<![CDATA[SpaceSector.com Forum - All Forums]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/ Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:57:40 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Not totally new to 4x games but need some advice for best PBEM ones]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1079.html Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:53:14 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1079.html
While we like Space Empires 5, we dont like the fact that the PBEM is very complex to setup and get into. Also we dont like that it auto resolves the battles in what, arguably, is one of the coolest features of the game which is combat.

So as of say 2006+ are there any 4X Space games that have the same type of ship building and turn based combat that SE 5 features with a bit of an easier Multiplayer setup?

We also MUST have robust ship construction

We dont want anything online only or anything that is real time. We just want to play and email turns back and forth.

We have looked at Endless Space (so so but need to both be online)
SE 5 (brutal MP setup for PBEM)

Distant Worlds is single only

Have not looked at Armada 2526 but the multiplayer is only available with the expansion I think.]]>
While we like Space Empires 5, we dont like the fact that the PBEM is very complex to setup and get into. Also we dont like that it auto resolves the battles in what, arguably, is one of the coolest features of the game which is combat.

So as of say 2006+ are there any 4X Space games that have the same type of ship building and turn based combat that SE 5 features with a bit of an easier Multiplayer setup?

We also MUST have robust ship construction

We dont want anything online only or anything that is real time. We just want to play and email turns back and forth.

We have looked at Endless Space (so so but need to both be online)
SE 5 (brutal MP setup for PBEM)

Distant Worlds is single only

Have not looked at Armada 2526 but the multiplayer is only available with the expansion I think.]]> <![CDATA[Let's Preview Pandora First Contact]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1078.html Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:25:13 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1078.html
I've started a Preview LP of Pandora First Contact, below you'll find a video playlist that I'll be updating now and then. We'll be playing a medium sized continent map as the Noxium Corporation, an economic faction. I'll be uploading new videos every 2-3 days in between, if you prefer automated updates I'd recommend subscribing.

Playlist

Do note that this play through is on a beta build of the game. The dev team is constantly adding things so the game on release may be different.

Let's play Pandora first contact playthrough part 1 - Frontier Life
http://youtu.be/g67CcrEuNjI
Let's play Pandora first contact playthrough part 2 - Colonization
http://youtu.be/3exYEK1uaDM
Let's play Pandora first contact playthrough part 3 - War and Stuff
http://youtu.be/Uiq4J1_mNrU]]>
I've started a Preview LP of Pandora First Contact, below you'll find a video playlist that I'll be updating now and then. We'll be playing a medium sized continent map as the Noxium Corporation, an economic faction. I'll be uploading new videos every 2-3 days in between, if you prefer automated updates I'd recommend subscribing.

Playlist

Do note that this play through is on a beta build of the game. The dev team is constantly adding things so the game on release may be different.

Let's play Pandora first contact playthrough part 1 - Frontier Life
http://youtu.be/g67CcrEuNjI
Let's play Pandora first contact playthrough part 2 - Colonization
http://youtu.be/3exYEK1uaDM
Let's play Pandora first contact playthrough part 3 - War and Stuff
http://youtu.be/Uiq4J1_mNrU]]> <![CDATA[Stardock looking for a 3D Game Artist and Lead Game Developer]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1077.html Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:07:11 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1077.html here.]]> here.]]> <![CDATA[Firaxis wants a new Concept Artist to work on XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1076.html Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:38:36 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1076.html
Full entry here.

Announcement:

firaxis.com Wrote:CONCEPT ARTIST

Firaxis is looking for a Concept Artist to help take the X-COM franchise to the next level. As a Concept Artist, you will be working closely with the Project Art Director, Designer, and Art Team to create high quality visual design assets that help define the look and feel of the game world. The ideal candidate must have a solid grasp of lighting, color, composition, level of detail and stylization, as well as an excellent working knowledge of our tool-set (listed below).

Responsibilities:

- Assists Art Director and team in establishing visual style for production art
- Work with the Art Director to maintain consistent artistic style
- Create 2D callouts and other production designs for assets
- Actively participate in artistic and technical problem solving
- Be able to identify inefficiencies in the concept-to-production process and help formulate resolutions
- Produce a wide range of highly creative character, creature, hard surfaced and environment concept art
- Communicate clearly with designers, artists, and programmers
- Produce assets on schedule, meeting or exceeding team quality metrics
- Portfolio must demonstrate your versatility

Required Skills:

- Excellent rendering and design skills with a demonstrated ability to adapt to established styles
- Understanding of fundamental illustration skills including composition, perspective, anatomy, draftsmanship, and color theory
- Digital illustration skills with an advanced understanding of Photoshop using a Cintiq or Wacom tablet
- Understanding of form, composition, and distribution and purpose of detail
- Solid interpersonal and communications skills
- Self-managing — organized with good time management. Must be able to identify and meet goals.

Desired Skills:

- Minimum 4-5 years of game industry/film experience
- Basic knowledge of 3D software as it pertains to the concept process is a plus

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY, SEND YOUR CV TO RECRUITING@FIRAXIS.COM
]]>
Full entry here.

Announcement:

firaxis.com Wrote:CONCEPT ARTIST

Firaxis is looking for a Concept Artist to help take the X-COM franchise to the next level. As a Concept Artist, you will be working closely with the Project Art Director, Designer, and Art Team to create high quality visual design assets that help define the look and feel of the game world. The ideal candidate must have a solid grasp of lighting, color, composition, level of detail and stylization, as well as an excellent working knowledge of our tool-set (listed below).

Responsibilities:

- Assists Art Director and team in establishing visual style for production art
- Work with the Art Director to maintain consistent artistic style
- Create 2D callouts and other production designs for assets
- Actively participate in artistic and technical problem solving
- Be able to identify inefficiencies in the concept-to-production process and help formulate resolutions
- Produce a wide range of highly creative character, creature, hard surfaced and environment concept art
- Communicate clearly with designers, artists, and programmers
- Produce assets on schedule, meeting or exceeding team quality metrics
- Portfolio must demonstrate your versatility

Required Skills:

- Excellent rendering and design skills with a demonstrated ability to adapt to established styles
- Understanding of fundamental illustration skills including composition, perspective, anatomy, draftsmanship, and color theory
- Digital illustration skills with an advanced understanding of Photoshop using a Cintiq or Wacom tablet
- Understanding of form, composition, and distribution and purpose of detail
- Solid interpersonal and communications skills
- Self-managing — organized with good time management. Must be able to identify and meet goals.

Desired Skills:

- Minimum 4-5 years of game industry/film experience
- Basic knowledge of 3D software as it pertains to the concept process is a plus

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY, SEND YOUR CV TO RECRUITING@FIRAXIS.COM
]]> <![CDATA[Producer with knowledge on turn-based strategy games - Matrix Games/Slitherine/AGEOD]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1075.html Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:52:28 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1075.html posted a job announcement on facebook for a Producer with "knowledge of all aspects of the turn based strategy genre and ideally will be a fan and player of our games", they say.

Here's the full announcement:

Quote:Matrix Games / Slitherine / AGEOD are recruiting AGAIN!

We are looking for a Producer to join our ever expanding team at our offices in Epsom, Surrey. Applicants should have a sound knowledge of all aspects of the turn based strategy genre and ideally will be a fan and player of our games. Previous experience in the industry is not a prime requirement. It is much more important that you understand these types of game and be able to analyze what makes them work

Our Producers are very much engaged with our developer partners from the very earliest stages of game development and should be able to provide supportive comment and feedback on all aspects of Game design, UI, Artwork, Marketing and just about any aspect where a developer may need advice. Age is not a criteria here, so If this is a role that might interest you please send over a CV to jdm@slitherine.co.uk as quickly as possible.
]]> posted a job announcement on facebook for a Producer with "knowledge of all aspects of the turn based strategy genre and ideally will be a fan and player of our games", they say.

Here's the full announcement:

Quote:Matrix Games / Slitherine / AGEOD are recruiting AGAIN!

We are looking for a Producer to join our ever expanding team at our offices in Epsom, Surrey. Applicants should have a sound knowledge of all aspects of the turn based strategy genre and ideally will be a fan and player of our games. Previous experience in the industry is not a prime requirement. It is much more important that you understand these types of game and be able to analyze what makes them work

Our Producers are very much engaged with our developer partners from the very earliest stages of game development and should be able to provide supportive comment and feedback on all aspects of Game design, UI, Artwork, Marketing and just about any aspect where a developer may need advice. Age is not a criteria here, so If this is a role that might interest you please send over a CV to jdm@slitherine.co.uk as quickly as possible.
]]> <![CDATA[A New Way Forward]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1074.html Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:35:19 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1074.html
4x games to me haven't changed much in their approach to making them sense Masters of Orion! , yes their have been a few but not really that much!.

Game idea
1. There are five advanced races each with their own technology's you can not play these empires you play one of the beginning empires.

2.[undefined=undefined]Technology [/undefined]Every beginning empire starts with one highly advanced tech that is a highly guarded secret, say for instance the Antarians have a unique propulsion system that is a bit like squid they can dart from place to place making targeting them very difficult so new concept you take a screenshot of them and send it to research department so they can analyze and counter this advantage by say designing new Lazar turrets and tracking tech that takes away their advantage and advances yours!!.... another example The Vaigoth Dominion in your first contact appear out of no where and destroy your ship or ships you take screen shot send it to research department and now have clocking tech as well.
so everything that has to be researched like in real life most be first learned from exploration and encounters with new empires through battle Exploration and of course Spying.

[undefined=undefined]Spying[/undefined] for instance could work by the the more your spy's advance's the better the tech they can steel! but not for spying on just any colony like a farming colony or a Industrial one has to be Military installation! and is extremely risky with a consequence of starting a war with a far more advanced empire then yours.

[undefined=undefined]Exploration[/undefined] as is nearly always the case in most 4x games you see where all stars are from the start, introduce like Imperium Galactica 2 a fog of war so you see nothing except your own system from the start and the ships you use only have a very limited sensor range in the beginning and can only pick up planets that are very close to them, in the future maybe through some planet exploration they find tech to advance their technology on sensors! or maybe they get that tech from a battle with another empire after they salvage their ship and sent the wreckage to the science department for analysis and study.

[undefined=undefined]Combat[/undefined] because every beginning empire start with a unique tech and also the advanced races!, battles should be much more interesting. if we base these tech's on animal kingdom abilities like speed, Camouflage, power there are many documentaries out there on animals that one could adapt to use in a space game and part of the fun of combat in fighting these other empires is steeling their tech salvaging or learning it from screenshots will make combat and exploration in my opinion far more rewarding and also creating an element of the unknown! what are you gonna find out there? and from game to game it will differ greatly and can lead to games- where you are in a more safer sector and other games starting in a far more dangerous area, everytime you play the game what you find is randomized depending on your encounters and what planets you find so your progression through the game will be different from another empires experience.

I mentioned earlier 5 advanced races whom start with a lot of advanced tech that really form a galactic counsel, when your propably advanced enough you can take on these races and if you defeat say 2 the rest acknowledge you as the leader of the council and you have achieved a game goal of dominance.

That's it for now but I'm gonna expand on this later and keep adding new ideas as well plus a bit of help from the community as well will be good let's see what we can come up with
......thanks.]]>
4x games to me haven't changed much in their approach to making them sense Masters of Orion! , yes their have been a few but not really that much!.

Game idea
1. There are five advanced races each with their own technology's you can not play these empires you play one of the beginning empires.

2.[undefined=undefined]Technology [/undefined]Every beginning empire starts with one highly advanced tech that is a highly guarded secret, say for instance the Antarians have a unique propulsion system that is a bit like squid they can dart from place to place making targeting them very difficult so new concept you take a screenshot of them and send it to research department so they can analyze and counter this advantage by say designing new Lazar turrets and tracking tech that takes away their advantage and advances yours!!.... another example The Vaigoth Dominion in your first contact appear out of no where and destroy your ship or ships you take screen shot send it to research department and now have clocking tech as well.
so everything that has to be researched like in real life most be first learned from exploration and encounters with new empires through battle Exploration and of course Spying.

[undefined=undefined]Spying[/undefined] for instance could work by the the more your spy's advance's the better the tech they can steel! but not for spying on just any colony like a farming colony or a Industrial one has to be Military installation! and is extremely risky with a consequence of starting a war with a far more advanced empire then yours.

[undefined=undefined]Exploration[/undefined] as is nearly always the case in most 4x games you see where all stars are from the start, introduce like Imperium Galactica 2 a fog of war so you see nothing except your own system from the start and the ships you use only have a very limited sensor range in the beginning and can only pick up planets that are very close to them, in the future maybe through some planet exploration they find tech to advance their technology on sensors! or maybe they get that tech from a battle with another empire after they salvage their ship and sent the wreckage to the science department for analysis and study.

[undefined=undefined]Combat[/undefined] because every beginning empire start with a unique tech and also the advanced races!, battles should be much more interesting. if we base these tech's on animal kingdom abilities like speed, Camouflage, power there are many documentaries out there on animals that one could adapt to use in a space game and part of the fun of combat in fighting these other empires is steeling their tech salvaging or learning it from screenshots will make combat and exploration in my opinion far more rewarding and also creating an element of the unknown! what are you gonna find out there? and from game to game it will differ greatly and can lead to games- where you are in a more safer sector and other games starting in a far more dangerous area, everytime you play the game what you find is randomized depending on your encounters and what planets you find so your progression through the game will be different from another empires experience.

I mentioned earlier 5 advanced races whom start with a lot of advanced tech that really form a galactic counsel, when your propably advanced enough you can take on these races and if you defeat say 2 the rest acknowledge you as the leader of the council and you have achieved a game goal of dominance.

That's it for now but I'm gonna expand on this later and keep adding new ideas as well plus a bit of help from the community as well will be good let's see what we can come up with
......thanks.]]> <![CDATA[Need your help Strat Gamers!]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1073.html Fri, 31 May 2013 18:59:50 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1073.html
I am the developer of Artifact Red X and I have seen a lot of traffic and great feedback come from this community! I know most of you would like to see more core strategy games that make you take your time and really think.. so do we but we need your help doing it!

We were off to a good start but with a massive marketing budget, we can't get the word out on our own. With 2 weeks to go, we have to get this lil'fella movin!

Come and check out our project, back us or just help spread the word - tell a friend, post on a forum, tweet it, blog it or just yell off your balcony to the world!

My twitter handle is @tier2games
The project link is: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1692...ategy-game]]>
I am the developer of Artifact Red X and I have seen a lot of traffic and great feedback come from this community! I know most of you would like to see more core strategy games that make you take your time and really think.. so do we but we need your help doing it!

We were off to a good start but with a massive marketing budget, we can't get the word out on our own. With 2 weeks to go, we have to get this lil'fella movin!

Come and check out our project, back us or just help spread the word - tell a friend, post on a forum, tweet it, blog it or just yell off your balcony to the world!

My twitter handle is @tier2games
The project link is: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1692...ategy-game]]> <![CDATA[Completely new to 4x games]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1072.html Thu, 30 May 2013 02:37:03 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1072.html
I know there are thousands of threads like this and I apologize for opening another one, but I need help and I'm sure this is the best place where I can look for it.

I have always been extremely fascinated by 4x games and in general from videogames that give me an idea of a living sandbox world, even better if it's procedurally generated and new every time.

At the same time though, for some reason, I am both extremely fascinated and scared by complexity in such games. I know it sounds like I'm crazy, and maybe I am 4 but let me explain what my typical experience with 4x games has been so far.

I have bought some, like Star Ruler, Endless Space, Gal Civ 2, Civ 4 and 5. But whenever it came to playing them it almost always went like this. I ran the game, started playing, and in a few minutes got overwhelmed by things to do, choices, and the feeling of not being in control. Everything seemed too damn complicated, which both fascinated me and scared me off. The result was invariably me shutting off the game and promising to myself I would soon be back to it, but never really doing it.

I know, this sounds more like material for a psychologist than for a gaming forum, but I thought that maybe since you guys are all into 4x games there is a game in particular that might help me overcome this feeling. Or some "strategy" to follow when first approaching to such games.

So please feel free to share your thoughts, suggest games, suggest anything that might help me get into this new world.

And thank you in advance for your help.]]>
I know there are thousands of threads like this and I apologize for opening another one, but I need help and I'm sure this is the best place where I can look for it.

I have always been extremely fascinated by 4x games and in general from videogames that give me an idea of a living sandbox world, even better if it's procedurally generated and new every time.

At the same time though, for some reason, I am both extremely fascinated and scared by complexity in such games. I know it sounds like I'm crazy, and maybe I am 4 but let me explain what my typical experience with 4x games has been so far.

I have bought some, like Star Ruler, Endless Space, Gal Civ 2, Civ 4 and 5. But whenever it came to playing them it almost always went like this. I ran the game, started playing, and in a few minutes got overwhelmed by things to do, choices, and the feeling of not being in control. Everything seemed too damn complicated, which both fascinated me and scared me off. The result was invariably me shutting off the game and promising to myself I would soon be back to it, but never really doing it.

I know, this sounds more like material for a psychologist than for a gaming forum, but I thought that maybe since you guys are all into 4x games there is a game in particular that might help me overcome this feeling. Or some "strategy" to follow when first approaching to such games.

So please feel free to share your thoughts, suggest games, suggest anything that might help me get into this new world.

And thank you in advance for your help.]]> <![CDATA[Need new game, advice?]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1071.html Sun, 26 May 2013 10:52:56 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1071.html
I'm looking at Distant Worlds, Endless Space and Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion but DW seemed to be regarded as the best one of the bunch. Is it worth the learning curve time investment?

I enjoy playing a good variety of war and strategy game including ones such as Crusader Kings 2 to Civ V as well as ones such as Combat Mission and the Total War series.

For a 4X game, I admit I kind of like to RP my civ, get into exploring the galaxy, etc... I don't seem to get into power gaming these kind of games, I just like the "story" of it all as it unfolds. Of course engaging combat, fun graphics and sounds don't hurt either.

Thanks for any help!]]>
I'm looking at Distant Worlds, Endless Space and Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion but DW seemed to be regarded as the best one of the bunch. Is it worth the learning curve time investment?

I enjoy playing a good variety of war and strategy game including ones such as Crusader Kings 2 to Civ V as well as ones such as Combat Mission and the Total War series.

For a 4X game, I admit I kind of like to RP my civ, get into exploring the galaxy, etc... I don't seem to get into power gaming these kind of games, I just like the "story" of it all as it unfolds. Of course engaging combat, fun graphics and sounds don't hurt either.

Thanks for any help!]]> <![CDATA[Artifact Re-X Hybrid Strategy Game on Kickstarter]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1070.html Fri, 24 May 2013 16:23:21 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1070.html
thought I'd tell you about my new hybrid strategy game ive put up on Kickstarter

ARTIFACT: RED-X is a hybrid between a real time empire-style builder and a turn based squad game.
Artifact Red-X will be available for Windows and iOS.
In Artifact Red-X, you are the invading extraterrestrials on an alien world. Your mission is to extract as much of the rare element Red-X from the planet as possible and sell it for a large profit. But be warned, the planet you select to mine may already be inhabited.
The choice of how to deal with the local alien inhabitants is up to you. Wage an all out campaign to terrorize, abduct and annihilate the aliens. Or you may choose to remain concealed and avoid detection - through passive operations and government infiltration, spying and espionage. Stay hidden by researching stealth and signal jamming technologies. Choose how you deal with the local population carefully as unexpected consequences can affect your profits!


read all about it on KS site - http://kck.st/12f43aR
or if you dont like shortened links: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1692...ategy-game

There are screenshots and more details in the updates, so please have a poke around and give me your feedback!

.jpg  FB-Ad.jpg (Size: 136.59 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>
thought I'd tell you about my new hybrid strategy game ive put up on Kickstarter

ARTIFACT: RED-X is a hybrid between a real time empire-style builder and a turn based squad game.
Artifact Red-X will be available for Windows and iOS.
In Artifact Red-X, you are the invading extraterrestrials on an alien world. Your mission is to extract as much of the rare element Red-X from the planet as possible and sell it for a large profit. But be warned, the planet you select to mine may already be inhabited.
The choice of how to deal with the local alien inhabitants is up to you. Wage an all out campaign to terrorize, abduct and annihilate the aliens. Or you may choose to remain concealed and avoid detection - through passive operations and government infiltration, spying and espionage. Stay hidden by researching stealth and signal jamming technologies. Choose how you deal with the local population carefully as unexpected consequences can affect your profits!


read all about it on KS site - http://kck.st/12f43aR
or if you dont like shortened links: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1692...ategy-game

There are screenshots and more details in the updates, so please have a poke around and give me your feedback!

.jpg  FB-Ad.jpg (Size: 136.59 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> <![CDATA[Announcing Battle For Elysium - join BETA]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1069.html Sun, 12 May 2013 20:45:04 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1069.html
I would like to invite everyone on this respected forum at SPACE SECTOR to join the current BETA of my first game developed for iOS and Android - Battle For Elysium (B4E): a space-based RTS that feels "old" as well as "new".

Here's a preview of the game on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v6b9Epi-zM

The "old" in B4E represents "old-school" influences of my earliest sci-fi gaming experiences. Classic series such as: Imperium Galactum, Star Control, Master of Orion, Homeworld, Starfleet Command, Space Empires, SoaSE, SOTS and many others. And yes, the earliest title was from 1984, which puts my age as mid-40's 3.

Battle For Elysium definitely has these influences, yet I strived to create something "new" for casual gaming on the iOS and Android platform that others like myself would (hopefully) find entertaining. I had several unique gameplay elements in mind, while developing B4E:

* Easy-to-learn, yet varied and deep gameplay and re-playability
* Incorporate tactical and strategic elements requiring mental agility not "twitch" gameplay
* A "sandbox" Formations Editor to create unlimited fleet formations
* Unique alien races and AI behaviors
* Beautiful to view and play with gorgeous space background and graphics "effects"
* Provide detailed scoring summary and Statistics
* Most important: be fun, challenging and entertaining!

I welcome ALL here to join as BETA testers, CURRENTLY underway for iOS and Android!

For BETA sign-up directions, please follow this link: http://battleforelysium.com/forum/index.php?topic=5.0

Also, anyone wanting to provide helpful suggestions or feedback (such as how and best sites for my app to be promoted / reviewed - lol), contribute to the B4E "lore" (for fun) or contribute in any other way, I would greatly appreciate it!

About me - a timeline: 0-12> pre-programming, nerdy but "normal", 12 - 17> TURTLE - neat!, Atari 400 - bliss! BASIC - cool, 6502 Assembly - cooler, 18> girls - WAY cooler, 19-20> AI, dreams of MIT?, my BattleMech game - never published, 21 - 44> software developer (business) - lukewarm - hot - lukewarm, 45>iOS/Android programming - cool, again

Thanks,

John Eastman
Indie Developer
Battle For Elysium

Official Site: http://battleforelysium.com]]>
I would like to invite everyone on this respected forum at SPACE SECTOR to join the current BETA of my first game developed for iOS and Android - Battle For Elysium (B4E): a space-based RTS that feels "old" as well as "new".

Here's a preview of the game on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v6b9Epi-zM

The "old" in B4E represents "old-school" influences of my earliest sci-fi gaming experiences. Classic series such as: Imperium Galactum, Star Control, Master of Orion, Homeworld, Starfleet Command, Space Empires, SoaSE, SOTS and many others. And yes, the earliest title was from 1984, which puts my age as mid-40's 3.

Battle For Elysium definitely has these influences, yet I strived to create something "new" for casual gaming on the iOS and Android platform that others like myself would (hopefully) find entertaining. I had several unique gameplay elements in mind, while developing B4E:

* Easy-to-learn, yet varied and deep gameplay and re-playability
* Incorporate tactical and strategic elements requiring mental agility not "twitch" gameplay
* A "sandbox" Formations Editor to create unlimited fleet formations
* Unique alien races and AI behaviors
* Beautiful to view and play with gorgeous space background and graphics "effects"
* Provide detailed scoring summary and Statistics
* Most important: be fun, challenging and entertaining!

I welcome ALL here to join as BETA testers, CURRENTLY underway for iOS and Android!

For BETA sign-up directions, please follow this link: http://battleforelysium.com/forum/index.php?topic=5.0

Also, anyone wanting to provide helpful suggestions or feedback (such as how and best sites for my app to be promoted / reviewed - lol), contribute to the B4E "lore" (for fun) or contribute in any other way, I would greatly appreciate it!

About me - a timeline: 0-12> pre-programming, nerdy but "normal", 12 - 17> TURTLE - neat!, Atari 400 - bliss! BASIC - cool, 6502 Assembly - cooler, 18> girls - WAY cooler, 19-20> AI, dreams of MIT?, my BattleMech game - never published, 21 - 44> software developer (business) - lukewarm - hot - lukewarm, 45>iOS/Android programming - cool, again

Thanks,

John Eastman
Indie Developer
Battle For Elysium

Official Site: http://battleforelysium.com]]> <![CDATA[Face of Mankind]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1067.html Thu, 09 May 2013 09:09:06 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1067.html
Face of Mankind is a unique sandbox with 3rd person shooter elements. The game is totally player run in everything from politics to the economy. The game takes place in a dark future where megacorporations, clans and dictatorial government factions run the galaxy. Player choose from eight factions and compete for rank and power using influence, cash and of course lots of ammo.

The game is currently being redesigned with new added features. Players will soon be able to create their own factions, conquer colonies and territory, issue taxes, occupy resources and build empires. Feel free to check out the kickstarter at

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nexe...e-dominion]]>
Face of Mankind is a unique sandbox with 3rd person shooter elements. The game is totally player run in everything from politics to the economy. The game takes place in a dark future where megacorporations, clans and dictatorial government factions run the galaxy. Player choose from eight factions and compete for rank and power using influence, cash and of course lots of ammo.

The game is currently being redesigned with new added features. Players will soon be able to create their own factions, conquer colonies and territory, issue taxes, occupy resources and build empires. Feel free to check out the kickstarter at

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nexe...e-dominion]]> <![CDATA[MOO 3 Mods]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1064.html Sun, 05 May 2013 06:21:32 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1064.html
Can anyone recommend anything?]]>
Can anyone recommend anything?]]> <![CDATA[New to the genre.]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1063.html Sat, 04 May 2013 12:45:23 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1063.html
-I'm very interested in tactical battle (this is my main focus) and exploration.
-I like depth games, I'm not afraid of steep learning curve and the need to consult tutorials or wikis.
-Multiplayer is not a must.

There are some games that catched my eye:

-Sword of the Stars II Enhanced
-Star Ruler
-Star Drive
-Distant Worlds

I discarded Sins of a Solar Empire, the battles are too zerg vs zerg for my liking...

Thank you for your time and help 1]]>
-I'm very interested in tactical battle (this is my main focus) and exploration.
-I like depth games, I'm not afraid of steep learning curve and the need to consult tutorials or wikis.
-Multiplayer is not a must.

There are some games that catched my eye:

-Sword of the Stars II Enhanced
-Star Ruler
-Star Drive
-Distant Worlds

I discarded Sins of a Solar Empire, the battles are too zerg vs zerg for my liking...

Thank you for your time and help 1]]> <![CDATA[A few questions]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1062.html Sat, 04 May 2013 09:37:45 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1062.html
1) Is there any way for AI empires to have unique colors? Having it set by ally-neutral-enemy makes it really hard to figure out who owns what.

2) is there a fleet system or do you just have to manually shove big groups of ships around?

Thanks!]]>
1) Is there any way for AI empires to have unique colors? Having it set by ally-neutral-enemy makes it really hard to figure out who owns what.

2) is there a fleet system or do you just have to manually shove big groups of ships around?

Thanks!]]> <![CDATA[Void of Darkness 2d tactical combat/trading/exploration game]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1061.html Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:59:14 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1061.html
Void of Darkness is an original 2d Space Combat, Trading and Exploration Game inspired in part by Starflight 1&2 which was created by Binary Systems.

The key features of this game will be:
• Engaging combat, with many powerful and unique weapons.
• True Exploration: A small ship, BIG universe, with anomalies and many other places to discover.
• Alien Interaction: Interact with more than 10 Alien Empires.
• Simulation: You have a crew, they live, they breathe, they eat they sleep, all with little input from you. They are intelligent; they will carry out repairs and keep you informed of the status of your ship.
• Obtain new technology and upgrade your ship's weapons, shields, armor, engines and sensors.
• Fast Travel: Space is big; obtain prototype technology such as the jump drive.
• Auxiliary Craft: Launch Shuttles and Mining Drones to gather precious ore.
• Trading: Barter with alien species for the best price.
• Tension: You can only save when docked at a Space Station.
• Dynamic Events: E.G. send/receive distress calls to/from Alien allies in trouble.
• Sandbox Play, the game does have a story, but it isn’t linear, you are free to roam where-ever whenever.
• And more!

You can keep up to date with it on indieDB: http://www.indiedb.com/games/void-of-darkness

or on my blog: Http://www.voidofdarkness.com

I hope to hear your opinions on some features I am thinking about implementing, will post more in the general forum.

Thanks!]]>
Void of Darkness is an original 2d Space Combat, Trading and Exploration Game inspired in part by Starflight 1&2 which was created by Binary Systems.

The key features of this game will be:
• Engaging combat, with many powerful and unique weapons.
• True Exploration: A small ship, BIG universe, with anomalies and many other places to discover.
• Alien Interaction: Interact with more than 10 Alien Empires.
• Simulation: You have a crew, they live, they breathe, they eat they sleep, all with little input from you. They are intelligent; they will carry out repairs and keep you informed of the status of your ship.
• Obtain new technology and upgrade your ship's weapons, shields, armor, engines and sensors.
• Fast Travel: Space is big; obtain prototype technology such as the jump drive.
• Auxiliary Craft: Launch Shuttles and Mining Drones to gather precious ore.
• Trading: Barter with alien species for the best price.
• Tension: You can only save when docked at a Space Station.
• Dynamic Events: E.G. send/receive distress calls to/from Alien allies in trouble.
• Sandbox Play, the game does have a story, but it isn’t linear, you are free to roam where-ever whenever.
• And more!

You can keep up to date with it on indieDB: http://www.indiedb.com/games/void-of-darkness

or on my blog: Http://www.voidofdarkness.com

I hope to hear your opinions on some features I am thinking about implementing, will post more in the general forum.

Thanks!]]> <![CDATA[favor to europa universalis fans]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1060.html Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:45:39 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1060.html http://signup.europauniversalis4.com/r/09439d93133

Please use the link and register then confirm your registration. I need atleast 10 people just to get the emperor title. Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks]]> http://signup.europauniversalis4.com/r/09439d93133

Please use the link and register then confirm your registration. I need atleast 10 people just to get the emperor title. Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks]]> <![CDATA[X Rebirth Video,s]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1059.html Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:19:33 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1059.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4Xiaebqm...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C_CufNy2...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVMobXMgS...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC3Snb4lW...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNz99IPWt...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt4B4e3i5...r_embedded

Bottom video shows some in game gameplay and cockpit view,Enjoy]]> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4Xiaebqm...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C_CufNy2...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVMobXMgS...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC3Snb4lW...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNz99IPWt...r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt4B4e3i5...r_embedded

Bottom video shows some in game gameplay and cockpit view,Enjoy]]> <![CDATA[Looking for online space 4x game]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1058.html Sun, 21 Apr 2013 08:56:29 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1058.html <![CDATA[Icarus Ascends, New Tactical Space Battle Game in Production]]> http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1057.html Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:35:57 -0600 http://www.spacesector.com/blog/forum/thread-1057.html
Please see our website to view our production videos and link to our facebook page, and once again keep in mind that we are in an EARLY pre-alpha state. Our team of 2d and 3d artists is busy working on ship designs, painting starfields, and visualizing explosions. No aspect of the art, music, or sound design represents the polish that will be present in the final release. Thank you for your interest, and welcome to Icarus Ascends!

http://www.icarusascends.com/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhtNxPIEwgFM532-TMBbug
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Icarus-As...8421042695









[Image: IA_screenshot4_zps72edc44f.jpg]

[Image: IA_screenshot3_zps4f33a19a.jpg]

[Image: IA_screenshot2_zps1fde277a.jpg]

[Image: IA_screenshot1_zps21dcd2ff.jpg]]]>
Please see our website to view our production videos and link to our facebook page, and once again keep in mind that we are in an EARLY pre-alpha state. Our team of 2d and 3d artists is busy working on ship designs, painting starfields, and visualizing explosions. No aspect of the art, music, or sound design represents the polish that will be present in the final release. Thank you for your interest, and welcome to Icarus Ascends!

http://www.icarusascends.com/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhtNxPIEwgFM532-TMBbug
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Icarus-As...8421042695









[Image: IA_screenshot4_zps72edc44f.jpg]

[Image: IA_screenshot3_zps4f33a19a.jpg]

[Image: IA_screenshot2_zps1fde277a.jpg]

[Image: IA_screenshot1_zps21dcd2ff.jpg]]]>