StarDrive 2

Stardrive 2 is an extremely ambitious title which I’d strongly suggest for fans of compulsively intricate gameplay. There are several different tactical genres in one here, which while varying in quality, are all filled with customization options and functional design. The only real downside is all this diversity can easily become too much for players not willing to invest the time and energy required to master Stardrive 2’s numerous mechanics over and over again. This is a very niche game, and it would take playing it to know if it’s right for you.

Despite the rough edges, though, I had a lot of fun with the game. It’s got a lot of character, it does a good job of streamlining empire management, and aside from a few visual quirks, it has a neat, attractive yet simple visual style that is very appealing. Sure, the AI can be a tad overzealous, and maybe the land battles should have been reconsidered, but those issues weren’t enough to stop me from enjoying my time with StarDrive 2. If you’re looking for a fun, clever little strategy...

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StarDrive 2 isn't anything but honest about what it is: it says, right at the start of the manual, that the goal is to conquer the galaxy. But the focus on extermination saps excitement and possibilities from the strategic level, and the tactical minigames don’t have the AI needed to make the ship-building system’s depth pay off. When betrayal and war are always inevitable, one game starts to feel much the same as another.

Sins of a stereotypical empire.