| StarDrive 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Zero Sum Games |
| Publisher(s) | Iceberg Interactive |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Release | April 9, 2015 |
| Genre(s) | 4X |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
StarDrive 2 is a 4X video game developed by Zero Sum Games. It is the sequel to StarDrive . Iceberg Interactive released it in 2015.
StarDrive 2 has gameplay similar to Master of Orion II . [1] Players choose a race, build a space empire, and conquer the rest of the galaxy. Races can be customized using a system similar to character points, where selecting powerful advantages needs to be offset by taking penalties. [2] The game is turn-based except during space battles. When invading a planet, players engage in a turn-based tactics minigame where their soldiers fight against the planet's defenders. [3] Diplomacy between empires is limited by what the populations will allow, and populations can grow xenophobic if they feel too much trade has taken place, leading to war. [2] Each time the player makes a research breakthrough, they are presented with several choices of technologies. They may only choose one at each breakthrough, and the ones not chosen become unavailable except through trade or spying. [2]
Iceberg Interactive released the game on April 9, 2015. [4]
StarDrive 2 received mixed reviews on Metacritic. [5] Leif Johnson of PC Gamer wrote, "Both land and space combat lack punch, but there's a fun if predictable 4X game waiting underneath." [3] Nick Capozzoli of GameSpot wrote that the game's 4X core is competent but has been done better by other games. [2] In his review for IGN , Rob Zacny wrote, "StarDrive 2's ship building is top notch, but the flawed game surrounding it keeps it from ever truly shining." [4] Although he praised the game's ship combat, Fraser Brown of PCGamesN criticized its "annoying tone, eccentric AI and the shallowness of the empire management". [1]