Science fiction manifests profound, human thoughts and emotions through a non-human lens, and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector does an excellent job of embracing this idea. The game improves upon core mechanics of Citizen Sleeper while keeping the uniqueness of the writing and world building intact. Even though the game is still mostly text-based and can feel slow at times, the new overhauled survival systems, refined character class systems, and the addition of crew-based missions alter the deeply engaging experience in a way that makes staying immersed in the game easier than ever.

Gameplay & Mechanics

The RPG elements of Citizen Sleeper 2 remain rooted in tabletop inspirations like Blades in the Dark and Ironsworn, rather than traditional video game RPGs. Dice allocation remains the core decision-making mechanic, demanding careful consideration with every move. Unlike many RPGs where you can min-max your way to victory, Starward Vector forces you to embrace uncertainty, which creates some truly tense and rewarding moments.

The revamped class system adds another layer of strategy. I played as an Extractor, a physically resilient class suited for high-risk jobs but lacking finesse in more delicate operations. The dump stat mechanic, which permanently locks one of your attributes at its lowest possible value, was particularly brutal, adding an extra challenge when certain tasks only had one possible approach. Every dice roll felt meaningful, and the absence of a safety net made every failure sting.

The introduction of crew mechanics is one of Starward Vector’s biggest improvements. Being able to take two crew members along on missions, each with their own dice pools and specializations, adds a fresh dynamic to problem-solving. Missions now feel more like true collaborative efforts rather than just individual skill checks. However, resource management is more important than ever, run out of supplies mid-mission, and you’ll quickly find yourself in deep trouble. This added an enjoyable, albeit sometimes stressful, element to the experience.

The new Stress system replaces the original’s Condition mechanic, introducing a risk-reward structure that kept me on edge. Accumulating Stress penalizes lower dice rolls and can eventually break your dice entirely, rendering them unusable until repaired. This makes failures more impactful but also forces careful decision-making. I found myself in several situations where I had to push forward despite dwindling resources, adding to the sense of danger that was missing in the original game.

Story & Writing

Much like its predecessor, Citizen Sleeper 2 tells a compelling story about personhood, autonomy, and survival. Playing as a Sleeper a machine carrying the consciousness of a long-deceased human brings fascinating existential dilemmas that the game explores with depth. The overarching narrative of struggling for control over your fate in a world where others seek to own or manipulate you feels especially poignant.

The writing remains excellent, striking a balance between introspective character moments and engaging dialogue.Though not directly poetry, the descriptions are still fluent enough to prompt imaginative filling. The game further builds on the main themes of community and fellowship, ideas which are very relevant in today’s society. While the second installment does offer a wider framework outside of Erlin’s Eye, it continues to excel at personal, character-driven narratives. 

One downside is that Citizen Sleeper 2 doesn’t always excel in action-heavy scenes. Gunfights and daring escapes, while intense in concept, don’t translate as well through the text-based format. The emotional and philosophical weight of the story remains strong, but the lack of dynamic action sequences can make certain moments feel underwhelming.

Characters & World-Building

The new and returning characters help keep the game world alive. While some crew members, like the jetbike-riding courier Kadet, are entertaining, they do occasionally fall into familiar archetypes. NPCs outside of your crew tend to be more one-dimensional, appearing just long enough to leave an impression before disappearing. This gives the world a pulp sci-fi feel, engaging but sometimes lacking depth in character arcs.

That said, the game does an excellent job of making each interaction feel meaningful. Missions frequently center around forming relationships, making your choices and allegiances feel significant. The themes of cooperation and survival shine through, reinforcing the idea that no one can make it alone in this harsh universe.

Verdict

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector doesn’t drastically reinvent the formula that made the first game a cult favorite, but it refines and expands upon it in meaningful ways. The improved class mechanics, engaging crew-based missions, and heightened sense of danger keep the experience fresh. The reliance on reading and dice rolls may not appeal to everyone, and the pacing can feel slow, but for those who love deep storytelling and thoughtful decision-making, it delivers.

With its philosophical musings on identity, gripping sense of tension, and smartly reworked mechanics, Citizen Sleeper 2 is a worthy successor. It might not be a game for those seeking fast-paced action, but for players who appreciate rich narratives and meaningful choices, it’s a journey well worth taking.

Score: 8.5/10