeper 2 expands the universe even further with Starward Vector.

To give some context: the setting follows the fallout of unchecked capitalism stretching humanity into the depths of space, yet leaving colonies ravaged by corporate wars. The collapse of a major corporation sets the stage for both Citizen Sleeper games, as surviving communities carve out new existences.

You assume the role of a Sleeper, possessing a human consciousness embedded within a machine. Originally frozen and emulated within a robotic form to pay off debts, you’re essentially enslaved by design. However, you’ve escaped, aided by a dubious benefactor who removed your tracker.

Yet, even this supposed ally betrays you, leading to a desperate quest for freedom beyond the reliance on the drug that keeps your mechanical body functional. During this tumultuous journey, your memories and psyche shatter, and you flee, seeking allies, answers, and lasting autonomy.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is out now for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. It’s also a first-day offering on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, supporting Xbox Play Anywhere.

Let’s delve into what’s good about Citizen Sleeper 2. True to the series, the writing is remarkably beautiful. The gameplay, rooted in a simple yet refined dice-rolling RPG mechanism, stays engaging.

The Citizen Sleeper games thrive in delivering exceptional writing and character development. Inspired by tabletop RPGs, they are more akin to interactive narratives than action-packed adventures. Your engagement comes from managing time and resources rather than conquering skill checks through quick reflexes.

Citizen Sleeper’s first installment hooked me unexpectedly with its blend of poignant narrative, intricate world-building, and artistic vision. This universe sparks deep themes like the essence of humanity and the shadows of the past.

Citizen Sleeper 2 builds on these strengths with rich, evocative prose that avoids feeling overwrought. While the story shifts in focus from the initial corporate escape of the original to the ensuing challenges of newfound freedom in Starward Vector, both games stand as testaments to excellent storytelling.

The game’s gameplay system sticks to its roots, yet it presents a nuanced approach to risk and exploration through a refined dice system. Removal of constant drug searching introduces a fresh strategy focus, enhancing the experience without undermining it. Starward Vector’s game mechanics show growth, with travel and contracts adding a layer of strategic depth.

Yet with its wider scope comes a slight drawback. The extension to more locations sometimes sacrifices depth, shifting the immersive focus away from centralized storylines. While Starward Vector expands the world, the intensity found in Citizen Sleeper’s more focused locales feels lessened.

A few technical hiccups and control quirks need mentioning, like occasional subtitling errors or controls that sometimes don’t align perfectly with console interfaces. These minor frustrations don’t overshadow the overall experience but are worth noting.

In conclusion, Citizen Sleeper 2 manages to captivate with its intricately woven story and universe, upholding the franchise’s hallmark of exceptional writing. While exploring these broader horizons, the game expands a beloved universe without losing its unique charm.

If you’re already enamored by Citizen Sleeper or enjoy immersively crafted worlds, this sequel is tailor-made for you. However, if text-heavy games aren’t your preference, it may not quite hit the mark.

Honestly, I didn’t anticipate delving so deeply. Despite its recent release, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector commands a rich discussion. It stands as a strong contender among my top RPGs, delivering an experience that prioritizes depth over spectacle, inviting players to weave their own narratives within a galaxy of possibilities.

Citizen Sleeper 2 is widely accessible across platforms and elegantly accommodated within the Xbox Game Pass library, alongside its predecessor. If you’ve not yet explored these captivating tales, now’s definitely the time.