Citizen Sleeper

Citizen Sleeper is a sci-fi roleplaying game with strong narrative elements, developed by Jump Over The Age, the indie studio founded by solo developer Gareth Damian Martin. The game was released in 2022 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.

Gameplay

In Citizen Sleeper, players take on the role of a "Sleeper," a human consciousness transferred into an artificial body, as they try to survive and unravel the mysteries of the dilapidated space station they find themselves on.

• Narrative Choice: The game is heavily focused on storytelling and decision-making, with players making choices that influence the direction of the story and the fate of their character.
• Dice-based Mechanic: Each in-game day, players roll a set of dice that determine their available actions and resources, adding an element of chance and strategy to the gameplay.
• Time Management: Players must carefully manage their time and resources, balancing the need to work, explore, and interact with other characters to progress the story and ensure their survival.

The game features a distinctive art style, with detailed pixel art environments and character portraits that bring the gritty, dystopian world of Citizen Sleeper to life.

Story and Themes

Citizen Sleeper explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the nature of consciousness in a corporate-dominated future. As the Sleeper, players must navigate the complex social and political landscape of the space station, forming alliances, uncovering secrets, and making difficult choices that shape their character's identity and future.

The game's story is inspired by the works of science fiction authors like Ursula K. Le Guin and William Gibson, as well as the tabletop roleplaying game Blade Runner.

Reception

Upon release, Citizen Sleeper received critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and unique gameplay mechanics. Critics praised the game's ability to create a rich and immersive world through its writing, artwork, and sound design.

The game was nominated for several awards, including the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival and the Nebula Award for Best Game Writing.

Fun Facts

• Citizen Sleeper was developed using the open-source game engine Godot, which allowed for rapid prototyping and iteration during the game's development.
• The game's soundtrack, composed by Amos Roddy, features a mix of atmospheric ambient tracks and moody, synth-driven pieces that perfectly capture the game's sci-fi noir aesthetic.
• Jump Over The Age is known for creating experimental and thought-provoking games, with previous titles like In Other Waters and Trackless exploring similar themes of identity and consciousness.

Citizen Sleeper stands as a shining example of the power of indie games to tackle complex themes and ideas through innovative gameplay and storytelling. Its success has cemented Jump Over The Age's reputation as a studio to watch in the world of narrative-driven gaming.