Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2' is narrative gaming at its best
For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle
In Citizen Sleeper 2, you step once more into the worn metal frame of a Sleeper — a synthetic body powered by a digitized human consciousness, stripped of its original memories. While the first game saw you fleeing the corporate entity that created you, the sequel shifts gears. This time, you are a Sleeper who has broken free from the chemical leash of Stabilizer only to find yourself bound by another kind of chain — indentured to ruthless gang boss Laine, trading one form of control for another.
What sets Citizen Sleeper 2 apart is its ability to make every choice matter without bombarding the player with flashy moral prompts. Conversations feel organic, decisions ripple outwards with quiet but devastating impact and the characters are drawn with nuance and compassion.
The gameplay remains as relaxing as it is engrossing. The dice mechanic returns, offering a meditative rhythm of planning and risk, but there is added depth in how resources, relationships and time must be balanced.
As the hours pass, the stakes rise. What begins as a personal quest for survival grows into a meditation on community, identity and the cost of freedom. By the time the credits roll, Citizen Sleeper 2 feels less like a game you played and more like a story you lived.
It is narrative-driven gaming at its best.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Arabian spiny-tailed lizard — the most iconic reptile in Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH: Among the most iconic and ecologically important reptiles in Saudi Arabia, the Arabian spiny-tailed lizard, locally known as 'dhub,' stands out not only for its size and behavior, but also for the essential role it plays in sustaining the desert ecosystem. Found across vast stretches of the Kingdom's deserts, as well as in parts of Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt and eastern Iran, the dhub is both a cultural symbol and a keystone species. Scientifically known as Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis, the Arabian spiny-tailed lizard belongs to the Agamidae family. This species is robust, diurnal (active during the day), and known for its ability to survive extreme temperatures and long dry spells. The adult dhub can reach lengths of up to 85cm, and its coloring, from sandy gray to earthy yellow, helps it to blend into arid landscapes. But its value goes far beyond survival. 'The dhub plays a vital role in the desert ecosystem,' Mohammed Al-Mutairi, director of the reptiles and amphibians department at the National Center for Wildlife Development, told Arab News. 'It feeds on desert plants such as ramth, akrash, Al-'alanda, and sa'dan, and also on small insects, ants and locusts. In turn, it serves as prey for desert predators like birds of prey, young carnivores and the desert monitor lizard (Varanus griseus).' The dhub is both a consumer and a food source, a balancing element in the desert's fragile food web. Its foraging habits are particularly significant. The dhub grazes selectively, taking small bites from various plants without overconsumption, which encourages vegetation regrowth and contributes to soil stabilization and ground cover restoration. These behaviors help to combat desertification, one of the major environmental challenges facing the Arabian Peninsula. • Scientifically known as Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis, the Arabian spiny-tailed lizard belongs to the Agamidae family. • This species is robust, diurnal, and known for its ability to survive extreme temperatures and long dry spells. Its burrows, which can be up to two meters deep, serve not just as shelters but as microhabitats for other desert species. Dhubs prefer to dig in areas with shrubs and root systems, which reinforces the burrow structure. Remarkably, the dhub shares a symbiotic relationship with scorpions, offering them shelter while receiving protection from potential intruders. 'As an ectothermic animal, the dhub relies on environmental heat to regulate its body temperature. During cooler months, it enters a state of hibernation, significantly reducing its metabolic rate. When spring returns and the temperature rises to around 35 degrees Celsius, it re-emerges, basking in the sun near its burrow to warm up before resuming its daily activities,' Al-Mutairi said. This finely tuned thermoregulation behavior illustrates its adaptation to the extreme desert environment. Historically, the dhub held an important place in the diets of local communities, especially during the spring when its meat was thought to be at its most nutritious. The tail, known as 'Al-'akrah', was considered a delicacy and believed by some to have medicinal benefits. 'Markets once flourished across central and northern Saudi Arabia where dhub meat was sold. But a scientific analysis of dhub meat found it to contain very high cholesterol levels, over 561mg/100g, making it unsuitable for those with cardiovascular risks,' Al-Mutairi said. While the tradition of consuming dhub continues in some areas, overhunting in the past led to significant population declines in non-protected regions. Fortunately, the tide is turning. 'Although we lack precise statistics, monitoring indicates that dhub populations in protected areas are stable and even increasing,' Al-Mutairi said. This is due in large part to strict enforcement of environmental laws, including a SR3,000 ($800) fine for illegal hunting. The center, in coordination with the environmental security forces, has intensified efforts to preserve the species through regulations, penalties and habitat monitoring. They have spread awareness campaigns targeting local communities, especially those with historical ties to dhub hunting. These initiatives are shared through the center's official accounts and in collaboration with royal nature reserves and environmental organizations. Saudi Arabia is also working with international conservation organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature to ensure long-term sustainability. These partnerships support periodic species assessments, wildlife trade monitoring, establishing protected zones within dhub habitats and enforcing hunting bans on native species. Beyond its ecological importance, the dhub remains a powerful symbol in Arab folklore, poetry and oral tradition, a reptile that reflects the resilience and ingenuity of life in the desert. Yet its future depends on continued scientific stewardship, community education and legal protection. 'If we want future generations to witness this incredible species, we must recognize its role not just as a relic of the past, but as a living partner in the fight to preserve our desert ecosystems,' Al-Mutairi said The Arabian spiny-tailed lizard is more than just a desert dweller. It is a critical player in the ecological health of the region, a reflection of Saudi Arabia's biodiversity and a symbol of cultural heritage. Protecting the dhub is not just about saving a reptile, it is about sustaining the balance of an entire ecosystem that has thrived under its watch for millennia.
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Arab News
Dates carnival to boost business in Buraidah
BURAIDAH: The Buraidah Dates Carnival launched on Friday in the heart of Date City, Buraidah. Organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and held under the supervision of the Qassim governorate, the carnival will run until Oct. 9. Farmers and traders are showcasing more than 100 varieties of Qassim dates, including renowned types such as Sukkari, Barhi, and Saqi. The carnival offers a rich lineup of activities and events, including displays of manufacturing industries, contributions from productive families, palm-themed handicrafts, heritage and poetry evenings, and performances by traditional folk groups. A dedicated children's area with drawing activities is also featured, along with a wide array of programs tailored to engage and entertain all segments of society. Notably, the previous edition of the Buraidah Dates Carnival generated sales of nearly SR3.2 billion ($85 million), with an average of 2,000 vehicles transporting dates daily. The event also attracted over 800,000 visitors, reflecting its growing popularity and economic impact.
Arab News
11 hours ago
- Arab News
Bargain hunters galore at Madinah International Book Fair
MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission has introduced a dedicated section for discounted books at the Madinah International Book Fair, offering a broad array of publications at prices appealing to all sections of society. The initiative reflects the fair's commitment to broadening access to knowledge while reinforcing the value of printed books in an age of rapid digital change. The discounted section offers readers the chance to explore a diverse collection spanning literature, history, self-development, science and children's books, including titles in both Arabic and English. The initiative intends to enrich visitors' choices and underscore the fair's inclusive approach to meeting the varied interests of its audience. Visitor Salma Rashid said: 'I love the concept of this section — it makes books accessible to everyone. I picked up this book for just SR30 ($8), which is a great deal. 'While the space isn't lavishly decorated, the real draw is the chance to discover hidden gems at the book fair without breaking the bank.' Recognized as one of the fair's most popular attractions, the section aligns with the commission's objectives to promote reading and encourage book ownership among families and young readers. The Madinah International Book Fair is offering a cultural experience until Aug. 4, featuring a rich program of intellectual seminars, interactive workshops and poetry and literary evenings. Notable local and international writers and thinkers are participating, while the book-signing corner gives readers the opportunity to engage directly with authors and discover their creative journeys. The lively atmosphere further elevates the status of books and inspires a culture of reading and meaningful dialogue.
