While diving into Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, I couldn’t shake the image of a “whale fall,” where the massive carcass of a deceased whale sinks, nourishing deep-sea life. In a similar vein, the universe of Citizen Sleeper has undergone seismic shifts. Set against the backdrop of the colossal Solheim corporation’s downfall, this sci-fi tale unfolds in a world surviving off the wreckage of this corporate behemoth. It’s a society that thrives by scavenging the remnants of a bygone empire, with each survivor’s story a thread in a sprawling tapestry woven from the ruins of a leviathan.
Initially, as an aficionado of the original Citizen Sleeper, I questioned the need for a sequel; the first game seemed to be a closed chapter. However, it turns out there was a wealth of stories left to uncover, and I quickly found myself enthralled once again by this harsh yet enchanting transhumanist landscape. When the game concluded, I felt a pang of sadness. Much like its predecessor, Citizen Sleeper 2 is introspective, thought-provoking, and thoroughly captivating.
Playing as a Sleeper — a human consciousness enmeshed in a construct of cables, metal, and synthetic flesh — you’re thrust into existence with only your long-term memories intact, while the short-term ones slip through the cracks. Soon, you’re plunged into a chaotic whirlwind, finding yourself once more on the lam, this time from a “friend” turned foe. Apparently, space gangs aren’t keen on their members seeking bodily autonomy.
Forced into a life on the run, you subsist on gig work and luck of the dice. Narratively rich text guides your journey, painting your Sleeper’s sensory experience with vivid detail. Visually, you’re limited to exterior views and clickable markers that open event scenes on a map. The RPG elements revolve around a dice system — five dice determine your actions each cycle, pressing forward objectives with each roll. Higher numbers yield better outcomes, emphasizing the necessity of energy and funds, making freelance jobs essential.
Unlike the original game, where familiarity with your surroundings bred a sense of security, Citizen Sleeper 2 dispels this comfort. Your Sleeper must constantly hop from one location to another, lest they’re discovered. The debut’s singular space station setting has expanded into the Belt, requiring perpetual motion to evade your pursuers.
Citizen Sleeper 2 cranks up the tension from the start, introducing a critical sense of urgency. Gone are the days where comfort could be easily achieved. Right off the bat, the game challenges you with the unexpected, as my shipmate shook me awake with a dire “we’re in trouble.” The journey is relentless, thrusting you into a state of constant struggle.
The thrill extends to its revamped systems, with Contracts representing a major new element — high-stakes missions with time constraints where you must recruit a crew, each member contributing their unique abilities and dice to the cause.
Navigating these missions is a balancing act, as failed skill checks elevate stress levels. Overstressed crew members bow out, and if your Sleeper overextends, it could incapacitate their dice until repaired. Nonetheless, these intricately designed contracts provide electrifying fun, making even a slight risk an adrenaline surge. It’s a tension-filled dance, a feat of strategic dice-handling and crisis management, with persistent risk in every move, leading to bolder gambles than I ever dared in the first installment.
Choosing a crew is vital. Complementing your Sleeper’s RPG-style class requires filling in skill gaps, necessitating the support of allies for what you lack. Characters evolve beyond mere utilities as their rich backstories unfold, turning your ship into a refuge for kindred spirits navigating the unpredictable Belt.
An occasional brush with familiar characters from the first game adds a nostalgic touch, albeit tinged with the sorrow of their evident hardening over the years — a stark reminder of the often harsh reality imposed by unchecked corporate capitalism.
This emotional depth extends through Citizen Sleeper 2’s superb writing, consistently rich and evocative. Gareth Damian Martin crafts a vivid tableau where even mechanized surroundings pulse with life. The narrative shines, making even the consequential detours in the storyline fascinating, with episodes ranging from asteroid mining catastrophes to establishing colonies on celestial bodies — an exhilarating narrative journey.
A standout subplot involves Serafin, who shares a past with the Sleeper unbeknownst to them due to their amnesia. This poignant storyline threads personal loss and connection through the broader themes of transformation and rebirth within the universe.
The game’s writing flawlessly resurfaces themes of change and renewal, infusing its sci-fi setting with authentic human stories. Devoid of grandiose spectacles, its grounded narrative resonates, prioritizing the tales of everyday survival over epic heroics. This unique focus saunters away from the glamor of high-profile titles, instead celebrating the intricate narratives woven by ordinary lives scattered across the vast asteroid belt. For those seeking substance over spectacle, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector promises an extraordinary start to the gaming year.
Available on PC, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5 on January 31, this review was penned based on a PC version provided by the publisher.
