Spacebase Startopia

[b]Spacebase Startopia[/b] is a colourful sci-fi management game and a spiritual successor/remake of the cult classic [i]Startopia[/i]. It combines space-station construction, economic management, alien population control and light RTS combat across three interconnected decks. The [i]Extended Edition[/i] adds cosmetic extras and the soundtrack, but does not fundamentally change the core game. The three-deck structure is probably the game's strongest design idea. It gives the station a genuine sense of verticality and forces you to think about logistics and priorities rather than simply filling a flat map with buildings. There is also a reasonable mixture of economy, construction, research, staff management, trading and combat. Pirates and rival factions can interfere with your operation, while mech units provide a basic RTS component. Unfortunately, combat is considerably less sophisticated than the management side. Visually, [b]Spacebase Startopia[/b] is colourful and busy. Watching aliens wandering around, droids transporting supplies and visitors enjoying the entertainment facilities gives the station plenty of personality. The problem is the humour. [i]VAL[/i], the …

Nope... nope... nope... just nope... the original Startopia is far superior to this buggy travesty!

A tentative yes. Aside from improved visuals its lost alot of its spark from the original.

Space station grows tall Aliens and humans collide Balance keeps it whole

I read the mixed reviews, but when this went on discount sale and knowing my love or Startopia, I had to try it. Yes, the AI is a bit off, it is no original VAL, but you can change the voices which is nice, but none of them are amazing. Some of the levels are quite difficult. I am still unable to make it past the thunder dome level. Maybe it is just me, but overall, a good game. CONS 1. New Aliens! Why?! I was hoping for updates to the species I already knew. 2. The AI is no VAL, I miss the old Val. 3. Some of the Bio Deck Harvests are Automatic. While nice, I guess, it distracts the Scuzzers and then nothing else gets done. I do not open more than 3 biodeck sections or it is just too much. Pros 1. The research and upgrades. You do not necessarily need a research room to do this, nice touch. 2. The new store. No more Arona Daal. However, a regularly changing limited store is available until you build a startport and factory. 3. Easier to locate bombs and sabotage, It was so difficult to find the bombs on the old game. Overall I enjoy this game, but could have been 10X Better if it was done correctly.

great game