Starfinder: Afterlight – A Promising Sci-Fi RPG with Room to Grow

Starfinder: Afterlight, the debut title from fledgling studio Epictellers, is shaping up to be an intriguing sci-fi RPG that’s drawing comparisons to classics like Pathfinder 2e and even Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3. While the game is still in early access and clearly unfinished, its charming art style, engaging voice acting, and solid foundation in the Starfinder 2e tabletop system make it a title worth watching.

A Visual and Auditory Treat

From the moment you boot up Afterlight, it’s clear that Epictellers has poured a lot of love into the game’s presentation. The hand-drawn cutscenes feel like the pages of a Paizo rulebook come to life, offering a refreshing alternative to the high-budget cinematics of bigger titles. The cel-shaded, Wildstar-esque environments are brimming with personality, and the character artwork is lively and expressive.

The voice acting is another standout feature. With talent like Neil Newbon (Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3) and Roger Clark (Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2), Afterlight immediately feels polished and professional. These performances add depth to the story and make the world feel alive.

Combat That Feels Familiar Yet Fresh

For fans of the Starfinder 2e tabletop system, Afterlight’s combat mechanics will feel right at home. The three-action system, where each character gets three actions per turn, adds a layer of tactical depth that sets it apart from other RPGs. Positioning and flanking are crucial, and the stacking penalty for repeat attacks encourages players to think creatively about their moves.

For example, Preach, the game’s priest, becomes a surprisingly strong character thanks to his laser pistol and a spell that forces a save, both of which are unaffected by the multiple attack penalty. This kind of strategic flexibility is what makes the system so engaging.

Room for Improvement

However, Afterlight is still very much a work in progress. While the combat mechanics are solid, the game is missing some of the actions that make the tabletop system so dynamic. Actions like demoralize, grappling, disarming, and feinting are absent, which limits the depth of low-level combat. These actions are the “real juice” of the system, offering alternatives to simply spamming attacks.

The game also desperately needs a solid tutorial. As someone familiar with the tabletop system, I was able to figure things out, but I can only imagine how confusing it must be for newcomers. Key mechanics like flanking, which gives enemies the “Off-Guard” condition and increases your chances to hit and crit, are not explained at all. This lack of clarity could be a major barrier for players who aren’t already invested in the Starfinder universe.

A Promising Start

Despite its flaws, Afterlight is a promising start for Epictellers. The art direction, voice acting, and engaging story are all strong points, and the world feels alive and inviting. If the studio can polish the game before its public demo this summer, it has the potential to become a standout title in the sci-fi RPG genre.

For now, Afterlight is a game to keep an eye on. It’s clear that Epictellers is shooting for the stars, and with a bit more refinement, it could become a favorite among RPG fans. Whether you’re a die-hard Pathfinder/Starfinder fan or just looking for a new sci-fi adventure, Afterlight is worth watching.

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