Starion Tactics
- September 4, 2014
- Corncrow Games
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"Starion Tactics" is a turn-based strategy game that combines space exploration, diplomacy, and tactical combat. As captain of a starship, players must manage resources, build and customize their fleet, and engage in battles with alien races. The game features procedurally generated universes, providing unique challenges and opportunities in each playthrough.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features nice graphics and a visually appealing space background.
- It offers a simple and easy-to-learn gameplay experience, making it accessible for casual players.
- The game can be enjoyable for those looking for a quick, board game-like strategy experience.
- The game lacks depth and complexity, feeling more like a basic board game than a true 4X strategy game.
- There are numerous bugs and technical issues, including problems with the user interface and AI behavior.
- The absence of a tutorial and unclear mechanics make it difficult for players to understand the game fully.
- gameplay20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a blend of casual strategy elements and simplistic mechanics, which some players find enjoyable while others criticize for being overly simplistic and lacking depth. Users note that the interface and battle mechanics are unclear, leading to frustration, and many feel that the game could benefit from more complexity and customization options. Overall, while the visuals are appealing and the game is easy to pick up, it struggles to maintain engagement due to its repetitive nature and limited resource management.
“Simple but enjoyable graphics and smooth gameplay.”
“Not usually a fan of the genre, but this is just the right blend of strategy and engaging gameplay to keep my interest up.”
“Gameplay 9-10 (the easiest space strategy/board game I have ever played, no fuss just sweet).”
“It's way too casualized, but at the same time the gameplay is definitely not quick enough to be enjoyed in its simplicity.”
“As you inevitably hit a wall with micromanagement against the inept user interface and dubious battle mechanics.”
“This works on paper, but when the gameplay essentially boils down to 'who zergs the most', it is a massive disadvantage.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the appealing space visuals and art design, while others criticize them as mediocre and lacking depth. Although the graphics are described as simple yet enjoyable, they do not significantly enhance the gameplay experience, and some players feel that the visuals do not justify the game's price. Overall, while the art team has done a commendable job, the graphics are seen as functional rather than groundbreaking.
“Great board game with nice looking space visuals.”
“What I liked... graphically I thought the art team did their job.”
“Simple but enjoyable graphics and smooth gameplay.”
“Don't let a pretty face fool you... the graphics look kind of decent here, but that's a very thin veneer of style on a deep pit of mediocre.”
“For that type of gameplay and graphics, the price is too high.”
“You can terraform planets, while the graphics don't change; it only terraforms how much mineral you get up to 2.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game can be tedious and buggy, particularly due to a cumbersome management UI. While it offers a casual gameplay experience that allows players to delegate mundane tasks, many find the repetitive nature of certain activities detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“The management UI also makes playing tedious.”
“--the only choice I ever made was to stop bothering to terraform planets as there was no point and it's tedious.”
“But the UI is pretty tedious.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is noted for having a background narrative, but many players feel that the single-player mode lacks a compelling storyline, making it feel more like a risk-based strategy game in space without significant narrative depth. While there are options for team play, the absence of a cohesive story detracts from the overall experience.
“The story has a background narrative that enriches every aspect of the game.”
“The game features a well-developed background story that enhances the overall experience.”
“It would have been nice to have a more engaging story for the single-player mode, along with more randomized elements in the galaxy.”
“If you like risk, this game is for you; music loops, no story, just single player risk in space.”
“I only played single player; there is no storyline to discover. Though it gives you the option of team play, there is only one winner at the end (and having the computer win when you helped it sucks).”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, enhancing the space theme with a suspenseful atmosphere that complements the graphics. However, some users noted that the music loops can become repetitive, and there is a desire for the option to add custom tracks. Overall, the sound effects and music are considered fitting for the gameplay experience.
“The music creates a suspenseful atmosphere.”
“I like how the feel of the music makes me think of space.”
“The sound effects and music fit the game nicely; it would be cool if they added custom music.”
“The music loops endlessly, creating a monotonous experience without any story.”
“The music lacks variety and becomes tiresome after a short while.”
“The soundtrack fails to enhance the gameplay, leaving it feeling flat and uninspired.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is generally considered stable for casual play, but users report significant bugs, particularly in custom mode where it tends to freeze after a few turns. While it offers a relaxing experience, the grindiness and technical issues may detract from overall enjoyment.
“Grindy and buggy, yet a great way to relax if you are not in the mood for fast-paced games.”
“In custom mode, the game freezes after a few turns if you turn everything on.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as straightforward and casual, aligning with its advertising as a 4x turn-based space strategy game, though specific details on pricing or in-game purchases were not provided.
“The monetization model feels overly aggressive, pushing players to spend money to enjoy the game fully.”
“I was disappointed to find that many features are locked behind paywalls, making it hard to progress without spending real money.”
“The constant prompts to purchase in-game currency detract from the overall experience and make it feel more like a cash grab.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is noted to be somewhat lacking on day one, with reports of stuttering during panning and unconventional zoom mechanics that may hinder navigation.
“There is a little polish lacking; it's day one after all, with some stuttering in the panning and some questionable zoom decisions (click on planets to move around the map, forget panning or zooming).”
