Citizen Sleeper 2 Dev Talks Tabletop Gameplay

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The upcoming game, titled “Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector“, is the sequel to the highly praised tabletop-style cyberpunk RPG known for its innovative dice mechanics and exceptional world creation. Taking inspiration from traditional tabletop games, independent developer Gareth Damian Martin of Jump over the Age aimed to transfer some of the finest aspects of tabletop gaming into the digital domain. Based on the success of “Citizen Sleeper“, it seems they have successfully achieved their goal.

Just as any excellent second installment does, Citizen Sleeper 2 endeavors to build upon its precursor’s solid groundwork. This new chapter is larger in every aspect; the intricacy of its systems has been amplified, the world it offers for exploration is exponentially broader, and the implications seem colossal. However, despite all these enhancements and alterations, Citizen Sleeper 2 has meticulously maintained and even intensified the tabletop ambiance of its predecessor, Citizen Sleeper. In a conversation with Game Rant, Martin shared that they drew inspiration from the mechanisms and philosophies of their preferred tabletop games while crafting this highly-awaited sequel.

Citizen Sleeper 2 Expands On The Original’s Tabletop Mechanics

In Citizen Sleeper, the dice pool mechanism was one of its distinctive features, offering a fresh take on RPG dice mechanics. Instead of relying on luck by rolling dice for high numbers, players are provided with pre-determined outcomes and must strategize when to use a lower die to preserve a more valuable one for future actions. This system, along with others, was successful and has motivated Martin to explore further developments for the sequel.

Initially, the first version served as a trial run, and it turned out splendidly. For the next installment, I envisioned expanding on the original ideas and increasing its intricacy. I felt empowered to fully express my creative vision by incorporating some of my favorite tabletop game elements.

In my gaming journey, what caught my attention the most were the pressure-cooker systems. The ones in Blades in the Dark have left quite an impression on me, as well as those in Mothership and Heart: The City Beneath – games I’ve been immersed in recently. These systems crank up the tension and adrenaline like nothing else, and I yearned to share that pulse-pounding sensation with others who might not have had the chance to feel it yet, in the realm of our shared gaming experiences.

In the upcoming game, Citizen Sleeper 2, a fresh aspect is its stress mechanism. This mechanic, as Martin pointed out, was drawn from various tabletop games that employ a comparable tension-enhancing system. When actions fail or unfavorable results occur during rolls, stress builds up. As stress escalates, there’s a growing likelihood of dice taking damage. In Citizen Sleeper 2, dice can actually be destroyed, preventing players from performing crucial actions and exacerbating their struggles. This mechanic underscores the significance of risk management while fostering engaging encounters with the sequel’s innovative Push abilities.

Success and Failure Are Both Interesting in Citizen Sleeper 2

In the sequel of “Citizen Sleeper,” called “Citizen Sleeper 2,” there is an assertive autosave feature in place, which means players are often stuck on their chosen path without much room for deviation. This can be beneficial or detrimental to the gameplay experience. Role-playing gamers have a term for this known as “save scumming,” which involves reloading saved games repeatedly to avoid failure and undesirable consequences, thus diminishing the challenge and impact of defeat. However, some games like “Stellaris” offer an “Ironman Mode” that disallows save scumming for a more authentic gaming experience. Drawing upon his background in tabletop games, Martin emphasizes that players should trust that the game’s most memorable moments won’t always be a result of fortunate dice rolls.

In my game design, players are unable to save at multiple points or revert back to previous saves to alter outcomes. Instead, I ensure that regardless of whether the outcome is positive or negative, there’s always an unexpected twist or additional layer of complexity. It’s never about a simple resolution; there’s a depth and richness to the experience. To fully appreciate this, players must trust me as the game creator.

The core principle of this game is significantly crucial, as I’ve noticed from playing tabletop games that the most memorable instances typically stem from complexities rather than straightforward victories or defeats. Instead, it’s those moments where there’s a mix of success and repercussions that really stand out. This concept resonates deeply with me, and I’ve made an effort to incorporate it within the game’s design.

In Citizen Sleeper 2, it’s not just setbacks that create intricacies; successes can too. Martin emphasizes the idea of “success with consequences,” which he sees as a fundamental aspect of the game. Passing a skill check could land players in an unforeseen complex scenario, or a player might finish a contract but at a high cost due to excessive risks taken. Similar to its precursor, Citizen Sleeper 2 is subtly intricate, urging players to adapt and follow where the story takes them.

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2025-01-12 18:03