Citizen Sleeper, developed by Jump Over the Age and released in 2022, offers a fresh take on the narrative RPG genre. Set in a dystopian sci-fi future, this game explores themes of identity, survival, and freedom in a world where powerful corporations control nearly every aspect of life. Combining a richly detailed world, captivating storytelling, and thoughtful gameplay mechanics, Citizen Sleeper delivers an emotional, thought-provoking experience that resonates with fans of narrative-driven games.
The game takes place on Erlin’s Eye, a vast, crumbling space station far from the control of Earth’s corporate powers. As a player, you take on the role of a Sleeper, a human consciousness uploaded into an artificial body designed for labor. You are on the run from the corporation that owns you, and you must navigate this dangerous, chaotic world to survive, build relationships, and uncover the truth about yourself and the world you live in.
Storyline – A Battle for Freedom and Identity
At the heart of Citizen Sleeper is its gripping story. The Sleeper you control has escaped the oppressive control of the corporation that views you as property, but your body is deteriorating as a result of corporate-installed restrictions. The only way to stay alive is to find resources, build alliances, and uncover secrets that might lead to your long-term survival.
The game is filled with interesting characters, each with their own motives and struggles. You will encounter various factions, from smugglers and refugees to hackers and workers, all trying to make a life in the precarious environment of Erlin’s Eye. The narrative choices you make affect how these characters view you, and the relationships you build can drastically alter the course of the story.
Citizen Sleeper excels at presenting a non-linear narrative, where every decision you make—whether it’s who you help, which jobs you take, or how you manage your deteriorating body—has real consequences. The game’s storytelling focuses on personal struggles and existential questions, making it a deeply human experience set in a futuristic world.
Gameplay Mechanics – A Balance of Strategy and Story
Citizen Sleeper isn’t just about its rich narrative; it also features innovative gameplay mechanics that blend elements of tabletop role-playing games and strategy. Each day, players are given a set of dice rolls that they can allocate to various actions, from working jobs to exploring new areas or interacting with characters. Higher dice rolls lead to better outcomes, while lower rolls introduce risks and uncertainty.
This dice-rolling system adds an interesting layer of tension to the game. Since your time and resources are limited, you must carefully decide how to spend each day, balancing short-term survival needs with long-term goals. Managing your condition (your body’s slow breakdown), your energy levels, and the relationships you form all play into how successful you are in navigating the station’s various challenges.
As the Sleeper, you’re always racing against time, trying to extend your existence while constantly battling the corporate forces that are hunting you down. This time management element, combined with resource scarcity, gives the game a sense of urgency, which adds depth to its storytelling.
Setting – A Dystopian Sci-Fi Future
The space station Erlin’s Eye is a living, breathing world filled with its own history, politics, and culture. Once a thriving hub, the station has since fallen into disrepair, inhabited by a mix of humans, androids, and other beings struggling to survive under harsh conditions. This gritty, dystopian setting is brought to life with beautiful art and atmospheric music, adding to the game’s immersive experience.
The world-building in Citizen Sleeper is exceptional, drawing inspiration from works like Blade Runner and The Expanse, where questions of corporate control, human identity, and freedom are central themes. Through environmental storytelling and detailed dialogue, the game invites players to explore the complex social structures and power dynamics that define life on Erlin’s Eye.
Themes – A Reflection on Humanity and Corporate Power
At its core, Citizen Sleeper is a game that explores deeply philosophical themes. The concept of being a Sleeper—a human consciousness trapped in a synthetic body—forces players to grapple with questions of identity, personhood, and autonomy. Are you truly human? Do you deserve the same rights and freedoms as those who were born in biological bodies? These questions are central to the story and are echoed in the various characters you meet throughout the game.
In addition to exploring identity, the game also tackles issues of corporate control and exploitation. In the world of Citizen Sleeper, corporations hold immense power, treating human lives as expendable resources. This dystopian vision of the future reflects real-world concerns about the growing influence of mega-corporations and the dehumanizing effects of technological advancements. Through its narrative, the game encourages players to reflect on the ethics of corporate power and the value of individual freedom.
Replayability – Multiple Endings and Choices
One of the strengths of Citizen Sleeper is its high replay value. The game features multiple endings, each determined by the choices you make throughout the story. The wide range of narrative paths, character interactions, and faction alliances ensures that no two playthroughs are the same. Players can approach the game with different strategies, exploring alternative storylines and making new decisions each time they play.
The branching storylines and rich character arcs provide plenty of reasons to revisit the game, uncovering new secrets and exploring different aspects of life in Erlin’s Eye.
Conclusion – A Must-Play for Narrative RPG Fans
Citizen Sleeper is a standout title in the narrative RPG genre, combining thoughtful gameplay mechanics with a richly developed world and deeply human storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi dystopias, narrative-driven games, or strategic decision-making, Citizen Sleeper offers a unique and engaging experience that will leave a lasting impression.
With its innovative approach to gameplay, its focus on player choice, and its exploration of complex themes, Citizen Sleeper is a game that challenges both your mind and your heart.