Last
year’s Sword of the Stars presented a deep and intriguing turn-based strategy
game in a space setting. The game catered to the hardcore space simulator set,
and provided an engaging experience for fans of the genre. Now, the first
expansion pack, Sword of the Stars: Born of Blood, is releasing and giving fans
reason to get back into the fray. The expansion adds some great new features,
including a brand new race for players to take on. However, the game is still
very difficult and complex, meaning that people who didn’t like the original
much won’t be won over by the expansion. Regardless, there’s a lot to love here
if you’re a fan.
The
biggest new addition to Born of Blood is the Zuul race. No, not the dog creature
from Ghostbusters. The Zuul are nasty, overtly evil, and pack one helluva punch.
Their spacecrafts are capable of taking in a lot of damage, and they can even
steal ships and technology from their enemies, or even enslave their
populations. Unfortunately, the downside is that they consume resources like
they’re going out of style, and constantly have to suck planets dry in order to
sustain themselves. The Zuul have a very unique dynamic to them, and change the
game quite a bit.
Aside from
the Zuul, there are more nice additions to the formula. The expansion adds a new
trade system complete with trade routes. This adds great new possibilities, as
you can not only trade with other species for technology and other assets, but
you can even raid their convoys and take some of their cash.
You also
have access to a host of brand new weaponry and ship parts that will let you
build up your fleet quite nicely.
Unfortunately, while Born of Blood is a solid expansion pack, the game itself
still has some problems. The complex approach might be very overwhelming to
many, as can the high difficulty level. If you don’t know what you’re doing,
it’s very easy to get creamed by your enemies. The game can be very difficult to
grasp if you are only a passing fan to the genre, making it so the hardcore fans
of the genre and of the original Sword of the Stars will be the ones to take
something away from this experience.
Graphically, the expansion brings some new visual treats to the table. Born of
Blood has some new special effects and explosions, and the design behind the
Zuul is pretty impressive. By and large, however, the game isn’t far removed
from the original Sword of the Stars.
The sound
is another interesting area. While the music and sound effects are pretty sparse
throughout, the new Zuul voice acting is great. The race speaks with a brooding
and evil sense of conviction while issuing or receiving orders, and add a great
sense of atmosphere when playing as them.
Sword of
the Stars: Born of Blood is a nice expansion that should add a good amount of
new content for fans of the original game. However, if you weren’t very into its
predecessor, Born of Blood isn’t likely to change your mind.
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Gameplay: 7.5
Born of Blood
adds some interesting few features as well as a brand new race, keeping things
fresh for fans of the original game.
Graphics: 7.0
The graphics have
received a couple updates, but the game looks largely the same as the original.
Sound: 8.0
The voice work is
pretty impressive, but the music and effects are pretty sparse.
Difficulty: Hard
Multiplayer: 7.0
The expansion
doesn’t add new elements in the way of online play.
Concept: 7.5
The evil Zuul
race is a good addition to the formula, and makes for some great new situations
for owners of the original.
Overall: 7.5
Sword of the
Stars: Born of Blood adds a brand new (and fun to play) race that adds a great
new dynamic to the gameplay, as well as some nice features to keep things fresh
for fans of the original game. However, if you weren’t a fan to begin with, you
probably won’t be won over with this expansion.
