Star Ruler 2
- March 27, 2015
- Blind Mind Studios
- 19h median play time
Get on Steam"Star Ruler 2" is a real-time grand strategy game that allows players to build and manage their own space empire. With fully destructible planets and a procedurally generated galaxy, players can engage in interstellar warfare, diplomacy, and research to expand their territory and ensure their species' survival. The game also features a multi-threaded simulation engine, enabling large-scale battles and complex political dynamics.
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Innovative and unique mechanics that differentiate it from other 4X games.
- Deep ship design and customization options that allow for strategic fleet management.
- Engaging diplomacy system that adds depth to the gameplay.
- Steep learning curve that can be overwhelming for new players.
- UI can become cluttered and confusing, especially in larger games.
- Some players find the economy and resource management tedious and complex.
- gameplay173 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Star Ruler 2 is characterized by its complex mechanics and innovative systems, blending real-time strategy with 4X elements. While many players appreciate the depth and unique features, such as ship design and a card-based diplomacy system, the steep learning curve and lack of clear tutorials can make it daunting for newcomers. Overall, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in mastering its intricacies, though some find certain mechanics, like the pressure system, to detract from the overall enjoyment.
“Star Ruler 2 is a very complex game, but once you get the hang of the mechanics, it is a very fun and rewarding game.”
“The core gameplay loop is really addictive and easy to learn, but there seems to be a lot of depth built off of that as well.”
“The ship design and diplomacy/voting mechanics are the best I have seen; they can be a tad confusing but are very rewarding when you grasp the mechanics.”
“The gameplay loop is entirely unclear, and at this point it barely even matters whether or not the game is fun once understood because I just don't have the time to spend figuring it out.”
“The galaxies, systems, and stars in Star Ruler 2 are some of the most boring and uninspired pieces of space debris that I've seen in a space game, and coupled with the dull gameplay it feels like I am just drawing dots and lines over a Cartesian coordinate system rather than playing an RTS game.”
“I quite liked Star Ruler 1, but Star Ruler 2... I just cannot fathom how the developers managed to mess up the gameplay so much, less so how the developers thought that this was turning out to be a game that is actually fun to play.”
- graphics67 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the impressive visuals and detailed ship designs, particularly during large battles, while others criticize them as basic or lacking polish. Many appreciate the game's 3D space environment and the ability to zoom in for detail, though some report performance issues on specific hardware. Overall, while the graphics may not be groundbreaking, they are generally considered satisfactory for a game of this scale, with potential for improvement in future updates.
“The graphics are nice, and you can have huge 3D ship battles; it also has a pretty good ship designer.”
“Graphically, the game is very pretty to look at.”
“The graphics of the game are totally satisfying; I have nothing to complain about the soundtrack or sound effects.”
“The graphics are fairly poor, and controls at times are complicated - mouse scroll, for example, never worked well.”
“Music is basic and nothing special; graphics feel low budget, but still, you can see the developer trying hard with what they can.”
“The graphics are not finished; expect some rather dire pixel art in places that are not finished yet.”
- optimization20 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many users noting its smooth performance even on mid-range systems and during large-scale battles. While some players experienced minor lag with an excessive number of star systems or planets, the general consensus is that the game runs exceptionally well compared to similar titles in the genre. The interface is also described as streamlined, contributing to a stable gaming experience.
“Besides the simple fact that this is an excellent game, what I want to emphasize is the astounding performance of its engine.”
“Ridiculously well optimized.”
“Even with all the action on screen—thousands of ships firing at each other—the performance remains stable and top notch.”
“There's performance issues with a very large number of star systems.”
“So many planets sometimes cause lag; maybe there should be better optimization, but I am talking about so many.”
“The more planets available, the more options, so it's kind of a moot point - but it does bring up performance issues in the game if you have too much around.”
- music16 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its trippy, groovy, and atmospheric qualities that complement the gameplay, while others find it basic and repetitive. Many recommend purchasing the DLC for a more extensive soundtrack, as the free version lacks music entirely. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally considered good, there is a desire for more variety and depth.
“I love the haunting music which suits the game and my play style well.”
“The music falls more on the groovy end of the spectrum of sci-fi soundtracks: blips and boops, a nice bass that isn't overpowering, very chill, very comfy.”
“Great scalable UI, catchy strange music, atmospheric graphics that indicate very well.”
“The music is basic and nothing special. Graphics feel low budget, but still you can see the developer trying hard with what they can.”
“The soundtrack is fine, but it could be more extensive.”
“Graphics never mean much to me in these types of games, and the soundtrack didn't do anything for me.”
- grinding14 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and unfun, often overshadowing other enjoyable elements like combat and ship design. The mechanics for leveling planets and managing resources are described as time-consuming and frustrating, leading to a sense of unnecessary repetition that detracts from the overall experience. While some systems are automated to alleviate tedium, many still feel that the grinding is a significant drawback that makes the game less enjoyable.
“Bluntly, this is tedious, unfun, and dominates the game to the point you spend way more time doing it than you actually do fighting, designing ships, or doing anything else in the game.”
“This game is just endless unnecessary tediousness, and it is more torture than fun.”
“It is utterly broken and makes the game feel so tedious.”
- replayability13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game offers a high level of replayability, with customizable galaxy generation, diverse mechanics, and unique features like diplomacy cards and research trees that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some players noted a limit to replay value after exploring various races, many found the depth and variety in gameplay, including different difficulties and race mechanics, to provide substantial replay opportunities. Overall, it is regarded as a game with significant replay potential, though some improvements in user interface and bug fixes could enhance the experience for new players.
“Game offers quite a lot of replayability with a lot of control over what kind of galaxy or even galaxies to generate, and the size of the galaxies has quite a lot of effect on how crucial speed is.”
“Some really nice mechanics, like the diplomacy cards, the research trees with hidden branches, and the sheer volume of customizability make this a really unique and fun game with plenty of replayability.”
“However, if you are looking for a space 4X game with infinite replay value, then this is probably your ticket.”
“Looks good, runs great, fun to play, game style is fairly unique, discovery and mystery abound, the replay value is infinite; the only thing missing is some more refinement on the UI.”
“Replayable many times with many difficulties, and races that have inherently different mechanics.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its clever terminology and amusing scenarios, such as the AI's playful dominance during combat and the developers' witty remarks throughout the gameplay. Players find themselves laughing uncontrollably at various moments, from the absurdity of hyperspacing fleets to the lighthearted commentary on game performance. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the gaming experience, making it both entertaining and engaging.
“I've been laughing uncontrollably since I bought this gem of a game.”
“Why am I laughing, you might wonder?”
“Heheh, today I found out that the guys/gals who developed this game have a sense of humor.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely considered generic, with minimal narrative depth and limited race variety, leaving players wanting more substantial lore and a structured campaign. While the setting has potential, the lack of hand-crafted missions and a cohesive storyline detracts from the overall experience, making it feel less immersive.
“Even the story and the setting is somewhat nice.”
“Backstory: this game was released not two weeks before the much-anticipated Stellaris.”
“You can pick a variety of galaxies as well as do co-op, and configure everything, but there's no campaign or handcrafted missions/galaxies to play in.”
“Story: generic”
“A storyline would also help not only get new people into the game and learn the mechanics but also immerse people into the lore of the game.”
- stability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game is generally enjoyable and visually appealing, but it suffers from various bugs and crashes on certain setups, regardless of PC specifications. While it remains playable, issues such as disappearing support ships and glitches in the user interface indicate a need for further refinement.
“Looks good, runs great, fun to play. The game style is fairly unique, discovery and mystery abound, and the replay value is infinite. The only thing missing is some more refinement on the UI.”
“Some game setups will cause your game to crash or get very buggy, regardless of the PC specs.”
“Getting glitches with the support ship list, support ships disappearing, complete construction with docks, and components can't use any other FTL.”
“It's buggy but playable and feels a lot better than Star Ruler.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its breathtaking visuals and seamless transitions, allowing players to zoom from a vast universe down to individual ships or planets, complete with detailed atmospheric weather effects. The combination of a scalable UI and captivating, unique music further enhances the immersive experience.
“That's just the beginning with customizing your game; then you get into this beautiful, breathtaking universe you've set up and realize you can zoom from seeing the entire universe all the way down to a single ship or planet, observing the atmospheric weather on the planet with seamless movement.”
“Great scalable UI, catchy strange music, and atmospheric graphics that indicate very well.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally taxing, particularly for newcomers who face relentless challenges that can lead to frustration and a sense of defeat. The experience is described as dull and boring, evoking feelings of sadness and discouragement.
“The emotional depth of the story left me in tears; I felt so connected to the characters and their struggles.”
“This game evokes a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak, making every moment feel impactful.”
“I was genuinely moved by the narrative; it resonated with my own experiences and made me reflect on my life.”
