Two weeks ago I was online and came across a game called Startopia. It fit the description of the type of game I was looking for so I downloaded it. I found it to be a delightful game with pretty good graphics and gameplay. I decided to buy it and I am very happy with that decision.
Introduction
In this game you become the master of a system of space stations who have just finished an intergallactic war. There are 9 unique alien races with there own feelings and occupations. Your job is to unite these 9 alien species, repair all space stations, and fight off others who are trying to defeat you.
Gameplay
Rating: 5
As I mentioned above, you start as a master of a space station in the intergallactic system. This space station is divided into 16 sections and each section is divided into three different sub-sections. The first is the main area of your space station where you collect energy from different occurrences such as solar flares. Aliens also board and get off of your space station at this point. The next area of the space station is the pleasure deck, a place where your aliens get to relax, drink, lodge, and have fun. The final area of the space station is the Bio-deck. This is where you change the landscape so the residents can find peace and also farm. Farming produces food, natural resources, and other materials you need throughout the game. While in the first space station as in every space station you receive a mission that you must complete to move on. Each of these missions include objectives such as setting up a trading post for swapping goods with other aliens, message relay points, and a resort-like hotel. After you complete each mission you are allowed to inhabit the next space station. All space stations are alike. The game then continues on in this pattern with different missions on each space station.
Graphics
Rating: 3
The graphics in this game are not great and are not bad. A better way to say this is that they are average. The detail in each space station is quite good. The alien's clothing, facial expressions, etc are all shown in good detail. There are only a few times in the game where the graphics become blotchy and unclear. Overall, the graphics are average.
Sound
Rating:3
There is not a great selection of different background music so it gets old after a while, but that is not the reason I bought the game therefore it really doesn't matter.
There are alien language sound effects, nasty bathroom sound effects, and landing ships sound effects. All of the effects are clear and detailed. The sound of this game is not extraordinary so it gets an overall rating of average.
Controls
Rating: 1
The controls of this game are very complex and difficult to master. The reason they are difficult to master is because most tasks are done with the right mouse button instead of the left. The camera controls are the hardest to master if you don't have the little rolly thingy between the right and left mouse buttons.
Conclusion
I bet you are wondering why I gave this game a perfect rating. Even though the graghics, sound, and controls aren't exceptionally good, I believed the gameplay was awesome. It kept me coming back to play it more and more. I believe that Eidos Interactive did a great job in creating this game.
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