StarDrive 2
| StarDrive 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Zero Sum Games |
| Publisher(s) | Iceberg Interactive |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Release | April 9, 2015 |
| Genre(s) | 4X |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
StarDrive 2 is a 4X video game developed by Zero Sum Games. It is the sequel to StarDrive. Iceberg Interactive released it in 2015.
Gameplay
[edit]StarDrive 2 has gameplay similar to Master of Orion II.[1] Players choose a race, build a space empire, and conquer the rest of the galaxy. Races can be customized using a system similar to character points, where selecting powerful advantages needs to be offset by taking penalties.[2] The game is turn-based except during space battles. When invading a planet, players engage in a turn-based tactics minigame where their soldiers fight against the planet's defenders.[3] Diplomacy between empires is limited by what the populations will allow, and populations can grow xenophobic if they feel too much trade has taken place, leading to war.[2] Each time the player makes a research breakthrough, they are presented with several choices of technologies. They may only choose one at each breakthrough, and the ones not chosen become unavailable except through trade or spying.[2]
Development
[edit]Iceberg Interactive released the game on April 9, 2015.[4]
Reception
[edit]StarDrive 2 received mixed reviews on Metacritic.[5] Leif Johnson of PC Gamer wrote, "Both land and space combat lack punch, but there's a fun if predictable 4X game waiting underneath."[3] Nick Capozzoli of GameSpot wrote that the game's 4X core is competent but has been done better by other games.[2] In his review for IGN, Rob Zacny wrote, "StarDrive 2's ship building is top notch, but the flawed game surrounding it keeps it from ever truly shining."[4] Although he praised the game's ship combat, Fraser Brown of PCGamesN criticized its "annoying tone, eccentric AI and the shallowness of the empire management".[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Brown, Fraser (2015-04-17). "StarDrive 2 review". PCGamesN. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b c d Capozzoli, Nick (2015-05-13). "StarDrive 2 Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b Johnson, Leif (2015-04-28). "StarDrive 2 review". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b Zacny, Rob (2015-04-20). "StarDrive 2 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ "StarDrive 2 (PC)". Metacritic. Retrieved 2022-04-01.