Stars in Shadow
A turn-based 4X game set in a post-war galaxy.
Stars in Shadow is a turn-based, 4X science-fiction computer strategy game developed by Ashdar Games and published by Iceberg Interactive for Windows PC in 2017. It is set in a galaxy recovering from a grand-scale war known as the 'Great War', which ended a golden age three thousand years prior. The game is notable for its comic book art style and its focus on turn-based fleet combat.
- Developer
- Ashdar Games
- Publisher
- Iceberg Interactive
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Release year
- 2017
- Initial early access
- September 2016
- Full release
- January 2017
- Metacritic score
- 75
Lore & Background
Stars in Shadow is set in a galaxy that suffered a grand-scale war between many civilizations and alien races, known as the 'Great War'. Before the Great War, the galaxy enjoyed a golden age, but the war ended this period of prosperity. Three thousand years later, the galaxy is in the process of rebuilding. The player controls one of seven factions, consisting of humans and six alien races: the Phidi, Orthin, Yoral, Ashdar, and the Gremak. The goal is to explore the galaxy, rediscover and colonize distant worlds, and build an interstellar empire. Players engage in turn-based fleet combat, a core mechanic. The 'Legacies' DLC adds an eighth playable faction, the Tinkers.
Reader's Guide
Stars in Shadow was developed by Ashdar Games, a small studio consisting of programmer Sven Olsen and artist Jim Francis. Francis is responsible for the game's comic book art style and is also known as the author and artist of the web-based science fiction comic Outsider. In an interview with GameStar, Olsen named Master of Orion II as his main inspiration. The game entered Early Access in September 2016. IndieGames.com noted its style as 'being probably its most striking element.' PC Gamer reviewed the game during Early Access, noting the diversity of its playable races and space combat gameplay, but reviewer T.J. Hafer stated it was too early to tell if it would 'soar above the clouds and become a respected peer in the space 4X renaissance.' The game left Early Access in January 2017, with Forbes' Erik Kain comparing its art style to Master of Orion. Logan Booker of Kotaku Australia also compared the look to Master of Orion and Star Control. In August 2017, a DLC called 'Legacies' was announced, adding the Tinkers faction. Originally slated for September 2017, the DLC was moved to October 2017 to 'release a DLC that meets your expectations (and our own).' It was released on October 19, 2017. The game received a positive reception, holding a 75 metascore on Metacritic. Tom Chick of Quarter to Three gave it four out of five stars, praising its focus on the most important aspects of 4X games. Hooked Gamers praised the turn-based combat and its depth.
Did You Know?
- The game's art style was created by Jim Francis, who is also the author and artist of the webcomic Outsider.
- The 'Legacies' DLC was delayed from September to October 2017 to meet developer and player expectations.
- The game's main inspiration, according to programmer Sven Olsen, was Master of Orion II.
- The game entered Early Access in September 2016 and left in January 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stars in Shadow?
Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X strategy game with a science-fiction setting, where players manage fleets and expand across a galaxy. It was built for Windows PC and emphasizes tactical fleet combat over real-time action.
Who developed and published Stars in Shadow?
The game was created by Ashdar Games and brought to market through publisher Iceberg Interactive. It launched on Windows PC after an early access period that began in September 2016, with the full version arriving in January 2017.
What is the story setting of Stars in Shadow?
The game takes place in a galaxy still rebuilding after the Great War, a massive conflict that brought down a golden age roughly three thousand years before the player's era. Players navigate the political and military aftermath of that cataclysm.
What art style does Stars in Shadow use?
Rather than photorealistic graphics, the game leans into a bold comic book visual style for its characters and interfaces. This gives it a distinct look that sets it apart from other 4X titles.
What type of combat does Stars in Shadow feature?
Fleet battles are resolved in a turn-based format, letting players plan each ship's moves and attacks before the round resolves. This makes combat more tactical and deliberate compared to the real-time systems found in many competitors.
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