Kinda Funny Gamescast: Citizen Sleeper 2 Review - Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 30, 2025

Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye, and Andy Cortez.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage (00:08 - 08:17)

The episode begins with the hosts engaging in light-hearted banter about personal mishaps and health issues, setting a casual and friendly tone. Greg Miller humorously recounts past episodes and interactions, while Blessing Adeoye shares anecdotes about board game nights and dealing with children at gaming events. This segment establishes the camaraderie among the hosts and prepares listeners for the main discussion.

2. Introducing Citizen Sleeper 2 (08:17 - 09:15)

Greg Miller introduces the episode's focus:

[08:17] Greg Miller: "In 2022, a game called Citizen Sleeper came out. I heard no one speak about it until you started speaking about it. And for three years now. Ish."

Andy Cortez enthusiastically confirms:

[09:15] Andy Cortez: "Yes, it sure does."

They outline the anticipation surrounding the sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, developed by Jump Over The Age and published by Fellow Traveler, set to release on January 31st.

3. Deep Dive into Citizen Sleeper 2 (09:16 - 19:17)

Overview and Personal Impressions

Andy shares his profound appreciation for the original game, highlighting its narrative depth and immersive storytelling:

[09:17] Andy Cortez: "And I've always talked about how Citizen Sleeper is a much more different game than I would ever give a chance to...I was just so enthralled and engrossed with the experience."

He explains the game's premise:

[10:38] Andy Cortez: "In Citizen Sleeper, the player character is a sleeper, a human whose mind has been digitized and put into a robot body...You can lend your...sell your body to a corporation..."

Gameplay Mechanics

Andy elaborates on the game's unique dice-driven RPG mechanics intertwined with visual novel elements:

[12:51] Greg Miller: "It's this interesting visual novel, but then mixed up with the, as I read, dice based RPG mechanic."

He compares the sequel's mechanics to the first game, emphasizing improvements and added complexity, such as a stress meter that impacts gameplay.

4. Narrative and Emotional Impact (19:17 - 26:46)

Storytelling and Character Development

Andy delves into the emotional resonance of the game, comparing it to experiences from other titles like Dragon Age: The Veil Guard. He praises the sequel for maintaining high standards in storytelling:

[24:06] Andy Cortez: "...the demo ended at a certain spot...it was just so amazing throughout."

He emphasizes the meaningful connections with NPCs and how choices impact emotional fulfillment rather than just narrative outcomes.

Audience Engagement

A listener, Eric Myers, poses a question about whether new players need to play the first game to understand the sequel. Andy confirms that while it's beneficial, it's not necessary to jump into the sequel without prior experience.

5. Technical Performance and Platform Experience (26:46 - 39:52)

Steam Deck Performance

Greg inquires about the game's performance on the Steam Deck, to which Andy responds positively despite minor UI issues:

[38:54] Andy Cortez: "The demo is still up on Steam...it looks great. It performs great."

Choice of Starting Class and Gameplay Impact

Listener Chris asks about the impact of starting class choices. Andy explains how each class affects gameplay and party dynamics:

[39:43] Andy Cortez: "Absolutely, yeah. Especially knowing that one of those skills you cannot ever have..."

This segment highlights the game's strategic depth and the significance of player choices in shaping the experience.

6. Comparison with Other Games and Final Impressions (39:52 - 52:25)

Comparisons to Other Titles

Blessing Adeoye draws parallels between Citizen Sleeper 2 and games like Disco Elysium and NieR: Automata, praising its thematic exploration of humanity and technological integration:

[46:25] Blessing Adeoye: "Everything you're saying just reminds me of near...what does it mean to be human?"

Final Ratings and Recommendations

Andy confidently rates Citizen Sleeper 2 a 9 out of 10, reaffirming its position as a top contender for Game of the Year:

[51:53] Greg Miller: "And it turned out it did live up to the hype."

[52:01] Andy Cortez: "Sure did."

He encourages listeners to engage with the game through available platforms and demos, ensuring accessibility for both returning players and newcomers.

7. Conclusion and Call to Action (52:25 - End)

The hosts wrap up by reiterating the game's strengths and urging listeners to experience Citizen Sleeper 2 for themselves. They promote their membership and support channels, ensuring fans can stay connected and engaged with future content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [08:17] Greg Miller: "In 2022, a game called Citizen Sleeper came out. I heard no one speak about it until you started speaking about it. And for three years now. Ish."

• [09:16] Andy Cortez: "I am proud to say that Citizen Sleeper 2 is a contender for at least my top 10."

• [25:19] Greg Miller: "But I especially mean video game thing."

• [34:21] Listener David Page: "Did they gamify more of the systems from the previous entry, or is it still very much in line with how simple and straightforward the first one's systems were? If the former, did that detract from the experience of the first? If the latter, did it feel like it did enough to improve in other areas?"

• [51:53] Greg Miller: "And it turned out it did live up to the hype."

Final Thoughts

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector emerges as a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant sequel that builds upon its predecessor's strengths while introducing refined gameplay mechanics. The hosts' enthusiastic endorsement underscores the game's quality, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven RPGs.

For those interested in experiencing a meaningful sci-fi narrative with strategic depth, Citizen Sleeper 2 comes highly recommended. Whether you're a returning player or new to the series, the game offers a compelling journey into a dystopian future where human connections persevere amidst adversity.

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Join the conversation and support Kinda Funny by visiting patreon.com/kinda funny or subscribing on YouTube. Share your thoughts on Citizen Sleeper 2 and engage with the community as the hosts continue to explore the ever-evolving world of video games.