Spacebase Startopia

Spacebase Startopia is a missed opportunity to meaningfully build on a classic, but it's still an entertaining management sim.

That's not to say Spacebase Startopia is a bad game, it's just something of a disappointment. At best, it feels like a remake that makes a few missteps. It's a forgery at worst. If you really want more Startopia but can't stand to look at its dated graphics, there's definitely something for you here. Otherwise, you're better off docking with a different donut.

Spacebase Startopia doesn't have quite the same charm and humour of the original 2001 classic. The campaign missions are short and fairly repetitive, and the combat feels really basic. It's a shame, but even with an online multiplayer mode, this shallow simulator is not a particularly engaging experience.

Spacebase Startopia is a decently comical management simulation that looks back at and expands on the original Startopia. With a wide number of buildings and areas to develop, aliens to satisfy and even hire, there's a fair amount to do. Spacebase Startopia isn't without its issues, such as too much forced 'comedy' and a campaign that drags like a marathon, but you're still likely to have a good time if you like management sims.

When it comes to management simulations there's no question that the pickings on the Switch are pretty slim, indeed, so when any new ones come along I have no doubt genre fans are immediately curious for details...

Spacebase Startopia is a pretty complex space base builder that’s marred by poor tutorials. If you can manage without the tutorial and dive right in you might get on fine. Overall, Spacebase Startopia is an enjoyable game once you give it time and get into it. One thing in particular I enjoyed doing was watching the visitors go about their business and having a great time on the fun deck. Kinda made me wish I could join them!

Spacebase Startopia is more than a good title to take on the role of a space station commander. Your task then will be nothing else but to provide all the needs of your visitors. What we have to highlight about the game is the extensive management, where you have to keep an eye on everything from the needs of your guests to the satisfaction of your employees. We must also praise the attractive graphics complemented by a great soundtrack and we must not forget the humorous atmosphere. The title is a little bit killed by the too simple campaign, which can be easily completed in a few hours without much challenge, and also by the higher price tag, which in our opinion does not fully correspond to the quality the title offers. Still, Spacebase Startopia will find many fans and if you can get over the higher price tag and invite a friend to play, the title can keep you entertained for a few long evenings.

A game for fans of the original who want to experience the classic in a modern way. With many strengths but also very many weaknesses of the original - and some that have been newly added.

When I see Kalypso Media stamped onto a game, I immediately think of strategy titles such as Tropico, Port Royale, Dungeons and Commandos 2. They have a huge catalogue of amazing RTS experiences which span several years so I was delighted when Starbase Startopia emerged onto the scene. Developed by Realmforge Studios and launched at the back end of March 2021, you can acquire the game on PC, Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Switch.

Spacebase Startopia is a great time if you like city sim resource management-based games, but unfortunately doesn't excel in any one area. Caution to those highly susceptible to motion sickness.