Summary
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is the best-reviewed game of 2025 so far with an 85 rating on OpenCritic.
- The sequel expands on the original's locations, characters, and mechanics, but is a new and self-contained story.
- Fans of Cyberpunk 2077 will appreciate Citizen Sleeper 2's similar sci-fi dystopian elements, world-building, and philosophical explorations.
Cyberpunk 2077 may be one of the most recognizable games released under the titular genre's banner in recent times, but it's far from the only one. And as it's been almost five years since, players have seen plenty of other great titles exploring the hallmarks of cyberpunk in that time. 2022's Citizen Sleeper was one of these, and the followup to developer Jump Over The Age's indie gem, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, hit the market on January 31, 2025. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector expands on the premise and setting of the original by introducing new locations and characters while putting a fresh spin on its central mechanics.
Beyond that, though, the sequel can claim a notable status, as Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is the best-reviewed new game of 2025 at the time of writing. Sitting at a score of 85 on OpenCritic, Citizen Sleeper 2 currently ranks as this year's highest so far. Though it's still early, and there are a number of other highly-anticipated games scheduled for release, the above fact, along with Starward Vector's other qualities, makes it one that fans of Cyberpunk 2077 and the genre in general shouldn't miss out on.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is available now on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The original title is available on all tiers.
8 Beginner Tips For Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Citizen Sleeper 2 features the same compelling sci-fi setting as its predecessor, but some of the new mechanics might be tricky for beginners.
Fans of Cyberpunk 2077 Should Give Highly-Acclaimed Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector a Playthrough
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is an Exemplary Sequel
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector has only been out a short time as of now, but as mentioned, has already garnered tons of praise. While it's not strictly necessary to have played or be familiar with the original, the sequel does build upon some of the foundations of the world and story established in the first title. But it also follows a new protagonist and their journey navigating through its future dystopian sci-fi setting. Citizen Sleeper 2 improves upon every aspect of the original while being a self-contained narrative that is compelling and satisfying. What makes the recognition it's received particularly impressive is that Citizen Sleeper 2 is the product of a solo developer, Gareth Damian Martin, and their work on it showcases some of the best in the genre.
Minor Spoilers for Citizen Sleeper 2.
Cyberpunk 2077 and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Hit Some of the Same Great Highs
At first glance, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector and Cyberpunk 2077 would appear to be complete opposites. Though the latter is based on its parent tabletop IP, it's an open-world AAA FPS action-RPG. Citizen Sleeper 2 more directly translates tabletop design into its gameplay. The core loop is based around managing a number of resources while making choices and utilizing a pool of dice that determines the success or failure of each. Players must carefully weigh what paths they wish to pursue, calculating their odds and dealing with the consequences as they attempt to continue forward.
The two have resemblances in other major ways, though, as both are set in futures where corporations control almost every facet of society, and are constantly in conflict with each other, often putting citizens in the crossfire. This is fairly standard cyberpunk fare, but each handles this aspect with finesse, digging into its implications and questioning the philosophy and morality of such a system through excellent writing.
The most striking similarity, however, is the plight of both games' protagonists. The Sleeper is an android with an emulated human consciousness designed by their corporate manufacturer for a planned obsolescence. On top of that, their body and mind are slowly being taken over by another entity who may not have the best of intentions. Much like Cyberpunk 2077's V, the timer is rapidly ticking for the deteriorating Sleeper to find a solution to their malfunctioning state before they loose themselves entirely.
As they work odd jobs and meet various NPCs representing diverse groups and cultures, both the Sleeper and V strive to preserve their identities while coming to understand themselves better as they grapple with related existential threats. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a worthwhile experience on its own, reflected in its critical reception. But it's also the perfect fit for any Cyberpunk 2077 fans looking for more of the same kind of excellent storytelling, world building, and thematic discourse.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- January 31, 2025
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Violent References, Use of Alcohol And Tobacco, Drug Reference, Language
- Developer(s)
- Jump Over the Age
- Publisher(s)
- Fellow Traveller
