Take Sim City and Theme Park add some aliens and you get Startopia
Through out the game you will encounter nine individual character types with own dietary and environmental needs, you must employee, entertain and evade many of them.
Species range from greys to Sault hogs, which are among the species that are the backbone of your space station. Greys are medical experts who will offer medical supplies and services. The Sault hog race is dirty, grimy and industrial. They are responsible for running of you industrial buildings and sanitation.
Best bits
The game looks, sounds and plays extremely well with the addition of the sandbox system this gives the game a lasting longevity that the missions simply didn't give. A worthy purchase.
Worst bits
There is little wrong with Startopia it is generally a well polished game, the only complaint is the camera system and combat system. The camera system just feel odd at first but give it an hour or two and it will be second nature. The game is predominately a business manger and this shows with the combat system. If there is an interstellar type war on your employees or ''combat ready'' as they are called just go running to the nearest bad guy.
Pros
+ Ranging missions
+ Bio-Deck is a novel idea
+ The alien races all have there own style and sense of humour
Cons
- The camera system may take some mastering
- The small amount of mission levels
- Poor Combat system
- The lack of information the is given in the manual (but that is nitpicking right?)
Summary
A surprising release from unknown to me Mucky foot productions, takes the elements from any good management game and adds a comic spin to it.
A possible game of the year if it wasn't for Black and White.
Alternatively
Sim City 3000, Sim Theme Park or Roller Coaster Tycoon.