The first Citizen Sleeper landed like a quiet revelation. Its dice-based gameplay, deeply personal storytelling, and haunting cyberpunk world made it an indie darling. Now, solo developer Gareth Damian Martin is back with Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, and it’s clear they weren’t content with playing it safe. This sequel doesn’t just expand on the original. It raises the stakes, reshuffles the deck, and asks, “What are you willing to risk?”
The Dice Don’t Lie
Citizen Sleeper 2 is still about rolling the dice, literally and metaphorically. Each “Cycle” (a day in the game’s terms) begins with a fresh handful of dice, which you’ll spend to explore, repair, scavenge, or survive. Do you gamble a low roll on a risky task or save your precious six for guaranteed success later? Every decision matters, and you’ll find out rather quickly if you made the wrong one.
And just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, the game introduces a twist: your dice can break. Fail too many rolls or push too hard, and suddenly, you’re scrambling to repair your dice slots. A problem that can leave you limping through Cycles with fewer actions and more stress. It’s a beautifully cruel system, forcing you to balance short-term gains against long-term survival.
On the Run in a Bigger, Bolder Universe
The stakes are both personal and cosmic. Early on, you’re introduced to the Hunt timer, a constant reminder that someone very resourceful is tracking you. Each Cycle you linger in one of the game’s hubs edges you closer to discovery. Moving between locations resets the clock, but fuel and supplies are limited, and time never feels like it’s on your side.
The world of Starward Vector feels vast in a way the original didn’t. You’ve got a ship, a crew, and a galaxy to navigate. Hubs range from bustling settlements to desolate outposts, each with its own secrets to uncover. Exploring these places isn’t just about ticking off quests; it’s about piecing together a story that feels uniquely yours.
Teamwork (and Dice) Make the Dream Work
Your crew is integral to how you tackle challenges. Each crew member brings their own skills and dice to the table, and deciding who to bring on a job can mean the difference between a smooth operation and a stressful mess. It’s a system that rewards planning but never lets you feel completely in control. There’s always an element of chance.
Emergent Storytelling at Its Best
The writing in Citizen Sleeper 2 remains a standout. Through evocative prose, the game draws you into its cyberpunk dystopia, a place where survival is a gamble.
Your chosen class shapes not just your playstyle but your story, too. My intelligence-based Operator struggled in situations requiring brute force, leading to some creative (and stressful) solutions. Someone else’s Sleeper might smash through objectives I had to find alternative solutions to, and I always appreciate that in a game. It gives Citizen Sleeper 2 a lot of replay value, and the narrative unfolds organically through your actions, your failures, and the relationships you build.
Final Thoughts
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a masterclass in tension, choice, and consequence. It’s bigger, more ambitious, and somehow even more intimate than its predecessor. If you’re into tabletop-inspired games, sci-fi with actual heart, or the thrill of rolling the dice and seeing where they land, this one’s for you. Gareth Damian Martin has once again proven that you don’t need a massive studio to create an experience worth remembering.
Stay unruly.
Genre: RPG, Adventure, Indie
Platform: Played on Nintendo Switch – also available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Dev & Pub: Jump Over the Age | Fellow Traveller
Release Date: 31 January 2025
TL;DR Review
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Citizen Sleeper 2 takes everything great about the original and dials it up. With its expanded world, high-stakes gameplay, and top-tier writing, it's an unmissable indie gem for 2025.