Slipways
- June 3, 2021
- Jakub Wasilewski
- 29h median play time
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Get on Epic Games Store"Slipways is a single-player Science Fiction Turn Based Strategy game with a good plot, great gameplay, phenomenal graphics, and a spectacular soundtrack. Experience the space grand strategy genre without micromanagement or a steep learning curve, where you can finish a run quickly yet still have a deep and relaxing experience. Colonize planets, carefully manage industries, and make long-term plans to make trade profitable, all without military distractions, for a beautifully replayable game."
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Reviews
- Engaging and addictive gameplay that combines puzzle and strategy elements.
- Short play sessions (30-60 minutes) make it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
- High replayability due to randomized maps, technologies, and council perks.
- Heavy reliance on RNG can lead to frustrating runs where viable options are scarce.
- The campaign mode is currently limited, with only a few missions available.
- Some players may find the learning curve steep and the tutorial insufficient.
- gameplay312 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Slipways is characterized by its blend of simple mechanics and deep strategic elements, focusing on space exploration and resource management through puzzle-like trade route optimization. Players can quickly grasp the core mechanics, but mastering the game requires significant trial and error, with procedural generation ensuring high replayability and unique experiences in each run. While the game offers a satisfying loop of connecting planets and fulfilling their needs, some players find the reliance on RNG and the potential for frustrating dead ends to be drawbacks, though many appreciate the engaging and addictive nature of the gameplay.
“An amazing combination of space exploration, puzzle game mechanics with world building.”
“This game's mechanics really scratch the 'optimizer' itch in the brain, and the way the game gently forces you to take leaps of faith and lock in decisions is a really clever balance that doesn't feel bad, but also encourages you to not *over* optimize everything.”
“Slipways is simple, you'll likely have a grasp on all the main mechanics in the first ten minutes, but there is a surprising amount of depth to unearth and the longer you play the more you realize that planning multiple moves ahead is key to survival.”
“The gameplay loop is too simple and tight - explore, connect what works, ignore what doesn't, and repeat.”
“The mechanics are elegant, but currently there is not enough depth or variety.”
“Tldr: there's a fun game in there somewhere, but core game mechanics are currently broken due to bad game design decisions.”
- replayability136 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, primarily due to its procedurally generated maps, randomized tech trees, and various game modes, including a campaign and endless mode. Players appreciate the diversity of strategies and mechanics that keep each run feeling unique, making it engaging for both casual and strategic gameplay. While some find the score-based nature less compelling, the overall consensus is that the game offers a wealth of replay value, ensuring players can enjoy it for years to come.
“It's almost infinitely replayable as it's procedurally generated and you can also add quirks to a standard run to change the mechanics.”
“There's enough variety and randomness that no two games play the same, which adds a lot of replay value.”
“The game has substantial complexity and replayability.”
“The biggest drawback is that it's score-based, meaning most of the replay value is arcade-like, which I've never found very compelling.”
“However, I cannot find a lot of replayability for myself after the first 6 hours or so.”
“At first glance, this looks like it might not have much replayability.”
- story124 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as minimal and somewhat lacking in depth, with a campaign mode that introduces unique challenges and light narrative elements tied to each mission. While players appreciate the integration of story into gameplay, many feel that the campaign is limited, with only a few missions available at launch and a reliance on random elements that can hinder progress. Overall, the storyline adds some flavor to the puzzle mechanics, but it is not the primary focus of the game.
“This is a great puzzle game and the campaign's storyline is well integrated and introduces many interesting gameplay modifiers!”
“A unique resource that must be collected, a unique scanner that supplements your uncharacteristically-weakened probes, etc. the overall game is the same, but you're forced to adapt in a specific way to compensate for each mission's special curveball, and there's a narrative throughline that ties the missions together.”
“Campaign gives you a story, where each exploration has unique challenges.”
“There's no story, no lore, no real sense of purpose or progress, more like playing Minesweeper.”
“The campaign mode is (as of this writing) limited to three missions and totally unfinished.”
“Unfortunately, only 4 missions are available at the time of release and that's my only disappointment.”
- music78 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its soothing, atmospheric quality that enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for relaxation and focus during gameplay. Many reviewers noted the soundtrack's ability to adapt and grow with the player's progress, although some expressed a desire for more variety to prevent repetitiveness over long play sessions. Overall, the combination of beautiful visuals and a fitting soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“What surprised me about this game was its amazing soundtrack which seems to react to the progress you make during a game.”
“The music is perfect for a relaxing puzzle/strategy game.”
“The soundtrack and sound effects are very good and fit the game well.”
“Unfortunately, games like these require you to make use of your +33 hours playlist, because of the many hours of gameplay, it's very likely the soundtrack will get old fast.”
“The music is soothing but forgettable, and there are alien noises, but no voices: just you and an expanding space, filled with planets to wrangle and connect.”
“The soundtrack is solid, if a bit repetitive.”
- graphics75 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their quality and aesthetic appeal, with many reviewers highlighting the beautiful artwork, crisp user interface, and how well the visuals complement the game's theme. Players appreciate the relaxing and immersive atmosphere created by the combination of graphics and sound, noting that the visuals enhance the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics are described as polished, attractive, and integral to the game's charm and replayability.
“The graphics, music, feel, just the whole vibe of this game is so fun and relaxing.”
“Not only are the graphics and artwork very well done, the UI is crisp and responsive as well.”
“The visuals are great, the soundtrack is wonderful, and ultimately the game is easily worth the price of admission.”
“Much like Battle Brothers, you should not be fooled by the phone game graphics.”
“Visuals are pretty but nothing is getting in the way.”
“I expected a 4x game given the visuals, though the description and other reviews indicated otherwise.”
- optimization38 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth performance and excellent UI responsiveness, with players reporting minimal frame stutters and no significant glitches. It offers a deep and engaging optimization puzzle experience, emphasizing resource management and strategic planning, though it may not cater to those seeking a systematic learning curve. The randomized setups and varied gameplay phases keep the experience fresh and enjoyable for fans of the genre.
“Excellent multivariate optimization simulator.”
“Relaxing and fun resource optimization game with a lot of depth.”
“Fantastic if you want a puzzle game that's simple on the surface with lots of potential for optimization.”
“Optimization only starts once you've explored your surroundings, but the decisions you have to make in order to explore also involve cutting off large amounts of options and strategies.”
“This game is certainly not optimized towards a systematic learning curve experience; instead, you find yourself standing before a mountain overgrown with confusing jungle.”
“Not enough linking and optimization for flow, so just not enjoyable.”
- grinding14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- -14 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The game's approach to grinding is mixed; while it aims to eliminate tedious micromanagement typical of 4x games, players report that it introduces new frustrations, such as the need to frequently restart due to poor planning and the challenge of managing resources effectively. Some find the gameplay rewarding and satisfying, particularly for those who dislike traditional fleet battles, but others feel it can become grindy and repetitive, especially when searching for specific resources or dealing with layout issues. Overall, the experience can vary significantly based on player preferences for strategy and management complexity.
“There are no small units to move around, no tedious production queues to manage.”
“The grinding in this game feels rewarding and engaging, making each level-up a satisfying achievement.”
“I appreciate how the grind is balanced; it never feels like a chore, but rather a journey towards mastery.”
“Yet it introduces an even larger number of tedious problems: rushing in will leave you in really bad shape really fast, therefore it is common that you have to reconsider a layout you planned multiple times, letting you start all over at zero.”
“Planets being barely out of range or blocking the key connection you needed for your strategy to work can become frustrating in the early game and tedious in the late game.”
“This leads to the crux of the gameplay being starting new saves, playing a few turns, then abandoning them in a grindy search for the rare 52-card sector.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Slipways is characterized by its relaxing music and polished visuals, creating an immersive space exploration experience that allows players to unwind while engaging in strategic gameplay. Reviewers appreciate the game's clever design and beautiful presentation, which enhance the overall ambiance without overwhelming players, making it accessible for those who may find traditional 4X games daunting. The combination of soothing elements and engaging mechanics contributes to a captivating and enjoyable atmosphere.
“All of this while winding down and forgetting the hours you play in a soothing space exploration atmosphere with wonderful music and super polished visuals.”
“The presentation with the art and UI makes the game easy to understand what is going on, and there are tons of cool small details that add to the atmosphere.”
“It gives you all the vibes and atmosphere of bigger space 4X games without any real learning curve to reckon with, which is great for people like me who get anxiety sweats from 4X games and aren't always in the mood for a marathon session, but still want the immersion.”
- stability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its exceptional stability, functioning flawlessly right from the start with no bugs or glitches reported. Users have experienced smooth mechanics and consistent performance, highlighting the developers' commendable effort in delivering a polished product amidst a landscape of often incomplete games.
“Works 'straight out of the box' with no messing around and appears to be completely bug-free!”
“All handles smoothly, sharply, and bug-free.”
“Good mechanics, and I've had no glitches or performance loss in 3 hours.”
“The developers deserve a heads-up here, especially in times of incomplete and buggy games.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and disconnections, which ruined my gaming experience.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its self-awareness and the amusing contrast between player experiences and negative reviews, particularly regarding the presence of an undo feature. Players find the game's text and images entertaining, often laughing at the absurdity of misunderstandings, which adds to the overall enjoyment.
“I found that funny.”
“However, I'm still laughing at the negative review that says there's no undo feature -- the undo button is very clearly mentioned in the tutorial, and I use it all the time.”
“And it's never a mystery of why something failed or didn't work; it's all right there in front of you, laughing in your face.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a positive and wholesome portrayal of commerce, evoking feelings of warmth and optimism in players.
