IXION
" Engaging sci-fi city-builder with deep strategy and moral choices but slow, grindy pacing "
IXION Review
IXION is a space-themed city-building and management game where players command an ark spaceship seeking a new home for humanity. The gameplay involves managing multiple ship sectors, balancing resources, and exploring star systems through probes and expeditions. Players must carefully allocate scarce science points and workers while dealing with hull deterioration, morale, and accidents. The story is engaging with dark sci-fi elements and moral choices, supported by a strong soundtrack and detailed graphics. However, the pacing can feel slow and grindy, with some mechanics like resource routing and waste management being unintuitive. The game has a steep learning curve and can be punishing for players who deviate from guided instructions. Technical issues like bugs, crashes, and lack of updates affect the experience. Replayability is limited due to a linear campaign and absence of an endless mode. Despite flaws, IXION offers a unique challenge for fans of strategic, story-driven base builders with a space setting.
Highlights
Players praise IXION's engaging and dark sci-fi storyline, complemented by an excellent soundtrack and high-quality graphics. The game offers complex and rewarding gameplay mechanics that challenge players to optimize resource management and sector planning. The atmospheric cutscenes and narrative depth receive particular acclaim. Fans appreciate the strategic depth reminiscent of Frostpunk, with added space exploration elements. The game's sound design and art style contribute significantly to immersion, making it a memorable experience for space and city-builder enthusiasts.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's slow pacing and grindy mechanics, especially the resource routing system which many find fiddly and frustrating. The tutorial is described as scattered and insufficient, making early gameplay confusing. Players face constant micromanagement demands and feel punished for experimenting outside scripted instructions. Technical issues such as bugs, crashes, and lack of resolution options detract from the experience. The campaign's linearity and lack of replayability or sandbox modes limit long-term engagement. Some narrative elements are seen as opaque or weak, and late-game content can feel underwhelming.
Pros
- • Engaging and dark sci-fi storyline with impactful moral choices.
- • High-quality graphics and detailed art style enhance immersion.
- • Excellent soundtrack that complements the game's atmosphere.
- • Complex resource and workforce management mechanics.
- • Strategic depth with sector optimization and space exploration.
- • Atmospheric cutscenes elevate narrative experience.
- • Challenging gameplay rewarding careful planning and experimentation.
Cons
- • Resource routing system is fiddly and often frustrating.
- • Slow pacing and grindy gameplay can feel like a waiting simulator.
- • Tutorial is scattered and insufficient for new players.
- • Punishes players for deviating from scripted instructions.
- • Technical issues include bugs, crashes, and limited graphics options.
- • Lack of replayability and no sandbox or endless modes.
- • Late-game content feels underwhelming and less engaging.
Rating Criteria
IXION is an unrelenting, city-building odyssey across the stars. As Administrator of the Tiqqun, DOLOS’ prototype space station, you are tasked with balancing preservation and exploration as you manage infrastructure, resources and crew. Can you keep the flame of humanity alight in the cold dark?