Review by Wavinator - Drox Operative

Drox Operative is really a one of a kind game. First off, action RPGs that are set in space are as rare as hen's teeth. Secondly, of the few RPGs that react to your choices, most feature scripted sequences, which means that they respond pretty much the same way every time you make a choice.

Drox is different. It drops you in the middle of a dynamic, changing galaxy filled with enemy factions and alien civilizations that are vying for control even as you play the game. They'll invade planets, hatch plots, form alliances and go to war, all with or without you.

Your role in the game is as a mercenary flying a ship that can be leveled in stats and in size. Better stats allow better gear whereas bigger ships can mount MORE gear (but are slower).

You can play the good guy or bad guy, help one side or another or focus on trying to win by becoming the most respected, most feared or richest in the sector. As you play you may find that you have to switch sides or change your strategy in response to the actions of the random "monster" factions (sentient spaceships that breed and form clans) or the advance/decline of the alien civilizations.

Like Diablo, loot is randomly generated. Upgrades come as weapons, sensors, batteries, reactors, etc and even crew members. You can pick from several races to play, each with their own benefits.

While overall a solid ARPG, Drox does suffer from a few failings: Sometimes the game gets a bit repetitive, and because the AI races are fighting it out with or without you, it can be hard to tell what's going on until you've explored the map. Loot is critical but upgrading your inventory relies on "cargo bays" appearing randomly as drops or in the stores, which can be annoying. And the game world as a whole, because it's random, can feel a bit generic as there's little in the way of story or custom flavor dialog.

That said, Drox Operative is one of the most unique ARPGs I've ever played, and gets even better played co-op with a friend