From the back of the book:
In space, nobody can hear you scheme… Space Opera style science fiction, with a noir twist!
Starguild: Space Opera Noir is a traditional tabletop RPG. In 238 pages futuristic weapons and faster than light travel meet heartbreak, decadence and betrayal. Be brave naval officers or devious smugglers. Match wits and passion in high society or creep through ganglands in derelict cities. Explore dangerous jungles on the frontier worlds or engage as high tech mercenaries on future battlefields. But every decision comes with a price.
All this is underlaid with the essential noir setting details - cynical, ambitious, cruel; with dark undertones of emotional blackmail, sex and betrayal. Conflicting agendas and fragile trust. Secret deals and complex intrigues. The good guys do not always win. The good guys do not always live. The good guys are not always good guys.
To support this atmosphere, the game treats social conflict - the ability to alter someone's emotions and thinking - as equally important as fist and gun in enforcing your will. There are many ways that adventurers can achieve their objectives, including manipulating their friends and allies should the need arise. But beware - lest your head be turned by seduction, poisoned by distrust, swindled out of something important or taunted into an irrational act!