Premier jeu de la société Ashdar Games, et publié par les Néerlandais d’Iceberg Interactive, s’étant par ailleurs occupés du 4X Stardrive (testé dans nos colonnes), Stars in Shadow est sorti sur Steam via Early Access en septembre dernier, a bénéficié d’une poignée de mises à jours rajoutant factions et mécaniques, et arrive en version « finale » en cette nouvelle année.
Proposé à une vingtaine d’euros, et sans révolutionner le genre des 4X (voir cet article très intéressant, en anglais), ce petit jeu reprend les codes du genre et semble plutôt s’avérer une réussite : une poignée de races aux mécaniques variées, la présence d’indigènes, la nécessité de s’étendre et d’exploiter des planètes, la surveillance des révoltes, les évolutions technologiques pour maintenir votre flotte au meilleur de sa forme, un éditeur de vaisseaux assez complet couplé à un système de combat au tour par tour intéressant, et une patte graphique originale.
Alors oui, l’interface reste brouillonne, les graphismes ne sont pas mirobolants, et l’intelligence artificielle n’est pas très fine diplomatiquement, mais les développeurs mettent les mains dans le cambouis pour proposer un 4X efficace et sans prétentions. Voyez le site officiel ou la fiche sur Steam si intéressé.
Communiqué
Haarlem, The Netherlands – January 10th, 2017 – Publisher Iceberg Interactive is pleased to announce that turn-based 4x space strategy title Stars in Shadow (PC) will launch on Steam and other digital platforms on January 19th, 2017. During its time in Early Access, the game has been lauded as a great ‘tribute to Masters of Orion’ by the dedicated Steam community. As a result of the positive feedback and praise, developer Ashdar Games is looking forward to fully releasing the title to all fans of the 4x genre.
A launch trailer showing the rich universe of Stars in Shadows is now streaming on Iceberg’s Youtube Channel HERE .
Stars in Shadow is set to release January 19th, 2017 on Steam and other digital download platforms at an SRP of $24.99. The game can already be purchased and played in Steam’s Early Access program http://store.steampowered.com/app/464880/.
ABOUT STARS IN SHADOW
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 Factions7 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 SettingA 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 StrategyBuild a vast and varied empire, taking advantage of the unique traits offered by different alien populations and the worlds they inhabit. A streamlined resource and planetary improvement model keeps the game moving even when your empire grows large.
Deep Turn-Based Tactical CombatFace 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.
ABOUT ASHDAR GAMES
Ashdar Games is a small development studio based in British Columbia. Stars in Shadow will be its first title. The project is a collaboration between two avid strategy gamers, Sven Olsen and James (Jim) Francis, both of whom are excited to have a chance to create a game in the genre that they love. Sven’s background is in academic computer graphics, while Jim is best known for his webcomic, Outsider.
About Iceberg Interactive
Iceberg Interactive is an independent video game publisher founded in 2009 by an international group of games industry veterans and is located in Haarlem, The Netherlands. Staffed with avid gamers, Iceberg works closely with an international assembly of game developers, both midsize and indie. Garnering attention with acclaimed releases over recent years, including Killing Floor 2, Endless Space, Endless Legend, StarDrive 2 and Starpoint Gemini 2, the company has an exceptional line-up, including Oriental Empires, Starpoint Gemini Warlords, Dawn of Andromeda, Conarium and Stars in Shadow – with further promising games in the pipeline.
Play it cool!
