This is a good 4X. It's reasonably simple for the genre without being shallow. It has turn based combat which is always a plus for me in any game where you can customise your ships. The AI is reasonable, the graphics are clean and clear. I've had a lot of fun with it and will probably continue to play it now and again as it has something compelling. The races are all very different to play, which is also nice. Just don't play humans your first game!
Stars in Shadow
- Release Date:
- Jan 19, 2017
- Metacritic:
- 75
- Developer:
- Ashdar Games
- Publisher:
- Iceberg Interactive
- Platforms:
- Windows
Game Tags
About This Game
Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X science fiction strategy game. Explore the stars, settle distant worlds, and build an interstellar empire. Recover ancient technologies and negotiate with alien leaders. Created by a pair of passionate strategy gamers, Stars in Shadow features streamlined empire management, sophisticated turn-based tactical combat, and detailed world building.
FEATURES
Epic Scope:
Starting at the dawn of interstellar travel, progress through four eras of technological advancement. Discover the science of planetary terraforming, upgrade your infantry battalions to battle mechs, and grow your fleet from a squadron of destroyers to an armada of planet-destroying Dread Stars.Varied Factions:
7 Playable factions comprising six alien races. Each faction has different research strengths and technology options. Forming alliances, conquering neighboring species, or discovering ancient artifacts may open up additional avenues of research. Choose your race wisely as it impacts which worlds will suit you, what trades or alliances may be offered, and whether or not your neighbors are inclined to trust you.Stylized Setting:
A distinctive comic-book art style and an original, detailed universe backstory draw you into an immersive game world. Interact with a unique cast of alien characters, make friends and influence people, or crush your enemies and see them driven before you.Focused High-Level Strategy:
Build a vast and varied empire, taking advantage of the unique traits offered by different alien populations and the worlds they inhabit. Experiments on a slave population might diminish your popularity in the Galactic Council. A streamlined resource and planetary improvement model keeps the game moving even when your empire grows large.Deep Turn-Based Tactical Combat:
Face off against your opponents in complex 2D turn-based tactical battles. Counter your enemy’s missile barrage using point defense or interceptors, then close to energy weapon range! Stars in Shadow’s tactical engine includes several features rarely seen in turn based games. Multi-ship commands keep even large fleet battles fast-paced, and smart unit behaviors allow tight control with minimal micromanagement. Auto-resolve battles that are a foregone conclusion, while retaining the ability to replay any engagement to see exactly what happened.
Screenshots
User Reviews
Stars in Shadow is a beautiful game. The art is quality and distinctive, with a cohesive design that shines through. As far as 4X games go, it's rather simple. That said, it isn't lacking any core mechanics that characterize the genre. If you're a fan of Stellaris, you'll feel the weight of the absence of mechanics such as being able to exterminate primitives, or modifying your species, but there are benefits to those systems not being included. Your first decisions have a major impact on your long term success, and a rocky start can really set you back even on the normal difficulty. That said, it isn't nearly as unforgiving as Stellaris, and it feels so much better than Galactic Civilizations, which would be its closest contemporary comparison. It feels most like Masters of Orion or Space Empires, but with an unmistakable modern indie charm. 8/10 I will definitely play this again.
Spiritual successor to Master of Orion 2. Good game!
System Requirements
Minimum
- OS *: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
- Processor: Intel Core 2.6 GHz or equivalent
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 4000 Series or better
- Storage: 3 GB available space
- Additional Notes: Stars in Shadow requires the OpenGL framebuffer extension. This extension is present on almost all graphics drivers released after 2010, but laptops made before 2010 with vendor-locked graphics drivers may not be able to run the game.
Recommended
- OS *: Windows 7,8,10
- Processor: Intel Core Duo 3.0 GHz or equivalent
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce 400 Series or better, 1 GB RAM
- Storage: 3 GB available space
FAQ
How much does Stars in Shadow cost?
Stars in Shadow costs $24.99.
What are the system requirements for Stars in Shadow?
Minimum: Minimum: OS *: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 Processor: Intel Core 2.6 GHz or equivalent Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 4000 Series or better Storage: 3 GB available space Additional Notes: Stars in Shadow requires the OpenGL framebuffer extension. This extension is present on almost all graphics drivers released after 2010, but laptops made before 2010 with vendor-locked graphics drivers may not be able to run the game. Recommended: Recommended: OS *: Windows 7,8,10 Processor: Intel Core Duo 3.0 GHz or equivalent Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce 400 Series or better, 1 GB RAM Storage: 3 GB available space
What platforms is Stars in Shadow available on?
Stars in Shadow is available on Windows PC.
Is Stars in Shadow worth buying?
Stars in Shadow has 100% positive reviews from 3 players. Metacritic score: 75/100.
When was Stars in Shadow released?
Stars in Shadow was released on Jan 19, 2017.
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