Anyone else played this? No, didn't think so.
It's an indie space 4X game with real-time fleet battles.
Basically, you can play as one of 5 races and do the usual 4X type things. There is only one resource type-"credits" which are spent on building and maintaining a fleet, as well as researching and establishing colonies. Generic though it may sound, it is one of the most original 4X games (if not the most original) of the noughties. The backstory is at least as deep as any historical game, built up gradually with each successive expansion pack. As a player, you don't have to stick to the story in any capacity whatsoever, but it can make for some interesting role-playing if you like.
In terms of gameplay, the turn-based side is fun, features a 3D map, the ability to design your own ships, merge cultures, peacefully assimilate lesser empires and is genuinely challenging. The learning curve is, unfortunately, a bit steep at first and diplomacy is rather lacking.
The real-time aspect (which can be auto-resolved), whilst perhaps using dated graphics, is still highly playable. Each shot is individually simulated and friendly fire can take place. Perhaps most noticeably is the complete lack of health bars. Just because a shot hits doesn't mean it will be particularly devastating. Damage is done on a component level. You can literally target individual turrets (but don't expect too many shots to be a direct hit). Each ship is also made up of three sections-bridge, mission and engines-each of which can be entirely destroyed if enough fire is directed in the same spot. If two out of three are taken out, the entire ship is destroyed.
Sword of the Stars 2 is coming out in September. I can't wait:
[/fanboyism]
It's an indie space 4X game with real-time fleet battles.
Basically, you can play as one of 5 races and do the usual 4X type things. There is only one resource type-"credits" which are spent on building and maintaining a fleet, as well as researching and establishing colonies. Generic though it may sound, it is one of the most original 4X games (if not the most original) of the noughties. The backstory is at least as deep as any historical game, built up gradually with each successive expansion pack. As a player, you don't have to stick to the story in any capacity whatsoever, but it can make for some interesting role-playing if you like.
In terms of gameplay, the turn-based side is fun, features a 3D map, the ability to design your own ships, merge cultures, peacefully assimilate lesser empires and is genuinely challenging. The learning curve is, unfortunately, a bit steep at first and diplomacy is rather lacking.
The real-time aspect (which can be auto-resolved), whilst perhaps using dated graphics, is still highly playable. Each shot is individually simulated and friendly fire can take place. Perhaps most noticeably is the complete lack of health bars. Just because a shot hits doesn't mean it will be particularly devastating. Damage is done on a component level. You can literally target individual turrets (but don't expect too many shots to be a direct hit). Each ship is also made up of three sections-bridge, mission and engines-each of which can be entirely destroyed if enough fire is directed in the same spot. If two out of three are taken out, the entire ship is destroyed.
Sword of the Stars 2 is coming out in September. I can't wait:
[/fanboyism]