Star Valor

About

Star Valor is a single player open world role playing game. It was developed by Rafael Burgos and was released on August 3, 2022. It received positive reviews from players.

Take control of your own spaceship, with a vast galaxy to explore, mine, quest, trade, fight and even craft your own weapons. Start small, improve, complete missions, gather allies (or hire mercenaries), grow big and powerful.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,269 reviews

story69 positive mentions

grinding111 negative mentions

Great sandbox space game with a lot of variety and customization options.
Engaging gameplay loop that allows players to choose their own path, whether as a trader, miner, or pirate.
Active developer who regularly updates the game and listens to community feedback.

Lacks a compelling story or endgame content, leading to repetitive gameplay after reaching level 50.
User interface can be clunky and unintuitive, making inventory management and ship customization cumbersome.
Some gameplay mechanics, such as the fleet AI and mission design, feel underdeveloped and can lead to frustrating experiences.

story
586 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
78%
10%
The game's story is largely minimal and often feels like an afterthought, primarily serving as a tutorial rather than a compelling narrative. Players express a desire for more diverse and engaging storylines, as the current missions tend to be repetitive fetch quests with little emotional or character depth. While the sandbox gameplay offers freedom and replayability, many reviewers feel that the lack of a substantial story detracts from the overall experience, leaving them wanting more narrative content and direction.
- “I did see someone else say that they would like more story paths and I have to agree that it would be more incentivizing to have maybe a few storylines to go down as a beginner trait or backstory, but at the same time I totally realize this is a sandbox hand-free game and I feel like the story that was given in my first playthrough more than gives me the ability to jump back in on a new run and encourages myself to try something new (like getting into drones) for next time!”
- “The story is nice, and hopefully will continue to get expanded on, but the game is more sandbox focused.”
- “For the devs, there needs to be a story that doesn't leave you with permanent consequences, there needs to be clearer understanding of the different factions and their stories, there needs to be some changes to the space station UI as when looking through available tech to buy, you should be able to easily see your list of tech equipped to your ship to the right to easily compare.”
- “There seems to be some kind of main story questline, but you will get lost in the vast sea of things to do that you will forget where you even are, and the number of bounty missions you will pick up will make finding your current step in any mission chain impossible.”
- “The game is designed around early game and has nothing for late game; the main story is extremely short, and rewards for doing boring repetitive quests are so small that midway through your progression they become useless.”
- “The writing and mission structure are serviceable but not particularly narrative-driven, and those looking for a story-rich experience may find the game's sandbox approach lacking in emotional or character-based depth.”
gameplay
329 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
63%
5%
The gameplay in this space RPG is characterized by a rich variety of mechanics, allowing players to engage in combat, trading, mining, and crafting, with a strong emphasis on customization and progression. While many players find the core gameplay loop addictive and enjoyable, some criticize the design choices that can lead to frustration, particularly regarding resource management and the implementation of new mechanics. Overall, the game offers a satisfying sandbox experience, though it may require patience to fully grasp its systems and overcome initial challenges.
- “The 4 styles of gameplay (combat pilot, trader, space miner, scavenger/item crafter) or some mix of the 4 are all viable and fun for me.”
- “Star Valor is a polished, lovingly-crafted top-down space sandbox with solid core gameplay and endless progression hooks.”
- “The gameplay loop is very satisfying and there is also a lot of replay value since there are a lot of potential playstyles as well.”
- “It's beyond frustrating when even the Wikipedia for the game is outdated or filled with useless and vague information that has zero gameplay impact.”
- “The gameplay is not fun... it's clunky navigation and fighting... it's too realistic and annoying to play - it's a game but feels like I am wasting my time... I was trying not to quit and hoping it would get better, but it didn't.”
- “The combat is unbalanced, half the implemented systems don't work either through bugs or not well thought out game design mechanics.”
graphics
118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
47%
6%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the clean, colorful 2D sprite-based visuals that effectively support gameplay, despite some describing them as simplistic or reminiscent of older titles. While some praise the vibrant aesthetics and impressive ship designs, others note that the graphics can feel dated or lack the polish of AAA titles. Overall, the visuals are generally considered serviceable and enjoyable for the game's style, contributing positively to the immersive experience.
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the music is atmospheric, and the gameplay is satisfying and strikes a balance between complexity and learnability.”
- “The ship customization is impressive, and the graphics and art style create a vibrant universe.”
- “Graphics are amazing, weapons and effects fit the gameplay.”
- “A little rough around the edges, very dated graphics unless it was intentionally made to feel like the late 90s.”
- “The game's graphics are childlike and simplistic.”
- “It's not the most visually eye-popping graphics, but it's simple and well done.”
grinding
113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
1%
98%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While many find the grind enjoyable and rewarding, particularly in the early stages, others describe it as tedious and repetitive, especially as they progress into the mid and end game. Overall, the game caters to those who appreciate grind-heavy experiences, but it may not appeal to players seeking a more streamlined or less repetitive gameplay loop.
- “The world is pretty damn big, and the grind is substantive enough to feel rewarding while not being tedious.”
- “Do not buy this game unless you are looking for a grindy pseudo roguelite experience.”
- “There's a lot of repetition and progression is mostly just grinding until you have enough money to buy a better ship.”
- “The gameplay loop is almost the same - start small, fight your way through grindy quests and resource management, get stronger, bigger and meaner... until the entire galaxy kneels before your might.”
replayability
79 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
49%
4%
The game boasts high replayability due to its procedurally generated universe, diverse factions, and multiple playstyles, allowing players to experience unique playthroughs with various ships and perks. While many players appreciate the depth and customization options that enhance replay value, some note that end-game content is lacking, which may diminish replayability over time. Overall, the game is recognized as a fun and engaging experience with significant replay potential.
- “Great game with tons of replay value!”
- “The sheer amount of stuff to find while exploring will keep you going for ages on this game, and the replayability is great thanks to an unlocking system that allows you to start the game with better ships, perks, skills, reputations, etc.”
- “Meta-progression gives the game countless hours of replayability, on top of the hours you will just spend playing the game.”
- “End-game content is incredibly lacking; once you reach the end game, the replay value becomes zero.”
- “The game is designed in a way that feels contrived for replayability.”
- “Poor replay value despite its sandbox, randomly generated nature.”
music
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
46%
11%
The music in the game is generally praised for its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the gameplay experience, with many players enjoying its relaxing and engaging nature. However, some users note that the soundtrack can be repetitive, with a limited number of tracks leading to a sense of monotony over time. Overall, while the music complements the visuals and gameplay well, it may benefit from a broader variety to maintain long-term interest.
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the music is atmospheric, and the gameplay is satisfying and strikes a balance between complexity and learnability.”
- “The music suits the game nicely - soft and dreamy during the flights/exploration, and aggressive/energetic enough whenever a combat sequence ensues, but never overstays its welcome or gets too annoying.”
- “I do not own any other game that made me want to just mine for several hours and just cruise through space looking at the background and listening to the music.”
- “The music is a bit repetitive.”
- “But hearing the same three or four songs gets boring.”
- “The game does not have 'hell systems' where the local star is a pulsar or you come across a black hole, and while I've never counted them, I'd be surprised if the game has much over a dozen tracks of music for it.”
optimization
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
45%
15%
Overall, the game's optimization is well-received, with smooth performance and stability reported by players, alongside a strong focus on ship customization that allows for significant performance tweaks. While the game runs excellently without crashes, some users noted that certain ships are not well-optimized for combat, which detracts from the experience. The developer is actively addressing performance issues, indicating a commitment to ongoing improvements.
- “Fun, fast-paced 2D game with a lot of stuff to do and a lot of depth and optimization possible.”
- “Replayability that makes starting a new run more fun than the last as optimization takes over while perk slots and selections get unlocked to get started even faster than before.”
- “There is some of the best ship customization I've seen in any game, and the vessel you tweak and squeeze every ounce of performance out of ends up really feeling like your own.”
- “Why a game so centered around battles has ships not optimized for battle is beyond me.”
- “So I just gave up and optimized my ship for the way I want to play even though I can get a ship I don't like the model of but has better stats.”
- “(edit: the developer stated in a thread that he is aware of the poor performance of turrets, and handles it as a priority issue)”
stability
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
87%
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some players report a smooth experience with minimal to no bugs or crashes, others encounter occasional gameplay glitches and issues that can disrupt progress. A few users suggest that the game feels incomplete and may still require further refinement, indicating that while it is playable, it may not be fully polished.
- “The game was pretty much bug-free for me, and plays like a mix of Starflight and Star Control along with various roguelikes.”
- “Very nice 2D space shooter, very polished and (almost) bug-free, with features being added regularly.”
- “It's a good game but it's buggy; for example, the main quest to ally with humans or aliens just disappeared at some point, so I'm not sure how to progress further. Also, a perk that makes metal trade goods take up half the space will only affect you while your crew is present, even if it shows that it affects them, they will just drop the metals out as soon as they undock.”
- “It's very incomplete and a little buggy and should still be in early access.”
- “Good but buggy.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
12%
38%
The atmosphere in the game is highly praised for its engaging aesthetic, gorgeous graphics, and atmospheric music that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the balance between simplicity and depth in gameplay, as well as the distinct feel of different space terrains, contributing to a sense of immersion. Despite some minor bugs, the overall ambiance and sound design effectively complement the game's progression and combat systems.
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the music is atmospheric, and the gameplay is satisfying and strikes a balance between complexity and learnability.”
- “It's one of the few games where 'space terrain' really matters, and you do feel a lot of atmospheric and gameplay differences between sectors.”
- “Sound design is similarly utilitarian, though the electronic soundtrack provides a fitting atmosphere for long voyages and tense firefights.”
- “While there are some bugs here and there (due to active development), the atmosphere of the game, progression systems, and combat are all on point.”
- “Star Valor feels like playing X in 2D according to atmosphere and immersion, but it never feels like a copy.”
humor
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing scenarios, such as unexpected collisions and quirky AI behavior, which often lead to laugh-out-loud moments. Players appreciate the comedic elements in quests and tutorials, finding them both entertaining and informative. Overall, the game's blend of humor enhances the enjoyment of gameplay, even for those who may not typically be fans of the sci-fi genre.
- “I've also run across a warp gate locked inside an asteroid (that one actually made me laugh - took a screenshot).”
- “It’s funny, you think you are doing well until you jump into a more difficult sector, and then get your butt handed to you in a warp jump-in ambush.”
- “The tutorial is pretty short, but fun and humorous.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with some players frustrated by the presence of in-game ads for DLCs and the potential for future in-app purchases. While the developer has been praised for avoiding aggressive cash grabs and continuously improving the game, concerns remain about the balance between pricing and content accessibility, particularly for those who may not have the patience to fully engage with the game. Overall, players appreciate the absence of in-app purchases but are wary of the implications of DLC-heavy monetization.
- “I'm not a fan of level-based games simply because many developers cater to the idea that players would be willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to get all the best boosts at the start of the game. Luckily, this game doesn't have any in-app purchases, making it more playable and reasonable.”
- “If you buy this game and lack the patience to complete it, you may feel like you've been ripped off after just 1-3 hours. However, lowering the price further could make it difficult for developers to profit, potentially leading to a reliance on DLCs or in-app purchases.”
- “Station building on asteroids is a DLC, so there are effectively ads for the DLC everywhere, and it's very annoying.”
- “Update: He added in-game ads for his DLC, and I don't abide that.”
- “I'm not a fan of level-based games simply because many developers (and this seems to be one of them) cater to the idea that players would be willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars just to get all the best boosts at the start of the game. Since this game doesn't have in-app purchases (luckily!), it only becomes marginally playable when one employs cheating.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players appreciate the nostalgic and whimsical feelings it evokes, particularly in the context of exploration and discovery, others criticize its lack of narrative depth and character development, which may leave those seeking a more story-driven experience feeling unsatisfied. Overall, the game succeeds in creating a sense of joy and adventure for players who enjoy its sandbox elements.
- “If any of the developers ever read this, you've made me feel like a kid again.”
- “Pretty neat and made me feel like a true ship's captain from something like Firefly.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development in the game is currently minimal, with players expressing a desire for more depth, such as the ability to recruit and develop characters. While the gameplay focuses on flying, fighting, and exploration, the lack of character progression is noted as a missed opportunity that could enhance the overall experience. Players hope for improvements in this area in future updates.
- “The character development is intriguing, with each character having a unique backstory that adds depth to the gameplay.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making choices that impact their relationships and abilities.”
- “The ability to recruit and develop characters adds a strategic layer to the game, enhancing the overall experience.”