Stars in Shadow

Mechanics

Stars in Shadow for PC is a classical turn-based space 4X strategy game, which means that the gameplay is based on four main pillars: exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination. As mentioned above, we start out as one of six sentient races that belong to one of seven implemented factions. They are different in terms of technological capabilities and traits that can provide them with victory in the strive for space domination.

While playing, we have to carefully manage our empire, leading it through four stages of technological development. The key to success is to ensure proper foundations for our superpower, not only by extracting necessary raw materials but also conducting scientific research, and interacting with remaining factions. It is possible to form alliances, signing trade agreements, and wage war. It is worth noting that historical feuds between races have an influence on diplomacy; the same goes for their regard towards each other. As we develop our interstellar state, it is necessary to settle on new planets, either by conquest or by terraforming inhabitable areas. Some of these can hide ancient artifacts that can provide a giant civilizational leap.

Depending on the strategy we decide to apply and our diplomatic policy, in Stars in Shadow for PC, there is a possibility of waging war on an astronomic scale. Combat takes place in a two-dimensional environment and is turn-based. Big armadas take part in space battles, in which we command directly, while in groundside skirmishes, we deploy infantry and much more powerful vehicles, such as mechs. Having reached an adequately high development level, we can even use destroyers that can tear entire planet to pieces. There are also some facilities such as issuing orders to groups of units as well as automatic battle resolve feature that decides the outcome of any struggle on the basis of the participating armies’ statistics without any input on the player’s end.

Technical aspects

Stars in Shadow for PC is an indie game of high complexity. The gameplay takes place in a two-dimensional environment, and our struggles are accompanied by the tracks composed for the purposes of the title, referencing electronic music and science fiction movies. Information regarding the current situation in the space when the player operates as well as the rich history of the universe is given in the text form only. Moreover, the entire interface, models of planets, characters, and units, were created with the use of cel-shading technique. As a result, the graphics have a cartoonish character that differs the game from other representatives of the genre. It is also worth noting that the production has relatively low system requirements, allowing older machines to run it smoothly.