January 30th 2025.
Is it possible for a video game to be considered the game of the year before it is even released? Well, it seems that Citizen Sleeper 2 has accomplished just that. This highly-anticipated sequel to the indie hit has already been hailed as the first must-play game of 2025, and for good reason.
The original Citizen Sleeper, with its unique gameplay and slow pace, was a breakthrough for UK developer Gareth Damian Martin. It received four BAFTA nominations and even caught the attention of The Game Awards, though it was unfortunately placed in the "Games for Impact" category, where thought-provoking and unconventional games often go unnoticed.
Now, after several DLCs, Citizen Sleeper 2 has arrived, and it does not disappoint. It builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, but with added complexity and challenges. And let me tell you, there is no shortage of tension in this game.
For those who are unfamiliar, Citizen Sleeper is a tabletop-inspired role-playing game set in a sci-fi world. You play as a Sleeper, a human mind housed in an artificial body, on the run from the corporation that created you. In the sequel, you are also being pursued by a criminal gang leader named Laine, who has his own mysterious agenda for your synthetic existence.
Your journey takes you to the Starward Belt, a series of crumbling settlements on the outskirts of the war-torn Helion system. Rather than controlling your character directly, the game is played through an overhead view of a space station. And instead of traditional action gameplay, you rely on dice rolls to navigate through the game's various challenges and tasks.
These dice rolls are crucial to your success in the game. They determine your chances of completing tasks, such as working a shift or hacking a device, and also play a role in your survival. The higher the number on the dice, and the more relevant your character's skills, the better your chances of success. However, there is always a risk involved, as a low roll can result in energy loss, which in turn requires resources to replenish.
But that's not all. The sequel introduces new elements that add even more pressure. Your energy can run out, and if you fail certain tasks, a stress gauge will increase and slowly chip away at your health. And if you're really unlucky, you may even end up with a malfunctioning die, greatly reducing your chances of success.
These features serve as a death penalty in the game, with each failure resulting in a permanent glitch that you must deal with for the rest of your playthrough. And for those looking for an even greater challenge, there is an option to end your run entirely if you die, making each decision and dice roll all the more crucial.
While the original Citizen Sleeper was relatively easygoing in its difficulty, Starward Vector is not afraid to push players to their limits. But don't worry, there are still plenty of moments for you to immerse yourself in the cerebral atmosphere of the game. The increased difficulty only serves to enhance the role-playing elements at the core of the game.
Speaking of role-playing, the sequel does a much better job of truly immersing players in the experience. The original game had tacked-on character classes and skill trees, but in Citizen Sleeper 2, everything feels cohesive and purposeful. Every choice, whether in the dice meta-game or in the dialogue options, feels meaningful and has consequences.
The narrative of the game also benefits from the added intensity. As a Sleeper on the run, you are also dealing with the gradual deterioration of your body after an attempted reboot. This results in memory loss and other malfunctions, which you slowly uncover as you interact with other characters in the game.
And let's talk about those characters. They are truly the heart and soul of Citizen Sleeper. Each one is struggling with their own personal battles, just like your character, and they are all searching for meaning and purpose in the midst of a raging war. It's a poignant and at times, heart-wrenching journey, particularly in the game's final act.
The dialogue choices you make, which can sometimes be dependent on your character's skills, also have a significant impact on the other characters' story arcs. This gives players the incentive to replay the game with different character classes and experience the game in a whole new way.
None of this would be possible without the exceptional writing in the game. Despite being presented in a simple format with static character artwork and occasional white flashes, the writing is always purposeful and engaging. It's a testament to the game's ability to draw players into its world and keep them invested, even without flashy graphics.
In short, Citizen Sleeper 2 is a robust and immersive gaming experience that surpasses its predecessor in every way. It's more challenging, more meaningful, and more impactful, with a storyline and characters that will stay with you long after you finish the game. So, is it the game of the year? It's certainly a strong contender. But one thing is for sure, Citizen Sleeper 2 is a must-play for any serious gamer.
Have you heard of Citizen Sleeper 2? It's being hailed as the game of the year, and for good reason. This indie gem has taken the gaming world by storm with its thought-provoking gameplay and captivating storytelling. It's the first must-play video game of 2025, and it's not hard to see why.
The original Citizen Sleeper was a breakthrough for UK developer Gareth Damian Martin, earning four BAFTA nominations and a nod at The Game Awards. But it was often overlooked in the "Games For Impact" category, where unconventional games are patted on the head and dismissed in favor of more mainstream titles.
Now, after several DLC releases, the success of Citizen Sleeper has led to an unconventional sequel. It's bigger, richer, and more challenging than its predecessor. This time, you'll face not only the corporation that created you, but also a criminal gang leader named Laine who wants to control your synthetic existence for his own mysterious purposes.
As a Sleeper, an artificial being with a human mind, you'll navigate a text-based sci-fi adventure in the Starward Belt, a series of crumbling settlements on the edge of the war-torn Helion system. Instead of controlling your character directly, you'll play from an overhead view of a space station, making choices and facing challenges with the roll of a dice.
The game's tabletop-style gameplay is centered around a set of dice given to you at the start of each cycle. You can use these dice at various locations throughout the space station, such as shops and facilities, to progress the story or maintain your survival. The higher the number on the dice, and if your character has the necessary skills, the better your chances are of success.
But success comes at a cost. You must balance completing tasks with ensuring you have enough resources to survive. If luck isn't on your side, you may suffer energy loss, which requires supplies to replenish. And a new stress mechanic adds even more pressure, with every failure or depletion of energy resulting in a decrease in your health and a permanent glitch that will affect your gameplay.
The sequel also introduces contract missions, where you can team up with crew members you've encountered on your journey. These missions provide intense challenges, such as hacking into wreckage or racing against a rival ship to gather resources. Your choice of crew members is crucial, as they each bring their own strengths and weaknesses to the table.
But what truly sets Citizen Sleeper 2 apart is its exceptional writing. The characters you meet are the heart and soul of the game, each struggling with their own challenges and searching for meaning in the midst of a war. Your choices in dialogue and actions can alter their paths, adding replay value and depth to the game.
And while the graphics may not be groundbreaking, the music is top-notch, adding to the immersive atmosphere. Overall, Citizen Sleeper 2 is a robust and engrossing gaming experience, with its expanded scope and well-crafted mechanics. It's a game that will stay with you long after you've put down the controller.
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