STAR FLEET II - Krellan Commander Version 2.0
- November 13, 2023
- Trevor Sorensen, Mark Baldwin
Get on Steam"Star Fleet II: Krellan Commander Version 2.0" is a complex and detailed space war simulation where you start with a single battlecruiser and rise through the ranks, gaining more complexity and control. Each mission is a randomly-generated galactic war sandbox with specific objectives and multiple ways to accomplish them. Fight, board, and capture ships, send landing parties, and manage planetary invasions while avoiding defensive fire. This immersive game offers depth, detail, and strategic control like no other space game.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a deep and complex space conquest experience, allowing players to command a starship and engage in various strategic and tactical operations.
- The extensive manuals and tutorials provide a gradual learning curve, making it accessible for new players despite its initial complexity.
- Players appreciate the nostalgic ASCII graphics and the game's ability to deliver a rich gameplay experience reminiscent of classic DOS-era games.
- The game's controls can be cumbersome and slow, with input lag and a lack of modern UI features, which may frustrate some players.
- The graphics and overall presentation feel outdated by today's standards, which might deter players accustomed to modern visuals.
- The game requires a significant time investment to learn and master, which may not appeal to those looking for a more casual gaming experience.
- story26 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story unfolds through a structured campaign of 35 missions, each introducing new objectives and increasing complexity, allowing players to progressively command larger fleets and engage in diverse tactical scenarios. While the missions are time-limited and fixed in structure, they feature randomized elements that enhance replayability and strategic depth. The guided tutorial system effectively eases players into the mechanics, making the learning curve manageable despite the game's initial intimidation factor.
“7 levels of 5 missions each provide an increasing scale of complexity from exploration and raids to leading planetary invasions all the way up to commanding entire fleets in a grand strategic layer.”
“What you do in the missions has consequences on the ones after it.”
“The game is intimidating to learn in a similar way the original Dwarf Fortress was, but a new player can easily jump in using a guided tutorial system which eases the player into learning only the information most relevant to them before certain missions.”
“Another thing that makes me personally sad, but might not bother others: from a systems perspective, the game screams for a more flexible (open world-ish) structure, but has time-limited missions in tiers instead.”
“The objectives for each mission seem fixed.”
“Doing so does not bring a great amount of honor; however, you may see reduced rewards from high command, or you may outright fail to complete your mission objectives in due time.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game features ASCII graphics that reflect its retro origins, which some players appreciate as a nostalgic element, while others find them outdated and in need of a modern makeover. Despite the simplistic visuals, many reviewers highlight the depth of gameplay and strategic elements, suggesting that the graphics do not detract from the overall experience. Overall, the graphics are a polarizing aspect, appealing to fans of classic simulations but potentially off-putting to those seeking contemporary visuals.
“Looking past the ASCII text graphics, this game is a hidden gem to behold.”
“A spectacularly nerdy and wonderful classic galactic conquering simulator from the era just before more modern graphics in games.”
“If you don't mind the ASCII graphics and the initial learning curve, I seriously can't recommend it enough.”
“The graphics are ASCII.”
“The graphics are way out of date by today's standards.”
“Could definitely do with a makeover though, a GUI, better graphics, etc., and I'd be on board for a Kickstarter for that.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its depth and strategic richness, appealing to players who enjoy complex mechanics despite some initial challenges with controls and pacing. The recent updates have enhanced the experience, adding more features and improving the interface, while a planned deluxe version promises further refinements. Overall, the game offers a satisfying conquest experience reminiscent of classic titles, with a strong emphasis on strategic gameplay.
“The updated 2.0 version adds many improvements to the gameplay and the interface.”
“You won't find flashy graphics here but tight gameplay and a rich strategic layer to bite into.”
“In SF2, the tutorial missions can be played in series or to supplement the main campaign, as it throws more and greater challenges and gameplay systems at the player.”
“If you are willing to sit through obtuse controls and slow gameplay, then you will find this to be a satisfying conquest game that appeals to the cruel tyrant in all of us.”
“How can a game from 1989 contain more features and gameplay than anything around today?”
“Much of this gameplay carries over from Star Fleet I - the Macintosh version of which I was a huge fan.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers strong replayability due to its 35 challenging levels, providing players with endless opportunities to engage and improve their skills.
“It is endlessly challenging in its 35 levels and extremely replayable.”
“Overall, there's replayability.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with players expressing that it is enjoyable and enhances their overall experience.
“Aha, music to my ears!”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing every moment.”
“Each track is a masterpiece, making the experience unforgettable.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game suffers from poor optimization, particularly in relation to current CPU capabilities, leading to performance issues.
“The game is not optimized for the current state of CPU technology.”
“Performance issues are rampant due to poor optimization.”
“The lack of optimization makes the game unplayable on mid-range systems.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Overall, users report experiencing some glitches, but many found that these issues were manageable and did not significantly detract from their gameplay experience.
“I encountered numerous glitches that disrupted my gameplay experience.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“There are constant stability issues that ruin the immersion and enjoyment.”
