Mini Review: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (PS5) - Don't Sleep on This Deeper RPG Sequel

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Version Reviewed: European

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector successfully builds on what was achieved in the original to deliver a compelling and challenging sci-fi RPG. It's a tricky game to discuss without spoiling things, but it's safe to say if you liked the first, you'll want to check out the sequel.

Playing as a sleeper, an android with an emulated human mind, you're on the run, with a friend and a rickety old ship your only allies. Set on the fringes of a galaxy that's in the midst of war, the atmosphere is fraught and tense as you figure out a way to keep moving and make some sort of life for yourself.

Much of the game is told via text which, fortunately, is very well-written. Save for some typos here and there, it successfully builds up a picture of the setting, the situation, and the characters around you.

Outside of that, you explore various locations, looking for potential crew mates and ways to gather money and supplies. Any interactions require a skill check, using up one of the dice you roll at the start of each day. The higher the number, the better your chances of a positive outcome.

The dice system is developed much further here; in addition to all the strategic decision-making you need to consider, you now must think about your level of stress, which can damage dice and even render them useless. Dice can also become glitched, giving them the worst odds for a successful interaction.

Contracts, special missions you'll take on throughout the game, are where the dice system's new additions really come into play. Stress can disable characters you bring along, and negative rolls may trigger countdowns, limiting how much longer you can stick around.

The pursuit storyline is a great idea that means you're forced to hop around to new locations, and it provides a great sense of pace and urgency. However, this falls away after a while, and you're able to roam more freely. Eventually, there's nothing stopping you from gathering all the money you'll ever need, which is kind of rewarding but neuters the game's knife-edge difficulty somewhat.

Still, the main reason you'll play Citizen Sleeper 2 is for the characters, narrative, and decision making, and it certainly hits those marks. The main thrust of gathering a motley crew and exploring a small slice of the game's universe is great, and with various classes and upgrades to choose from, there's plenty of reason to replay too.