Starway Fleet
- August 29, 2017
- StormCube Games
- 10h median play time
"Starway Fleet" is an action-packed space fighter simulator, where players can engage in various missions such as interception, reconnaissance, and rescue. The game features single-player and multiplayer modes for up to 3 players, with exciting quick missions, custom battles, and survival modes available. Experience epic space battles and immersive combat with optional VIVE support and HOTAS.
Reviews
- The game features impressive graphics and a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic space shooters like Wing Commander.
- Gameplay includes large-scale space battles with a decent flight model, providing an enjoyable dogfighting experience.
- The game is affordable and offers a fun co-op experience, making it a good choice for casual gamers and fans of the genre.
- Controls are often described as clunky and unresponsive, making it difficult to maneuver effectively during combat.
- The game lacks a proper targeting system and narrative, leading to confusion during missions and a feeling of disconnection from the gameplay.
- Content is limited, with only a few missions available and no significant progression or upgrades, which may leave players wanting more.
- story51 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is criticized for its lack of depth and immersion, with many reviewers noting that the missions feel disconnected and lack a cohesive narrative. While some players appreciate the fun and solid gameplay, they express a desire for a more elaborate story campaign and additional content, such as cutscenes and character development. Overall, the current offering of missions is seen as limited, with potential for improvement in future updates.
“This game feels like the campaign missions we have all been longing for in EVE Valkyrie, so good job devs! I hope CCP takes notice.”
“The three different levels of difficulty let you actually replay the missions, and there is a storyline you can follow.”
“It does lack a traditional campaign, and it's a shame given how immersive the missions available are, but with the custom mission settings, the co-op, and the various difficulty levels, there's more than enough content to justify the admission price.”
“There is a lack of content; co-op playtime is only about 2-3 hours, with no real story, no ship upgrades, or anything like that.”
“There are no story sequences between the missions, so there is almost no story immersion.”
“The 'campaign' consists of only 10 missions that are loosely sewn together, featuring just intro text and no cutscenes.”
- gameplay27 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the large-scale space battles and nostalgic mechanics reminiscent of classic titles like Wing Commander and X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter. However, many criticize the controls as clunky and awkward, with a lack of depth in progression and enemy diversity, leading to a simplistic and sometimes frustrating experience. Overall, while the core gameplay has potential, it currently suffers from design choices that may hinder enjoyment, particularly for those seeking a more dynamic and engaging flight simulation.
“Honestly, it's pretty impressive. The graphics are okay, but the gameplay features instant giant space battles numbering in the hundreds. This is the game I've been waiting for. Thank you very much! The only things I would suggest for its growth potential would be opening it up to modding (if possible) and a free-look mouse option for us flight stick folks. Again, thank you, dev team! As a dad, being able to just join a huge fight is incredible.”
“Hope this game reaches completion; gameplay feels very good so far.”
“The gameplay is great; it reminds me of the X-Wing series.”
“Without any sort of progression system to sink your teeth into, and not that much diversity of enemies in it, this game tries to stand on the strength of its core gameplay alone.”
“The boosting mechanic is also annoying; you get the most speed out of it by constantly tapping the button instead of holding it down.”
“It took on average difficulty 3 hours to complete the whole campaign, and apart from custom and survival modes, which add little to gameplay, maybe 2 or 3 hours, the longevity and content amount is not very good.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players finding them impressive and immersive, reminiscent of classic space shooters but enhanced for modern gameplay. While some appreciate the detailed interiors and fast-paced action, others feel the visuals are merely adequate for a 2017 title, suggesting room for improvement. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the experience, though opinions vary on their quality relative to contemporary standards.
“A little bit of Wing Commander with modern graphics and fun controls.”
“The graphics are great, the interior of the fighter and the hulls of the other ships are detailed and the action is fast-paced.”
“It's got riveting graphics that immerse you in outer space, so take O2 with you when playing.”
“Graphics are sufficient, but nothing more than that for a 2017 game.”
“If I had to rate it, I'd give it an average 5/10 as the graphics, voice acting, and sound effects look and sound great, but the lack of fully customizable control remapping just kills the experience for me.”
“This game definitely plays like an arcade shooter, not a flight simulator; but the graphics and cockpit make it look very dated.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with good performance even on older hardware. However, players note the absence of a statistics screen for performance evaluation and suggest that HUD readability during fast turns could be improved. Additionally, the energy allocation system allows for strategic performance adjustments in combat, though it requires trade-offs between different systems.
“In combat, there is the possibility of reallocating energy to shields, weapons, or engines to achieve better performance in one area when needed, but at the cost of reduced performance in the other areas from which energy is drawn.”
“The performance of the game was also good, which is definitely a plus as I'm playing on a 3-year-old PC.”
“Also, when turning around fast, the HUD is hard to read, but I believe these can be optimized.”
“There is no statistics screen to rate your performance.”
“In combat, there is the possibility of reallocating energy to shields, weapons, or engines to improve performance in one area when needed, but this comes at the cost of worse performance in the other areas from which energy is drawn.”
“When turning around quickly, the HUD is hard to read, but I believe these can be optimized.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally regarded as adequate, with a soundtrack inspired by alien movies that enhances the experience. While some players find the sound effects and music to be unremarkable, others appreciate the engaging comm chatter and epic themes reminiscent of the Ace Combat series, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Overall, the music serves its purpose but lacks standout moments.
“The soundtrack is inspired by alien movies, which is great.”
“It has that 'arcade action in sim's clothing' feel that made the Ace Combat series so enjoyable, with all the epic music and engaging comm chatter that puts you right in the middle of things.”
“The in-game music is nothing outstanding but does the job.”
“Sound effects and soundtracks are alright, but nothing special.”
“Sound, voice, and music are okay.”
- stability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, with users reporting a bug-free experience, good frame rates, and no crashes or freezes, even in its early release. The clear tutorial further enhances the accessibility and smooth gameplay.
“Good frame rate, no glitches or crashes, clear tutorial.”
“This game is unique: no perk grind, no score/stats, no involved campaign, accessible and affordable, bug-free and runs on almost anything.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional experience of the game is largely negative, with players feeling frustrated and disconnected due to its simplistic design, jerky movements, and low-resolution visuals, which contribute to a sense of unease rather than immersion.
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its significant lack of replayability, which may deter players seeking varied experiences upon multiple playthroughs.
“Another unique attribute would be the heroic lack of replayability.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate space combat games that offer an immersive cockpit view while minimizing tedious control setups, suggesting that grinding can be less enjoyable when it feels overly complicated or cumbersome.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While the game currently lacks content, players appreciate that it successfully captures a strong and engaging atmosphere.
“The game is a bit lackluster in content right now, but the feeling and atmosphere are there.”