StarDrive 2

StarDrive 2 for PC brings a continuation to StarDrive - a strategy set in space and created by the independent Zero Sum Games. The sequel emerged as an effect of combining the efforts of the American developer and Iceberg Interactive (the publisher) together once again. Based on the universe that had been being developed for 5 years, as well as two decades of being fascinated with classic strategies, such as Master of Orion, the creators developed the concepts the original game had its roots in.

Mechanics

The player leads their race through unknown parts of the galaxy and their goal is to establish a true interstellar empire over a short period of time. Making this happen is based here on the pillars of 4X strategies: exploration, expansion, exploitation and extermination. Above all, the player has to conduct diplomatic, as well as espionage-related actions appropriately, apart from making alliances with other races that have possessed the knowledge and resources the player needs. Obviously, not all the player's actions will produce an advantageous reaction, thus the player must be ready to defend their empire against different enemies when necessary, but also to achieve different goals through military actions.

StarDrive 2 for PC offers a typical, turn-based gameplay formula combined with real-time combat. The player encounters 9 different alien races having unique kinds of knowledge and technologies. Apart from that, one has to face many hostile factions made up of space pirates and mercenaries. As the player explores and colonizes subsequent planets, moons, and asteroids, they develop hundreds of new technologies allowing to improve one's hardware and weaponry in general. Thanks to a special, designer's mode, the player can create their own ships from scratch in order to send them to battle afterwards. What is completely new in this second installment, is the player's ability to hire unique characters whose job will be to govern the worlds the player has colonized or to assume leadership of the military fleet.

Game modes

The game focuses on delivering a single-player experience, though the creators implemented the special arena mode - here, the player can fight quick skirmishes against the AI. Thanks to the rewards received in this mode, the player can unlock new weapons, as well as modules for ships.

Technical aspects

StarDrive 2 for PC utilizes all the potential lying in the Unity engine, thus the visuals were improved, but the game is also available for users of Mac and Linux. The game is fully synchronized with the Steam platform. As a result, the player can unlock different achievements and collector's cards. The Steam Workshop service gives plenty of capabilities for potential modders.

Last updated on March 23, 2017