Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is eagerly awaited as the follow-up to the beloved tabletop-inspired sci-fi RPG from the solo developer Jump Over The Age. The original Citizen Sleeper gained popularity among indie game enthusiasts for its innovative dice-based mechanics, which created an immersive experience reminiscent of gathering around a table with a dungeon master.
Citizen Sleeper received high praise for its immersive world-building and unique writing style. The narrative and dialogue unfold through rich, engaging prose, showcasing Damien Martin Gareth’s imaginative vision. Remarkably, the game captivates players without relying on voice acting or extravagant action sequences
Game Rant recently had the opportunity to explore Citizen Sleeper 2, and while we experienced a significant part of the game, our preview focuses on the initial hours. During this time, we discovered the game’s well-crafted gameplay loop and the interconnected systems that encourage players to embrace risk-taking.
Citizen Sleeper 2’s Core Gameplay Loop Is Surprisingly Tense
Citizen Sleeper 2, much like its first installment, revolves around the use of dice. While this concept might not seem revolutionary given the popularity of tabletop-inspired titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, the way Citizen Sleeper 2 incorporates dice is quite distinctive. At the start of each Cycle, which represents a day in the game, players roll their dice and use them throughout that Cycle, creating a strategic layer to their gameplay
In Citizen Sleeper 2, the situation becomes more challenging as the dice can lose health when rolls fail, especially when the Stress level is elevated. This creates a cascading effect where failed attempts can lead to even greater issues. The loss of dice slots is particularly severe, making it crucial to prioritize their repair
Citizen Sleeper 2 Is A Game of Cycles
In Citizen Sleeper 2, players face challenges that revolve around progressing Cycles, which adds a layer of time pressure to every decision. As the protagonist evades a cunning antagonist, the Hunt timer becomes a crucial element early in the game. Each Cycle spent in the various hub areas advances this timer, and if it reaches its limit, the villain will close in
In the early stages of the game, players typically find themselves in a new and unfamiliar hub. To explore this area and discover its various locations and amenities, players must spend dice on exploration. Each location features its own Cycle meter, which fills up with each successful roll, often leading to narrative events, the unveiling of Drives—quests in the game—or new resource opportunities.
Citizen Sleeper 2’s Emergent Storytelling Makes It Highly Replayable
After we’ve stocked up on supplies and received our mission, we set off from the base aboard our less-than-perfect spaceship, making our way to the target location. Citizen Sleeper 2 expands greatly on its predecessor, featuring a variety of hub stations and multiple locations to explore. Some of these spots are located in perilous regions, necessitating upgrades to our ship, which becomes essential for our advancement in the game
Citizen Sleeper 2 offers a diverse range of classes, each with unique attributes and Push abilities. Push abilities, as the name suggests, provide players with a strategic edge, though they often come with trade-offs. In our gameplay, we opted for the Operator class, which excels in technology and hacking but struggles with strength-related challenges. Our Push ability lets us reroll a die at the expense of stress, and the upgrade points we earned from completing contracts helped us manage that stress and enhance our advantages.
Citizen Sleeper 2 represents a remarkable enhancement over the first installment in numerous ways. The game expands in size, intensifies the challenges, and tightens its systems, creating a core gameplay loop that can lead to a meditative experience once players grasp its mechanics. For enthusiasts of tabletop gaming, quality science fiction narratives, and strategic decision-making, this indie title is an essential experience for 2025.