Posts Tagged ‘games’

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

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Catherine the Great

Although many space strategy 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 (before I wrote the article I was included in this last bunch :) ) – but it gets confusing sometimes, well, keep reading).

In the gaming world “4x” stands for: “eXplore, eXpand, eXploit and eXterminate”. The ‘4x’ concept is well covered in the wikipedia here. Essentially the games that are catalogued as ‘4x’ must, at least, possess the following characteristics (or provide the following phases) Continue reading... | 2 Comments

FreeOrion: A Free Open Source 4x Space Strategy Game

Friday, July 31st, 2009
Galaxy Map

While doing some research on the latest news about space strategy games under development I came across with the FreeOrion project.

FreeOrion is an open-source project which goal is to build a turn based 4x space strategy game. The entire project is community-centered were people that share the common motivation are invited to contribute to build the game in many ways, some as programmers, others as conceptual designers, others as opinion makers.

As stated in the project vision the game is inspired in the Master of Orion series and it will be a turn-based strategy game built in the classic 4x model style. Continue reading... | 4 Comments

Ogame Review, Tips and Strategy Guide

Sunday, July 26th, 2009
Ogame

I recently found Ogame, a free browser based massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) of space strategy (4x style). If you’re not familiar (yet) with these types of games basically you just need an internet connection and a browser and you are all set to start playing.

Ogame is developed by Gameforge and is a space strategy game 4x like any other but you play it using solely your web browser. It features all the 4x essentials: research, resource gathering, colony management, spaceship building, fleet management and space combat but in real time strategy style, against the traditional turn based gameplay. Continue reading... | 9 Comments

Less Spaceships with more Personality is more Fun

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Manta Star Fighter: Original Content

When it comes to Space Games, Spaceships take the central stage. They are the backbone of any space faring civilization wordy of that name. Without space ships one civilization cannot expand, cannot explore, settle, trade or sustain itself from hostile civilizations. Basically it cannot evolve.

Imagine you have several star systems in your empire but no effective way to communicate between them. First this is hard to believe in the first place since how could this be? Continue reading... | 10 Comments

Innovative Tech Trees in Space Strategy Games

Sunday, July 19th, 2009
Master of Orion Research

The ability to research new technologies was and always will be a central aspect of any space strategy game.

Much of the fun in this type of games comes from witnessing the evolution of a society in the long run on all its different aspects: entertainment, culture, life quality, biology, production, governments, communications, materials, propulsion engines, weapons, new types of ships, etc. New technologies unlock new possibilities, new opportunities and new toys to Continue reading... | 9 Comments

Space Strategy Games: What’s next?

Thursday, July 9th, 2009
Master of Orion

Since the beginning that humans face the stars ask themselves what’s out there and how wonderful and exciting it would be to discover new places and meet new races. This profound sense of wonder and insatiable curiosity drives many of us to fantasize that possibility.

So what we cannot live in real life we experience in the virtual one. Movies and games have been offering this possibility. Computer games in specific have been putting people in command of space faring civilizations that explore new worlds, meet new races, establish new societies and gain the ultimate knowledge of the Universe Continue reading... | 4 Comments