Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector sparks constant reflection on the way we interact with others and the philosophies we choose as our driving force. Much like with its predecessor, the team at Jump Over the Age explores themes around precarity, capitalism, and solidarity, among others, as pillars for the sequel. The addition of a crew and far more punishing mechanics for the use of dice, however, emphasize the stronger need for communion. Even if the ambition behind these additions can sometimes result in the game stumbling upon itself, the protagonist’s constant need to rely on others, and vice versa, heightens the foundation of the first game.

It often loses itself in the long spool of its main quest, in the runaway passages that could have been shorter, and in the stories of characters who sometimes feel like they're hijacking your tale, turning it into a choose-their-own-adventure. But Citizen Sleeper 2 still manages to deliver some heartfelt moments in a sci-fi world that feels more colourful than the likes of Starfield (again), despite being the work of a much smaller team over far less time. It's finely made sci-fi, even if I still prefer the noodles on Erlin's Eye.