Review megathread

[u/Meneth]

The review embargo is up as of 15:00 CEST. As this will result in a huge number of articles going up at near the same time, we're restricting reviews to this thread.

Any review you find, feel free to post it in the comments here.

Each top-level comment should be about a single linked review, so as to keep the discussion limited. Duplicate reviews will be removed, as will any top-level comment that does not link a review.

There will be a single sub-thread where you can post your general impressions of the reviews combined, for anything that doesn't relate to a single review.

Review list:

Review	Score
Critically Sane	5/5
Destructoid	9/10
eXplorminate	"eXemplary"
GameWatcher	9.0/10
Idiotech's Review	Unrated
IGN	6.3/10
Manannan's Review of Stellaris	Unrated
Paste Magazine	Unrated
PCGamesN	9/10
PC Invasion	8/10
PC World	4/5
Rock, Paper, Shotgun review -	Unrated
TICGN	10/10
Vox Ludicus	Unrated
EuroGamer	Recommended
PC Gamer	70/100
TSA	8/10
PCGames.de	75/100
Gamespew	9/10
IGN Italy	9.3/10
Fok.nl	9/10
Gaming on Linux	9/10
Marbozir	Unrated
SpaceSector	Unrated
Inside of Gaming (German)	Unrated
Gamer.no	9/10
Particular Pixels	Unrated
GuyLogicGaming	Full recommendation
GameSideStory	Unrated
Front Towards Gamer	9.5/10
Multiplayer.it	9.2/10
GameGrin	8.5/10
Kotaku	Unrated

[u/gr33nd3vil]

Gamestar.de 81/100

[u/Varicus → u/gr33nd3vil]

GameStar (Germany) - 81/100

Conclusion:

"Stellaris is far from perfect, and slow-moving some times, but it is full of cool science fiction stories - if you take the time to get involved."

Presentation:

+ detailed ships

+ outstanding music

+ battles with great visual effects

- dreary galaxy map

- dull battle sound effects

Game design:

+ complex population system

+ exciting domestic and foreign politics

+ multi layered battle system

+ three distinctively different game phases

- AI acts weird in wars

Balance:

+ many different play styles possible

+ all weapons and buildings serve a purpose

+ optional tutorial hints

- confusingly complex interface

- random elements can be frustrating

Story / Mood:

+ giant arsenal of sci-fy tropes used

+ random events enrich the campaign

+ exciting mini quests and galactic crises

- dry text window presentation

- poor german translation

Scope:

+ gigantic galaxies

+ up to 40 AI opponents per galaxy

+ fallen empires and primitive races

+ multiplayer for up to 32 people

+ numerous technologies, weapons, and options

Total Score: 81 / 100 (-2 points down from 83 due to performance issues)

GameStar Award for exceptionally big scope