Startopia

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 74
  3. Negative: 6 out of 74
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  1. GrantC.
    Aug 15, 2001
    10
    It looks like someone put a lot of effort in to this game. It also looks like they really had a thing for space.
  2. lane725
    May 31, 2011
    9
    Amazing Sim/RTS. So much fun and personality. Two minor problems for me: steep learning curve (the manual is useless) and, like many of these earlier types of games, no pause. Grrr... The world is so beautiful, sometimes I just want to sit back for a minute and admire it without pressure. 10 years later and this game makes most other games of it's type look like amateur hour. FairlyAmazing Sim/RTS. So much fun and personality. Two minor problems for me: steep learning curve (the manual is useless) and, like many of these earlier types of games, no pause. Grrr... The world is so beautiful, sometimes I just want to sit back for a minute and admire it without pressure. 10 years later and this game makes most other games of it's type look like amateur hour. Fairly deep strategy and wonderful personality. I actually had more success learning and enjoying the game by starting in on a sandbox game rather than the 'tutorial' missions -- just set everything on easy and it's a great way to learn. ("easy' settings were in patch 1.1 I believe).… Expand
  3. Ade_the_Rare
    Jun 13, 2012
    10
    Very enjoyable, good humoured, aliens and robots with more character than most *people*... The level of space station management is perfect to engage the player and keep them hooked for many hours or enjoyment. Highly recommend.
  4. giskarduk
    Feb 26, 2015
    9
    I love this game, I have had 100s of hours of out of it over the past decade and a half, even today I still play it through from start to end. I owned it disk, then got the digital version it from GOG and now it is on Steam too. There are few very space station games that are any good on the market and this ranks as one of the best. Many of the old Muckyfoot team came from Bullfrog andI love this game, I have had 100s of hours of out of it over the past decade and a half, even today I still play it through from start to end. I owned it disk, then got the digital version it from GOG and now it is on Steam too. There are few very space station games that are any good on the market and this ranks as one of the best. Many of the old Muckyfoot team came from Bullfrog and where involved with the Theme series back in the day. No idea what they doing now but i wish them the best. Excellent game with a great sense of humour. Recommended. Ages well.… Expand
  5. dsj556
    Feb 10, 2015
    1
    I am sure in 2001 this was an amazing game however it in no way stands up to the test of time. If you just saw this for sale on Steam just keep browsing.
  6. UncleChu
    Dec 10, 2010
    9
    One must expect issues in game-play when you pick things up nine years after their creation. However, Startopia's design is streamlined enough that when you DO have to micromanage, it feels tense and gripping instead of tedious. The game is gorgeous when you look at what it had to work with. I lost hours and hours playing this, mesmerized by the dropping energy levels and hoping that myOne must expect issues in game-play when you pick things up nine years after their creation. However, Startopia's design is streamlined enough that when you DO have to micromanage, it feels tense and gripping instead of tedious. The game is gorgeous when you look at what it had to work with. I lost hours and hours playing this, mesmerized by the dropping energy levels and hoping that my neighbors don't hack into my space...

    Anyhow, what a joy. The main game is only ten or so levels, and I was relieved to hit it and be freed from the compelling, addictive game-play. Bravo, Muckyfoot, you did well. RIP.    … Expand
  7. aeroplasma
    Aug 1, 2017
    10
    Amazing and unique game that still looks great today! The music is awesome, the gameplay is simple and the challenge is definitely there. Did I mention its also funny? This is one of the best games I've ever played and still come back to it at least once a year. Love it!
  8. Ekaton
    Jul 28, 2012
    9
    Humorous, complex and extremely addictive - that, in short is what good, old Startopia is. I can't think about better game of this kind and I still play it sometimes today!
  9. Ndi
    May 28, 2013
    10
    This game is among the titans when it comes to economic games. Excellent premise, excellent graphics, humorous, and, above all, incredibly complex.

    I'd give blood to see it updated or picked up again, alas, with the departure of Muckyfoot I am left with some W7 incompatibility. There is literally nothing that can be said about this game that is bad (except it sometimes crashes on    This game is among the titans when it comes to economic games. Excellent premise, excellent graphics, humorous, and, above all, incredibly complex.

    I'd give blood to see it updated or picked up again, alas, with the departure of Muckyfoot I am left with some W7 incompatibility.

    There is literally nothing that can be said about this game that is bad (except it sometimes crashes on W7). Everything is well balanced, sandbox is fun, challenges are fun, the amount of freedom is incredible and there are no two games alike, and ALL without needing an infinite universe like other games.    … Expand
  10. Type4101
    Sep 8, 2013
    10
    My favorite economic simulation game of all time. Fun on so many levels not seen in todays dumbed-down world of generic and unoriginal games. Try this game (even in 2013) for a breath of fresh air!
  11. animafan10
    Oct 12, 2013
    10
    Unique manager type game and this one really pleasant for me. I hope someday I can see a sequel or a similar game. I enjoyed the time what I spent to this game.
  12. Paralysekid
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    I find it really sad that today only few people remember this game, a lot of developers could learn from this great work, it's level of complexity is, at least for me, not comparable
  13. Exsosus
    Sep 21, 2014
    10
    If you liked The Sims, Simcity Series, or any other people simulator-based worlds, then Startopia opens new doors for alien simulation with great comedy and very very entertaining. I gave this a 10 - point rating after recently installing this on my new computer more than 15 years after its release! Runs on Macintosh also if you use help guides online!
  14. Babutto
    Oct 19, 2020
    8
    I had played the game when it was released. I enjoyed it because I liked both Bullfrog and Peter Molyneux's games.

    Pros.:
    - Music! The best thing in the game.
    - Gameplay is quite simple, but satisfying.
    - The concept of three decs.
    - The whole concept and design.

    Cons.:
    - The game is VERY limited. It has potential that feels very, VERY underdeveloped.
    - None else.
  15. MartyM
    Aug 5, 2001
    9
    This game is awesome. I often dislike RTS games due to teh rampant "mee-too"-ness of most of them, and tank rushing is getting old, as is follower-impressing. There's 10 missions, but some on, you're just jaded. This game is lovingly crafted and oozes quality. If you have a soul, you'll like Startopia.
  16. JonathanB.
    Jul 26, 2001
    10
    Spectacular graphics with a challenge of brains. Each race is needed to operate something so it makes it harder but funner.
  17. Hazzard65
    Mar 7, 2016
    8
    Way ahead of it's time. Startopia oozes charm. It's mechanics while familiar are a little dated but hold up well enough. The personality is what keeps you coming back. Between the wonderful narrator, the cute aliens running about and all the nice little interactions that your inhabitants have with each other and your facilities - the appeal really comes from a full station packed withWay ahead of it's time. Startopia oozes charm. It's mechanics while familiar are a little dated but hold up well enough. The personality is what keeps you coming back. Between the wonderful narrator, the cute aliens running about and all the nice little interactions that your inhabitants have with each other and your facilities - the appeal really comes from a full station packed with residents that you can just sit back and watch. There are downsides - it's clear development didn't accomplish what it set out to and there simply isn't enough content to fill a station - things run out of steam about halfway through a station build. It definitely needed more content and it's a shame the game was so ahead of its time because it would work perfectly with Steam workshop.

    It's not a perfect game but it absolutely makes up for it's weaknesses in pure charm and quality.    … Expand
  18. apokalipto
    Aug 25, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PC Game of 2001
37
#37 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. GameZone
    85
    There is a bevy of great characters that course throughout the game, making it ever intriguing and solid fun.
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  2. ActionTrip
    80
    Very playable and is sure to get your attention. However, the relatively small number of mission, and the occasionally dull atmosphere may cause that attention to become short-lived…
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  3. Voodoo Extreme
    90
    A game of amazing polish and humor, which translates into pure fun.
    Read full review
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