Citizen Sleeper 2 was my most-anticipated game in January and it doesn’t disappoint

FEWER games usually launch in January as there is a lull in releases following the holiday period.

That’s why when I heard that the sequel to Citizen Sleeper would be launching in the first month of the year I was thrilled.

Jump Over The AgeStarward Vector asks you to choose your crewmates[/caption] Fellow TravellerYou will then take on contracts, which are the most stressful part of play[/caption] Jump Over the AgeYou will also make decisions that decide the future of your crew[/caption]

The first game is a narrative adventure set in one location, where you have several dice per day that you can roll to perform actions and advance the story.

The sequel Starward Vector is also a narrative where you roll dice to perform actions, but it plays completely differently.

It opens players up to explore the Starward Belt and the different communities that can be found within it.

Stabiliser has also been replaced by stress, which in turn can break dice and prevent you from performing actions.

One unlucky roll or poor decision can quickly snowball into disaster, and the Sleeper’s stress suddenly becomes your own stress.

In many ways the increase in tension from a higher likelihood of negative consequences, creates a more immersive experience linking you closer to the Sleeper whether it makes you feel good or not.

Citizen Sleeper’s strength is in the emotions it makes the player feel, and in this sense the sequel is stronger thanks to the increased tension.

I was often stressed as the game left me wondering what would have happened if I’d made a different decision, taken on a different contract, or invited a certain crewmate abroad.

The branching paths increase the level of replayability, and I already want to jump in for another session to see what could be changed.

Starward Vector offers more options than the original, with more varied narratives and outcomes depending on what you choose.

It bears only a passing resemblance to the original, and yet expands on the world with both new and returning characters.

The semi open world has more regions you can explore, while also making you more fearful of what you’ve missed out on.

Starward Vector is a rollercoaster with higher highs and lower lows than the original, and it’s stronger for it.

I urge you to experience just one of the Sleeper’s stories, even if it’s different to the one I saw.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector launches on January 31, for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

If you want to read about more upcoming games, check out our Assassin’s Creed Shadows preview.