Today, the sequel Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is released, offering an expanded and more engaging gameplay that deepens the mechanics and story elements of the popular RPG inspired by tabletop games.

What is Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector?

In Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, players once again take on the role of a Sleeper—a digitized human consciousness housed in a synthetic body—who tries to escape enslavement and find a place in a harsh world.

Unlike the first game, where the struggle for survival took place on a single space station, in the sequel, the protagonist is constantly on the run from Lane, a ruthless gang leader who will stop at nothing to capture him.

The only means of escape is a stolen ship, forcing players to carefully balance their survival needs—food, fuel, and stress management—while traveling through a network of stations, asteroids, and abandoned space objects. The chase dynamic adds a sense of constant danger, necessitating strategic decisions: when to leave a location and where to seek refuge.

Enhanced Mechanics and New Challenges

The game retains its core tabletop mechanics using six-sided dice that determine the success of actions each cycle: from gathering resources and hacking systems to negotiating with factions. However, Starward Vector introduces new elements, including Contracts—timed missions that require thoughtful team selection for successful completion.

Team recruitment has become another key innovation. Exploring the Belt, players can meet characters like data extractor Juni or aeromotorcycle courier Cadet. Each has unique skills and adds their own dice to complete contracts, but their stress levels must be managed to keep them in the game.

An important change is the Thrust System, which allows rerolling low dice at the cost of increased stress levels. Additionally, Glitch Dice have been introduced—risky rolls that can result in either maximum or minimum outcomes, adding even more tension to every choice.

A Deep, Emotional, and Meaningful Story

Despite mechanical enhancements, the main strength of Citizen Sleeper 2 remains its narrative. The game continues the tradition of deep, human stories revealed through numerous encounters. There are workers struggling against corporate oppression and wanderers searching for their place in the world.

The game masterfully explores themes of transhumanism, capitalism, and survival, often drawing parallels with real social issues. As in the first part, the text descriptions captivate with their detail, making the player feel the weight of each decision—whether to risk a partner's life for a profitable contract or sacrifice resources to help a suffering community.

A More Extensive and Challenging Game

While Citizen Sleeper 2 enhances the world and mechanics of the first part, it also significantly complicates the gameplay. Resource scarcity, the risk of losing dice due to stress, and the constant threat from Lane force players to act cautiously. Some newcomers may find the learning curve too steep, especially if they haven't played the first part.

However, for those willing to accept this challenge, Starward Vector offers one of the most captivating sci-fi RPG experiences of recent times. The minimalist interface, beautifully illustrated characters, and atmospheric sound design strike a balance between meditative and intense gameplay.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is available on PC, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Depending on your region, the game may already be available to purchase and play, or you might need to wait a few more hours.