Choice of the Star Captain
- September 25, 2012
- Choice of Games
Get on Steam
Get on Apple StoreChoice of the Star Captain is the hilarious interactive science-fiction novel where your choices determine how the story proceeds. The game is entirely text-based - without graphics or sound effects - but powered by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
PC
Phone
Windows
Linux
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- The humor and personality of the story and characters, particularly the AI named Lloyd, are enjoyable and engaging.
- The game offers clear choices that influence the story, allowing for different paths and outcomes, including diplomatic options.
- The writing is well-crafted, with clever and funny dialogue that enhances the overall experience of the text adventure.
- Many characters are one-dimensional and static, lacking depth and growth throughout the story.
- The overall plot can feel uninspired, relying on standard sci-fi tropes and failing to fully explore its potential.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave players wanting more in terms of character development and narrative depth.
- story25 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The story features a military recruitment narrative set against a backdrop of war between humanity and an alien species, but it suffers from one-dimensional characters and predictable plot twists. While the length is considered appropriate and the humor adds a playful tone, character development is minimal, leaving players feeling detached from the story. Overall, the narrative offers clear choices and an engaging premise, but it lacks depth and emotional investment.
“This has honestly been my favorite space-related story from Choice of Games thus far.”
“The main theme that the story revolves around is contact with a spacefaring species, and the ending practically allows you to decide what happens: humanity wins, the aliens win, or an uneasy but prolonged peace is found.”
“The story isn't too serious, but more playful and fun overall, especially with the subject of war.”
“As a member of the military, you go through your recruitment and then a couple of missions where you learn about and can affect the outcome of the war between humanity and the uncreatively named 'blobs.' Along the way, you meet thoroughly uninteresting characters that are all one-dimensional and stick to a single trope.”
“Salizar, the high-ranking member of the special forces group that recruits you, is completely unbelievable as a character, especially given his role towards the end of the story that I will not spoil, though any keen reader will see it coming well in advance.”
“You can fully embrace and love what makes space opera a worthwhile and effective genre... or you can do what this game does, and tack half-thought-out sci-fi tropes on top of a stupefyingly standard war story.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting the clever and original writing that evokes laughter throughout the experience. The character of the AI named Lloyd stands out as particularly entertaining, contributing to the game's engaging narrative and keeping players invested despite potential disinterest in the war story theme. Overall, the witty dialogue and comedic elements are likened to classics like "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," making it a highly recommended choice for fans of humorous sci-fi adventures.
“Probably because I really enjoyed the humor and overall personality of the story and characters.”
“Absolutely hilarious text adventure!”
“Its smug comments and side-swipes are pure genius, incredibly funny and original (but with nuances from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game offers moderate replayability, allowing players to explore two distinct paths—pacifistic or bloodthirsty. With a rating of 3/5, players can expect to invest around three-fourths of a day to experience various choices and endings.
“Replayability 3/5 - not too bad, not too good; for its length, you can probably squeeze three-fourths of a day from the choices and endings.”
“In terms of replayability, it mainly diverges into two distinct paths: pacifistic or bloodthirsty.”
“The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying the game feel redundant.”
“Once you've experienced the main story, there's little incentive to go back and play again.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development is noted for its fair design, suggesting that characters are well-crafted and balanced, contributing positively to the overall narrative experience.
“The character development is incredibly well-crafted, allowing players to form deep connections with each character.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
“The fair character design ensures that each character has a unique backstory and growth arc, enhancing the overall narrative.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth.”
“I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired.”
“There is little to no growth in the characters throughout the game.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The graphics are considered secondary to the clever and humorous writing, suggesting that the game's visual presentation is not a priority for players.
“With writing so clever and funny as this, you absolutely do not feel the need for graphics and sound.”
“The graphics look outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed, making it hard to connect with the game world.”
