Drox Operative 2
- October 20, 2021
- Soldak Entertainment
Get on SteamDrox Operative 2 is a science fiction action RPG that lets you build your own spaceship and explore a dynamic galaxy filled with alien races. Make important choices that will alter the balance of power, negotiate or combat other space pirates and space stations, and upgrade your ship with new weapons and technology. Your actions will shape the outcome of the galaxy and determine the fate of the Drox Operative.
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Drox Operative 2 offers a unique blend of ARPG mechanics and 4X strategy, allowing players to influence the outcome of AI-controlled factions while engaging in fast-paced space combat.
- The game features a variety of races and ship customization options, providing a high level of replayability and the ability to tailor gameplay to individual play styles.
- The developer is actively updating the game, addressing player feedback, and adding new content, which enhances the overall experience and keeps the game fresh.
- Many players feel that Drox Operative 2 is too similar to its predecessor, Drox Operative 1, with only minor improvements, leading to disappointment for those expecting a true sequel.
- The user interface is considered dated and clunky, making it difficult for new players to navigate and fully enjoy the game.
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as balancing and item descriptions, are criticized for being poorly implemented, leading to confusion and frustration during play.
- gameplay84 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a repetitive loop that focuses on ship-based action rather than traditional nation-building, which some players find engaging despite its limitations. While the mechanics allow for various playstyles and emergent gameplay through random events and faction dynamics, many reviewers note that the game feels like an iteration of its predecessor with minor improvements rather than a significant evolution. Overall, the experience is enjoyable for those who appreciate the blend of ARPG mechanics and space combat, but it suffers from dated concepts and a clunky interface.
“To analogize: playing as a mere cog, getting to choose which machine I work for and which machine(s) I sabotage; all whilst acquiring upgrades and leveling up, makes for such an engaging gameplay experience.”
“Soldak titles lack the triple-A quality graphics other titles have, but this is entirely offset by offering a great gameplay experience.”
“The mechanics seem deep enough to allow for some serious theory crafting and tweaking to suit different playstyles.”
“The gameplay loop is somewhat repetitive; it's not like you get to develop a nation in the traditional sense, but having the scope narrowed down to one ship really lets you cut out all the boring stuff and get right into the action.”
“They don't really add anything to the game; anything sneezes on them and they die, and none of them have any unique mechanics that I have seen, so they have no real effect on game flow.”
“There are minor gameplay tweaks, but nothing revolutionary, which seems to be the Soldak motto.”
- graphics64 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received noticeable improvements over its predecessor, with enhanced visuals that maintain a connection to the original's aesthetic. While not on par with triple-A titles, the graphics are clean and enjoyable, contributing to an engaging gameplay experience. Overall, players appreciate the graphical upgrades, even if they acknowledge some outdated elements and a lack of next-gen polish.
“A very fun game, with gorgeous visuals, quick action, multiple viable builds and interesting loot galore.”
“But, this has noticeably better graphics, smooth gameplay and they are going to add to the game still and listen to feedback.”
“The graphics look like they've been sharpened while still keeping an appearance faithful to the first game.”
“If you can get past somewhat outdated graphics (although it is clean enough and quite enjoyable, just not 'next gen') and lack of information since the community is quite small if helpful - you are looking at the game that can suck you in for hundreds of hours easily.”
“Soldak titles lack the triple-A quality graphics other titles have, but this is entirely offset by offering a great gameplay experience.”
“The graphics at least got a small revamp (with new chuggy framerate drops haha), although I imagine Soldak simply updated Drox 1 to have the engine features of his previous latest game, Din's Legacy.”
- story56 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story in "Drox Operative 2" is highly dynamic and unfolds uniquely in each playthrough, driven by a mix of randomly generated quests and player choices that impact the game's 4X environment. Players engage in a variety of missions that can lead to significant consequences for the factions involved, creating a sense of urgency and depth that enhances replayability. The game allows for a rich narrative experience, where the player's actions shape the fate of the galaxy, rather than following a linear storyline.
“I don't think there are any other companies out there which take the approach Soldak does with such dynamic worlds and quests that actually need to be done and aren't just markers in some story.”
“The way the game unfolds its own story in each play session is entirely unique.”
“Like all previous Soldak games, a lot of the fun from Drox 2 comes from the story that builds as you play.”
“This is an incredible amount of overhead that also takes away from any potential of going on actual missions.”
“Ultimately, Drox quests will lead you to an end-game of the galaxy's arch-nemesis showing up for another shot at eating the universe.”
“This game isn't a game where you reach the end of the storyline and then you win either.”
- replayability16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability due to its randomly-generated elements, such as 'young races' and procedurally generated sectors, which ensure that no two playthroughs are alike. The introduction of a new skill tree system and various weapon types further enhances the experience, allowing players to explore different character builds and strategies. Overall, players consistently highlight the game's vast replay value and engaging mechanics.
“Unlocking randomly-generated 'young races' adds lots of replayability, trying to get the perfect mix of race.”
“Differences between the first and second game, there is a new skill tree system with 'class specific' skill lines providing a lot more replayability, and there's a bunch of new variations on weapon types; those are pretty much the only noticeable things.”
“As usual, no game (or galaxy) is the same; replayability is enormous.”
“Scratches the space shooter itch - and seems to have a lot of replayability with the different races, procedurally generated sectors, and real-time 4X game with the factions that shape the galaxy.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the game's grindy and repetitive nature, often feeling that it detracts from their enjoyment. However, some have found ways to modify the experience to reduce the grind, and the variety of races encountered can occasionally alleviate the monotony of the grind for better weapons and loot. Overall, the grinding aspect remains a significant point of contention among users.
“Are you tired of modern games' boring, grindy, and repetitive content?”
“I wanted to like this game, but it is extremely grindy.”
“And there is obviously the hunt for better weapons and loot, although it does not always feel so grindy due to the different races you encounter in each sector.”
- stability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while it runs well on low-end systems, some users have reported bugs with new features. Despite these issues, there is potential for depth and enjoyment.
“Despite the lackluster presentation, it runs great on my low-end Ubuntu laptop! This one might be a diamond in the rough - I hope it ends up having as much depth as it seems to have (it's my first Soldak game).”
“Some of the new features are currently buggy.”
“The game has a lot of stability issues that need to be addressed.”
“Frequent crashes and glitches make it hard to enjoy the game.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for being enjoyable and non-distracting, complementing the visuals effectively. Additionally, players appreciate the introduction of new tracks and enhanced graphics, which include improved shaders and layered spatial effects.
“Nice visual effects and music that you can hear without distracting you.”
“New music and improved graphics including new shaders and more layers of space.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect has drawn criticism for feeling like a minor update rather than a full sequel, leading some users to express disappointment and skepticism about the developers' intentions, though they refrain from labeling it a cash grab outright.
“I want to assume good intent, so I won't call it a cash grab, but it's super disappointing that this is basically Drox Operative 1.1, not 2.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization features a reworked skill system and a more generous early game, alongside slightly improved visual effects; however, it suffers from significant performance issues that players hope will be addressed in future updates.
“The game features a reworked skill system, a more generous early game, and slightly improved visual effects, although there are some serious performance hiccups that I assume will be worked out.”
“It's DO1 with a reworked skill system, a more generous early game, slightly improved visual effects, and some serious performance hiccups (which I assume will be worked out).”
