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.
Reviews
- Deep and complex gameplay that rewards strategic planning and improvisation.
- Rich tutorial and manual support that eases new players into the game mechanics.
- Nostalgic charm with ASCII graphics that some players find appealing, offering a unique retro experience.
- Steep learning curve with obtuse controls and slow input response can frustrate new players.
- Graphics and UI are outdated, which may deter players accustomed to modern gaming aesthetics.
- Game can be prone to glitches and is not optimized for current hardware, leading to performance issues.
- story20 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story unfolds through a structured progression of 35 missions, each introducing new objectives and increasing complexity, from basic exploration to commanding entire fleets. While the missions are time-limited and fixed in structure, they offer a degree of flexibility in execution, with randomized elements that keep gameplay fresh. Players experience a gradual learning curve supported by tutorials, making the challenging mechanics accessible while ensuring that choices made in earlier missions impact future ones.
“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.”
“It's all progressive and the first missions will add complexity at a pace you can follow.”
“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.”
“What you do in the missions has consequences on the ones after it.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game features ASCII graphics, which some players appreciate as a nostalgic nod to classic gaming, while others feel it could benefit from a modern graphical overhaul. Despite the retro 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 seen as a defining characteristic of the game, appealing to those who value gameplay over visual flair.
“A spectacularly nerdy & wonderful classic galactic conquering simulator from the era just before more modern graphics in games.”
“Retro visuals aside (or maybe because of them, depending on your interests), the simulation underneath is deep and rewarding as you work your way up the ranks in the Krellan command.”
“I can only assume this is the best ASCII-era simulation possible, and the ASCII graphics are a boon too, not a detriment.”
“The graphics are ASCII.”
“This game just uses DOS and ASCII graphics.”
“Could definitely do with a makeover though, a GUI, better graphics, etc., and I'd be on board for a Kickstarter for that.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its depth and strategic elements, appealing to players who enjoy conquest mechanics, though it may require patience due to obtuse controls and a slower pace. The upcoming deluxe version promises enhancements to gameplay and user interface, building on the solid foundation established by the updated 2.0 version. While the graphics may not be flashy, the focus on tight gameplay and rich mechanics offers a rewarding experience for dedicated players.
“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.”
“One last thing: the dev plans on creating a modern 'deluxe version' with gameplay improvements/additions and modern UI and controls, so if you buy this game, you not only will have a lot of fun today, but will help in having even more fun in the future too!”
“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.”
“Much of this gameplay carries over from Star Fleet I - the Macintosh version of which I was a huge fan of.”
“The updated 2.0 version (programmed on a 486 by the original designer) adds many improvements to the gameplay and the interface.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users generally agree that the game offers a solid level of replayability, encouraging players to return for additional playthroughs.
“The game offers a wealth of choices that make each playthrough feel unique and engaging.”
“With multiple endings and diverse character paths, I find myself coming back for more every time.”
“The random events and procedural generation keep the gameplay fresh, ensuring that no two sessions are ever the same.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been widely praised, with players expressing that it is enjoyable and enhances their overall experience.
“Aha, music to my ears!”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive experience.”
“Each track is a masterpiece, enhancing the emotional depth of the game.”
- 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 leads to frequent frame drops and stuttering.”
- 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 overall experience.
“I encountered numerous glitches that severely impacted my gameplay experience.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“There are constant stability issues that disrupt the flow of the game.”
