There are many bold innovations that set Sentinel Worlds apart from other RPGs. For one thing, the game is very non-linear: you can ignore the central plot (i.e. solving the raiders mystery) for as long as you want – there are many random dogfights with raiders ships you will encounter in space, each of which require manual dexterity as well as strategic planning (e.g. you can coordinate attacks with other Federation Interceptors in range). Engaging in these action-heavy fights is a lot of fun and a good way to boost your crew members' combat skills. You can also make a living by harvesting valuable minerals on a planet's surface, and selling them on planets where demand is high. Earned income can be used in various ways, from buying better equipment for your ship to more powerful weapons and gadgets for your crew members .

Once you decide to get on with the game's plot, you will find a complex, well-written story that involves many subquests (some of which optional), plot branches, and colorful characters. The conversation system is particularly notable: when you converse with another character, you must often select a response from a number of multiple choices. Each response you choose will affect that character's attitude towards you, and the "optimal" response is not always obvious. This makes the game frustrating at times when you have to resort to an earlier save game if you have selected a conversation choice earlier that prevents you from finishing the game. Worse still, the game only allows two save game slots, which makes manual backups almost unavoidable (I remember backing up my saved games to about a few dozen files, just in case).

Despite this flaw, Sentinel Worlds is so well-written, gripping, and *teeming* with characters going about their business in real time, that you'll gleefully forgive the game and plunge headlong into its many intricacies. The game's well-written plot will appeal to adventure gamers who don't normally play RPGs, while RPGers will find much to like about its skill-based character development and the myriad of high-tech items at your disposal. Don't miss this one folks, and be sure to also try the sequel Hard Nova which is even better :)