Solar Nations II

[Jarhead0331]

I could have sworn I posted about this one, but I can't seem to find any thread. Solar Nations II is a very unique spin on sci-fi 4x and it is developing quite nicely.

The base game comes with two starting scenarios, one in 2025 and one in 2092 (there are more available in the work shop).  Basically, the focus on the game is to fill the niche of taking control of a nation right before it becomes interstellar and being able to guide it through the initial phase of space colonization and beyond. The 2092 scenario is particularly interesting since it starts after World War III has ended and the surviving nations are quite different than they were before the war. Additionally, there are fledgling colonies on the moon, mars and a couple of other bodies in the solar system. The player can decide to control one of these solar nations, as well. Starting on a planet or moon other than earth presents interesting opportunities and challenges in the game. For instance, starting on earth has the benefit of having high population and developed industry, but there are a lot of old rivalries and launching ships into space is costly. Mars, on the other hand, has low population and undeveloped industry, but has valuable resources and is close to the Asteroid Belt.

Either way, the goal is to unite the human nations and expand into space. As far as I have seen so far, there are no alien threats.

The game is extremely complex. Within each nation there are competing factions that the player must balance. For instance, the military, the middle class, the aristocrats, the rural farmers, academic elites, etc. If these factions support you, they can provide powerful bonuses. If they are against you, they can raise unrest, etc.  There are multiple ideologies, cultures, the economy is complex, there is research, diplomacy, combat (terrestrial and space), etc.

I'm still trying to come to grips with the UI, but this is a very impressive game and the developer releases frequent updates and introduces new concepts, refinements, patches, etc. It is currently in early access, but I think he is looking for a full release in August. Its very polished, as is.

Definitely give it a shot.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2275440/Solar_Nations_2/

[mbar]

I've been playing with the demo and I'm hoping for a little discount during the Steam summer sale. The tentative full release plan is August 2026 with a potential price increase up to 20USD.

[CaptainKoloth]

I want to love this one, but between the UI and a bunch of crashes to desktop in the demo I'm holding off for now. Hopefully this gets improved.

[Jarhead0331]

I want to love this one, but between the UI and a bunch of crashes to desktop in the demo I'm holding off for now. Hopefully this gets improved.

I haven't had any CTDs or technical issues, but the UI is definitely a challenge. The developer is starting to make some useful video tutorials, but they are very high level. I'd love a very detailed and granular play-through.

[undercovergeek]

They had me at 'rebel factions on mars' at 8.50 pounds it's a steal

[Jarhead0331]

They had me at 'rebel factions on mars' at 8.50 pounds it's a steal

I'm definitely curious on your thoughts with this one.