Archive for August, 2009

Master of Orion 2: The Formula behind the Success

Master of Orion 2: The Formula behind the Success

August 31st, 2009 by Adam Solo
From time to time a game appears that revolutionalizes and makes itself the standard for a gaming genre. Released in 1996 by Microprose, Master of Orion 2 Battle at Antares is undoubtedly considered the reference for 4x space strategy games.
A New Way to Explore Planets

A New Way to Explore Planets

August 22nd, 2009 by Adam Solo
When reaching a planet, what its normally presented? Some characteristics presented not very well detailed. Normally colonization is made instantly and all that can be done is start building facilities. I think more could be done to give the planets more protagonism and enhance the exploration excitement. Let us re-think the concept.
Interview with FreeOrion’s Programming Lead: Zach Laine

Interview with FreeOrion’s Programming Lead: Zach Laine

August 17th, 2009 by Adam Solo
A couple weeks ago I wrote an article about freeorion where I presented the project's current status, my first impressions and some screenshots. To read the article refer to  FreeOrion: A Free Open Source 4x Space Strategy Game. I became quite interested about this project due not only to the fact that it is inspired in the Master of Orion series but also because it is an open source project being developed by the fan base community. Anyone interested in the project can in some way contribute, by programming or just by wandering around in the project's forum by discussing ideas for the game or help to solve bugs. The game is still in alpha stage (version 0.3 on a roadmap to 1.0) with many of its
LucasArts X-Wing and Tie Fighter coming back?

LucasArts X-Wing and Tie Fighter coming back?

August 8th, 2009 by Adam Solo
Being a long time fan of the StarWars space simulation games X-Wing and Tie Fighter I thought this was the time to do my first post not exclusively related to space strategy games but about another acclaimed space gaming genre: the space simulation games. As I explain in my about page I plan to post occasionally about other space gaming genres or other non-space strategy games when I find it of interest to the space gaming community. Yesterday I stumbled in a possible rumor, or rather teaser announcement by LucasArts, in G4 TV, that the X-Wing and Tie Fighter series could come back in the near future.
What are 4X Games: a Definition and links to Games

What are 4X Games: a Definition and links to Games

August 4th, 2009 by Adam Solo
Although many Gamers are already familiarized with the term “4x” I decided to create an article in order to help introduce the concept for the so many that don’t know yet what it stands for, and also to clarify a bit the concept for the so many also that think they know what it stands for but are not completely sure about it.