Stellar Monarch
- December 4, 2016
- Silver Lemur Games
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Stellar Monarch" is a single-player, turn-based 4X strategy game where you step into the role of the Emperor, focusing on grand strategic decisions rather than micromanagement. As the Emperor, you'll deal with court factions, imperial officials, and rebellions, while setting production quotas and priorities. The game promises unique mechanics, a lack of tedious micromanagement, and a relatively fast-paced experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game provides a unique experience of feeling like an emperor, focusing on high-level decisions rather than micromanagement.
- It has a refreshing take on the 4X genre, allowing players to engage in strategic planning without getting bogged down in details.
- The game is engaging and addictive, with a strong 'just one more turn' appeal that keeps players invested.
- The user interface and graphics are considered clunky and outdated, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Many players find the gameplay repetitive, with limited meaningful decisions and a lack of depth in certain mechanics.
- The game suffers from a steep learning curve and lacks a proper tutorial, making it difficult for new players to understand its systems.
- gameplay96 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Gameplay in this title is characterized by a mix of innovative mechanics and tedious execution, leading to a repetitive experience that lacks depth. While the game offers interesting systems like audience mechanics and faction management, many players find the core gameplay loop unengaging, often devolving into simple conquer orders and micromanagement. Despite its potential and unique features, the game requires additional content and refinement to elevate it to the level of its peers in the strategy genre.
“The game is single player only and that allows for asymmetrical gameplay in both races and goals.”
“Gameplay is pretty simple yet challenging on higher difficulty levels.”
“The game mechanics (you are emperor, global view) truly reduce micromanagement and allow you to focus on fun stuff, like fleet management and your royal court.”
“This part is barely worked out as your gameplay as an emperor has no depth; you will be clicking the same few meaningless event pop-ups.”
“Gameplay quickly devolves into pressing conquer orders on every enemy planet nearby.”
“Sadly, it suffers from flawed execution that results in tedious, repetitive, and often frustrating gameplay.”
- graphics64 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered rudimentary and simplistic, often described as an eyesore or laughable, yet some players appreciate the charming and atmospheric art style that complements the gameplay. While the user interface is noted to be well-designed with useful tooltips, the overall visual presentation lacks the polish of modern titles, focusing instead on functionality over aesthetics. Players who prioritize gameplay mechanics over graphical fidelity may find the game's design appealing, despite its low-end visuals.
“The artwork and UI are good; oddly enough, in games like these, you don't expect a good UI or art.”
“The drawn graphics actually make the game more charming and immersive, unlike other titles that have opted for soulless 3D assets.”
“Art & graphics: simple but effective.”
“Graphics are laughable, but the interface is well done with plenty of tooltips and explanations.”
“Graphics suck, music sucks, gameplay sucks.”
“Graphics are rudimentary.”
- story40 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for its lack of depth and originality, with players noting that after initial interactions, the narrative becomes repetitive and unengaging. Many reviewers express a desire for more diverse storylines and meaningful choices, as the current content feels limited and slow to progress. While some appreciate the event-driven elements, the overall consensus is that the storytelling aspect needs significant improvement to match the expectations of a 4X strategy game.
“Speaking of role playing, the game's storylines (which are event-driven) add an extra dimension to traditionally flat and lifeless pure strategy games.”
“A solid 4x game with some decent writing/story and a well-executed design.”
“If you like sci-fi and strategy games and some storytelling: buy Stellaris.”
“The storyline is non-existent even though it should be there for the direction the developer was going in.”
“The diplomacy between races is non-existent and the story decisions that are made aren't very deep... it rather feels like it takes ages for things to start to happen.”
“Boring, slow progress on 'storylines', laughable tutorial.”
- grinding22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is characterized by tedious and repetitive gameplay, particularly in managing resources and unit movements, which can detract from the overall experience. While the game offers innovative mechanics and a fresh perspective on 4x strategy, the execution often leads to frustration and low replay value due to its unbalanced and monotonous elements. Players may find enjoyment in short bursts, but the extensive grinding required for long-term play can be a significant drawback.
“Sadly, it suffers from flawed execution that results in tedious, repetitive, and often frustrating gameplay.”
“The fleet system takes a game that promised to focus on high-level strategy and instead turns it into a meaningless series of tedious and monotonous low-level chores.”
“Worth the 10€ for the couple of hours of fun it provides, but not worth the full cost or the tens of hours of tedious unit moving it provides after the fun but confusing beginning.”
- music14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it repetitive and uninspired, often criticizing it as annoying or lacking depth. However, others appreciate how the music complements the gameplay and enhances the overall atmosphere. Overall, while it serves its purpose, many feel it falls short of expectations.
“The gameplay is fun, and the music and artwork style fits it well.”
“Very nice atmosphere to the game, aided by nice background music.”
“Put the music, some Mahler, Dvorak, or the anime behind as fond music, and get ready to roll out!”
“The graphics, sound effects, and music get the job done but that's about it.”
“Graphics suck, music sucks, gameplay sucks.”
“You are always playing the same stupid mix of Warhammer 40k God-Emperor and Palpatine, all the aliens in this galaxy are utter dicks and this one annoying music track seems to repeat every five minutes.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game offers a unique take on the 4x genre, making it an interesting experience for fans, but its replayability is limited. Players often find that after one or two playthroughs, the content feels exhausted, and while updates are ongoing, the current lack of depth and customization hinders long-term engagement. Overall, it is recommended for a few sessions but may not hold players' interest for extended periods.
“An interesting passion project that rethinks the 4X genre and does its own unique spin on the concept. If you're a fan of 4X games and want to try something different, I would recommend it. It's still receiving updates as well, so it's a good investment. My biggest complaint would have to be that the ideas in this game sometimes feel like a skeleton, and if worked on, could add an enormous amount of replayability and customization to the game.”
“This game is being created by one person, but that doesn’t stop it from getting a bit old.”
“Highly recommended for one or two playthroughs - probably no more as replayability is somewhat limited.”
“As a result of these tedious elements, you should expect the replay value to be low.”
“I enjoyed it, though it perhaps lacks a little in replayability.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization in the game is criticized for requiring players to accept significant drawbacks to their empire's performance or face tougher opposition when enabling ironman mode. Additionally, the incompetence of political officers can negatively impact the effectiveness of admirals, further complicating gameplay.
“Note that political officers tend to not be so competent, so the performance of the admiral might fall.”
“To even turn on Ironman mode, you have to accept a substantial injury to your empire's performance, or a substantial increase to the opposition it faces.”
“Note that political officers tend to not be very competent, so the performance of the admiral might fall.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by cute graphics and pleasant background music, creating an enjoyable experience, even if the visuals aren't cutting-edge. Overall, players appreciate the charming ambiance that enhances their gameplay.
“Very nice atmosphere to the game, aided by nice background music.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a lack of emotional engagement with the game's narrative and characters, feeling more focused on strategic gameplay elements like territory expansion and resource management rather than any deeper story or emotional connection.
