When my 4X (explore, expand, exploit and exterminate) itch needs scratching, I turn to Starbase Orion. On my iPhone. That’s how dire the 4X situation is on PC. Sword of the Stars 2 was just… well, ulcers spontaneously erupt on my tongue when I speak of it. I’m more than happy to recommend Masters Of Orion 2 to curious friends, or even Galactic Civilizations II for those who require something modern, but even it’s six years old now. Really, we need a fresh, competent take on the genre. Endless Space might just be it.
Look at that UI! It’s slick, gorgeous and… well, let’s just say parts of me grew uncomfortably warm as I watched the video. Then there’s the fleet battles, conducted exactly how they should be in classic line of battle style. Not an explosion of lasers and missiles and then a dreary, prolonged stoush as the AI cleans up the mess.
This is all alpha footage, by the way. Progress is going great — it’s set for a winter release this year — and the feature list is ticking all the right boxes for me.
You can pre-order the game on Steam right now for $US23. Going by the video, it’s an amount I’m more than willing to part with.
Endless Space: Explore The Alpha [YouTube, via RPS]
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