Sword of the Stars: The Pit 2
- October 22, 2021
- Kerberos Productions
- 56h median play time
Get on Steam"Sword of the Stars: The Pit 2" is a 3D, turn-based Roguelike game, serving as the sequel to the 2012 indie hit. Players can choose from 5 character classes, each with unique abilities, as they explore ancient alien facilities in search of a cure for a deadly plague. The game promises additional characters and features to be added throughout its Early Access development cycle.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a fresh 3D take on the original, enhancing the atmosphere and providing a more immersive experience.
- Many of the original game's irritations have been addressed, making for a smoother gameplay experience with improved mechanics.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback, and the game shows promise for future updates and improvements.
- The transition to 3D has resulted in a clunky interface and camera issues that detract from gameplay, making it harder to see and interact with the environment.
- There are significant balance issues and RNG elements that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences, making progression feel unachievable at times.
- The game currently lacks the depth and content of its predecessor, leaving players wanting more in terms of features and overall gameplay.
- gameplay18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the sequel has received mixed reviews, with some praising its return to the original's mechanics and the introduction of new features, while others criticize its lack of balance and reliance on RNG, which can lead to frustrating experiences. Although the game offers a variety of tactical actions and crafting options, many players feel that the 3D perspective detracts from the overall flow and feel of the original. Overall, while it shows promise, significant improvements are needed to enhance the gameplay experience and address the current shortcomings.
“A well-made 3D take on the Pit formula works very well, and many of the irritations people had with the original's mechanics have been solved.”
“+ Huge amount of gameplay mechanics allowing the character to shoot and reload weapons, craft items, cook and eat food, disarm traps, pick locks, heal or cure conditions, repair items, upgrade equipment, and much more.”
“The Pit 2 is a promising sequel that returns to its roots, with many tweaks that increase the scope of gameplay and make for a better experience.”
“The developer mentioned that there is some meta-play in the form of new recipes, but I did not notice such mechanics initially, nor did I feel it in any meaningful way after knowing it - and for the most part, the hardest thing is to even find any crafting station, which suggests that this mechanic needs a general overhaul.”
“Apparent RNG bias casts its shadow over gameplay, tilting the balance towards hindrance to beef up the challenge.”
“The move to 3D adds very little to the gameplay, so all that this game currently offers is a clunky version of the original that lacks content.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the improved 3D visuals and atmospheric design, which enhance gameplay and clarity. However, some players feel that the original pixel art had more character and soul, despite acknowledging the updated graphics as a faithful homage to the original style. Overall, the enhancements in graphics and interface contribute positively to the gaming experience, making it more accessible and visually appealing.
“Differing from the first Sword of the Stars: The Pit, here the action is in 3D, and you have nicer graphics, which should help bring in those who turn up their gamer noses at pixels (madness!).”
“The graphics, whilst fully 3D with some lovely shadows, are still somehow very faithful to the original in a delightful, updated way.”
“Some say the 3D graphics are an improvement, but I feel like the original pixel art had more soul.”
“The 3D art is quite serviceable, though the loss of the art style of the original is felt.”
“They're very atmospheric: with claustrophobic, ill-lit corridors, some lovely and genuinely interesting enemy character models, and a generally coherent aesthetic.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability has improved since its previous iteration, with fewer bugs and a more polished appearance. However, players still encounter issues such as overlapping voice lines and minor texture problems, indicating that further refinement is needed. Despite these concerns, the game shows promise for those who enjoyed the original.
“The turn-based combat mode is buggy, and there's a lack of information on enemies' properties in the Sotsdex.”
“It could surely use a bit more ironing, like not having some of the voice lines overlap when triggering simultaneously, some of the floor textures don't light up correctly, and some other not-too-noticeable somewhat buggy things.”
“While it's certainly a lot less buggy than before, there are still issues that detract from the overall experience.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game, much like its predecessor, is designed for high replayability, ensuring that players can enjoy multiple playthroughs without losing interest.
“Just like the original, TP2 is designed to be very replayable.”
“The replayability factor keeps me coming back for more every time I play.”
“Each playthrough offers new experiences, making it hard to put down.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is highly praised for its tension and immersive design, featuring claustrophobic, dimly lit environments and intriguing enemy character models that contribute to a coherent aesthetic. Reviewers express excitement for the game's development, highlighting the effective blend of atmosphere and turn-based action.
“Great atmosphere, and really tense turn-based action. Looking forward to following the development.”
“They're very atmospheric, with claustrophobic, ill-lit corridors, some lovely and genuinely interesting enemy character models, and a generally coherent aesthetic.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find the humor in the game's controls, noting the amusing absence of an auto grab button by default, which adds a quirky element to the gameplay experience.
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the removal of tedious grinding elements from the first game, noting that the improvements in graphics and other enhancements contribute to a more enjoyable experience.
