58
It is difficult to grade Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. There are moments where you feel you have control of how you want to play the game and what you want to do, but so too are there moments where you feel you are just following along on a predetermined story, where the choices don’t matter, and the free agency you have as the Sleeper is just an illusion.
80
A worthy sequel that maintains a high level of story and art. Worth playing, even if, for some reason, you are not familiar with the first part.
90
It’s remarkable that Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector was primarily created by just three developers, with Gareth Damien Martin at the helm. Despite its indie roots, the game outshines many AAA titles. The narrative and world-building are strong, but what makes the game truly special is how its themes are integrated into the gameplay itself. Every decision you make feels important, the consequences of those choices stick with you, and its mechanics reflect the anxieties of living in a system that commodifies individuals. It becomes a deeply personal experience that constantly makes you consider, and sometimes overthink, your actions. Admittedly, the heavy reliance on text may deter some players, and the minimalist presentation occasionally dulls the impact of its more harrowing moments. Yet, beneath its understated surface lies a novel (pun intended) experience—one that digs into your skin and demands introspection.
1
I just don't get it, I play story games, I have no problem reading, I spent 5 hours on this game & didn't enjoy any of my time on it, that rarely happens, I'm not a picky person, & can find something I enjoy in everything, I found nothing I enjoyed or liked in this game.
7
As a non english native its always difficult for me to get into such text heavy games. But i forced myself and was rewareded with a fine game, though i have to admit, after games like Disco Elysium, which has btw the exact same ui layout for conversations, i must say the writing is okay to good, but actually missing some funny, exciting or just cool dialogues. Which also has to do with the characters in the game. They are also mostly fine, but not really great. I moreliked the stations to discover every spot and explore the "galaxy" aka the gameplay in this game, which of course gets a bit tedious after a while, but i still liked it.
One thing was absolutely great in this game, and this was the music. And since games rarely hook me these days i wanted to vote an 8. But again, luckily more to the end, but i just cant stand all these trans non binary bs in games. How did we survive as gamers at this point before all those lgbqt stuff was forced into games? And what bugs me the most with this, is that its just difficult and stupid to read. The first time i thought they were talking about a groupuntil i realized we are talking about one person who just uses these pronouns that are actually meant for something totally different. Its annoying to read. Its annoying that they use a word that has a different meaning usually(refer to a group). So its just a 7. I highly wanted to play the first One after that, but i read there are even more of these characters in it, so i'll pass. It could also be easily a 6, cause i think its not great to dont offer a proper translation. They made a french translation though, but what is with other languages, like german? But at the end it was not the most difficut english, so ill give them a pass for this. PS: The RNG in this game is horrible as well! It softlocked me in my first run. 25% possibly bad outcome in this game actually means more like 40-60%. its just ridicolous how often you get negative outcomes.
10
That a game is this stimulating with out a sword swinging or gun blasting.... It's been maybe decades since I remember enjoying reading this much. This is what Shakespeare would've done if he were born today...Incredibly well written, entertaining, and deeply soul-stirring
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Released On:
Jan 31, 2025
Metascore
Generally Favorable
85
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
93% Positive
38 Reviews
38 Reviews
7% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jan 30, 2025
100
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector tells a radical science fiction tale through an impeccably designed system and a moving narrative rife with themes that are acutely attuned to our times. This is bolstered by a crew of companions who are not only well-fleshed out but offer genuine support during crises - a predicament you’ll find yourself in frequently. The soothing atmospheric soundtrack doesn’t hurt, either.
Jan 30, 2025
91
Despite fundamental similarities between the two games, Starward Vector builds on its predecessor in a way that feels perfectly logical: a reframing and culmination of the design philosophy that defines the series thus far. You could easily look at screenshots of either Citizen Sleeper game and think them a niche interest, but I don’t think that’s true. It may resemble a visual novel in some ways, but the overall experience it offers feels like a full-fledged RPG. As long as you aren’t opposed to reading a lot of good writing, Citizen Sleeper 2 is an indie investment worth considering. With an endearing and well-rounded cast, tight and expressive game systems, and a visionary sci-fi world to get lost in, this is an early frontrunner for 2025 RPGs.
User score
Generally Favorable
66% Positive
51 Ratings
51 Ratings
21% Mixed
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
13% Negative
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
Nov 24, 2025
10
That a game is this stimulating with out a sword swinging or gun blasting.... It's been maybe decades since I remember enjoying reading this much. This is what Shakespeare would've done if he were born today...Incredibly well written, entertaining, and deeply soul-stirring
Feb 9, 2025
10
Captivating story! Impactful decisions. A 10 out of 10 soundtrack. Funny enough, our kids walked in while we were playing the game and my surprise over the next 2 hours we all played together and had such fun reading for different characters.
Jan 30, 2025
90
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is the perfect sequel to a great experience.
Mar 27, 2025
80
A worthy sequel that maintains a high level of story and art. Worth playing, even if, for some reason, you are not familiar with the first part.
Jan 30, 2025
80
Yet the characters are also the game’s greatest strength, and throughout they are expertly drawn, both literally (with comic book artist Guillaume Singelin once again providing some gorgeous portraits) and in terms of their compelling and heartfelt backstories. Despite its bleakness, the world of Citizen Sleeper 2 is full of compassion, and it’s a joy to return to the universe Gareth Damian Martin has created.
Jan 30, 2025
80
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a narrative RPG full of choices, risks, and survival. The dice and stress mechanic add tension, while the strong writing and layered choices enhance the story. Not for everyone, but fans of narrative RPGs will feel right at home.
Dec 16, 2025
58
It is difficult to grade Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. There are moments where you feel you have control of how you want to play the game and what you want to do, but so too are there moments where you feel you are just following along on a predetermined story, where the choices don’t matter, and the free agency you have as the Sleeper is just an illusion.
Feb 7, 2025
10
Starward Vector is an excellent sequel of the first game, the science-fi vibe well written RPG that one could expect. Soundtrack is nice also.
Jan 10, 2026
7
As a non english native its always difficult for me to get into such text heavy games. But i forced myself and was rewareded with a fine game, though i have to admit, after games like Disco Elysium, which has btw the exact same ui layout for conversations, i must say the writing is okay to good, but actually missing some funny, exciting or just cool dialogues. Which also has to do with the characters in the game. They are also mostly fine, but not really great. I moreliked the stations to discover every spot and explore the "galaxy" aka the gameplay in this game, which of course gets a bit tedious after a while, but i still liked it.
One thing was absolutely great in this game, and this was the music. And since games rarely hook me these days i wanted to vote an 8. But again, luckily more to the end, but i just cant stand all these trans non binary bs in games. How did we survive as gamers at this point before all those lgbqt stuff was forced into games? And what bugs me the most with this, is that its just difficult and stupid to read. The first time i thought they were talking about a groupuntil i realized we are talking about one person who just uses these pronouns that are actually meant for something totally different. Its annoying to read. Its annoying that they use a word that has a different meaning usually(refer to a group). So its just a 7. I highly wanted to play the first One after that, but i read there are even more of these characters in it, so i'll pass. It could also be easily a 6, cause i think its not great to dont offer a proper translation. They made a french translation though, but what is with other languages, like german? But at the end it was not the most difficut english, so ill give them a pass for this. PS: The RNG in this game is horrible as well! It softlocked me in my first run. 25% possibly bad outcome in this game actually means more like 40-60%. its just ridicolous how often you get negative outcomes.
Jun 27, 2025
7
The writing here is still as good as in the first game (which means that it's great), but the magic of discovering an entire new universe is lost as you're already accustomed to everything, and Starward Vector does not do enough to push into new territories. The music is great and a huge highlight of the game. There isn't that much to talk about regarding gameplay; the contracts are a good shake-up, but the system still feels incredibly monotonous and dull I preferred the less linear approach the first game had over the one fit ending we get here, but it isn't that much of a downgrade.
Feb 4, 2026
1
I just don't get it, I play story games, I have no problem reading, I spent 5 hours on this game & didn't enjoy any of my time on it, that rarely happens, I'm not a picky person, & can find something I enjoy in everything, I found nothing I enjoyed or liked in this game.
Feb 2, 2025
0
This game is too political. No clue why the dev changed it up so much from the first. Makes it a bit smelly. The graphics are decent though.
SummaryYou are a Sleeper, a corporate-owned android hiding out in the Starward Belt at the edge of the Helion System. After a desperate attempt to free yourself from servitude by rewriting the very code that governs your system, you are on the run with a malfunctioning body, a price on your head and no memory of your past. You stole a ship and... Read More
Platforms:
- PC
- Xbox Series X
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
Initial Release Date:Jan 31, 2025
Developer:
- Jump Over The Age
Publisher:
