I Don't Often Play Space Based Games...

Gusington · January 18, 2013, 10:29:45 AM

...but when I do I prefer space battles with big honkin' capital ships and lots of dog fighting between groups of fighters. I enjoy both strategy and tactical based games, customization, ship building and Elite type games, and even the rare game that gives players the opportinity to both command and pilot.

Of the space sims and strategy games of the last five years, what do you guys recommend the most highly? A combination of both strategy and a sim would be perfect, if is exists.

Thanks all!

Lord Zimoa · January 18, 2013, 10:40:27 AM

Pure turn-based Sci-Fi grand strategy 4X game that I enjoyed during the holidays and that was recommended by a fellow developer, battles are abstracted though with battle cards, but good looking, the strength is in the smooth UI, fun 4X and overall balance.

It definitely has this addictive one-more-turn factor, easy to get into but hard to master and a lot of replay value:

Endless Space

http://endless-space.amplitude-studios.com/

undercovergeek · January 18, 2013, 10:46:33 AM

Quote from: Gusington on January 18, 2013, 10:29:45 AM
...but when I do I prefer space battles with big honkin' capital ships and lots of dog fighting between groups of fighters. I enjoy both strategy and tactical based games, customization, ship building and Elite type games, and even the rare game that gives players the opportinity to both command and pilot.

Of the space sims and strategy games of the last five years, what do you guys recommend the most highly? A combination of both strategy and a sim would be perfect, if is exists.

Thanks all!

homeworld II with one of them there fancy mods?

Shelldrake · January 18, 2013, 10:52:32 AM

Quote from: Gusington on January 18, 2013, 10:29:45 AM
...but when I do I prefer space battles with big honkin' capital ships and lots of dog fighting between groups of fighters. I enjoy both strategy and tactical based games, customization, ship building and Elite type games, and even the rare game that gives players the opportinity to both command and pilot.

Of the space sims and strategy games of the last five years, what do you guys recommend the most highly? A combination of both strategy and a sim would be perfect, if is exists.

Thanks all!

I have heard good things about Star Wars: Empires at War - Forces of Corruption modded with Imperial Civil War v2

mikeck · January 18, 2013, 11:01:01 AM

Well Gus, of you are looking for an Elite type game, I am finding Evochron Mercenary to be very deep. Massive universe, procedural, landing on planets, trade, combat, the usual. Of course, if you're looking for capital ship fights and building, go for Homeworld 2 or Sins

Gusington · January 18, 2013, 11:32:19 AM

Ah...I own Endless Space and was going to give it a try this weekend. I have been curious about the Evochron games too and much to my shame I have never played Homeworld.

You know what game I really liked circa 1998? Colony Wars. On the Playstation no less. Good variety of ships and missions, good campaign and good story. That is what I am looking for.

Yskonyn · January 18, 2013, 11:32:25 AM

X series of games (a new one is coming in 2013). Build. Think. Fight. Trade. :P

Lots of dogfights. You can raise your own army. You can build you own facilities. Lots of different ships, carriers included. You can board other ships to take them over.
You can go the more relaxed route of trade and industry.
A real nice sandbox.

The story is crap though.

Anguille · January 18, 2013, 11:44:24 AM

Quote from: Gusington on January 18, 2013, 11:32:19 AM
You know what game I really liked circa 1998? Colony Wars. On the Playstation no less. Good variety of ships and missions, good campaign and good story. That is what I am looking for.

Colony Wars? I have the game but never managed to run it (even on my 1995 old desktop).

About your request, here are my suggestions:

- Sins of solar empire: Rebellion: one of the best looking strategy games out there. Big ships....big battles. Imho, it's the game you need.

Edit: the game i mean is Colony Wars 2492 which is a different game.

- Star Ruler: Customisation is almost unlimited for ships.

- Armada 2526 (with Supernova): classic 4x game with tactical battles where you have lots of ships.

Huw the Poo · January 18, 2013, 01:41:35 PM

If you want strategy mixed with space sim, the X series is perfect for you. Good luck getting started though...

Martok · January 18, 2013, 02:12:46 PM

From what you've said Gus, I'd second both Anguille's recommendation of SoaSE (either the older Trinity or newer Rebellion) and Huw's mention of the X series.

Gusington · January 18, 2013, 02:49:06 PM

I played SoSE when it was first released and I really wanted a campaign...does the newesr version of the game have one? Star Ruler sounds pretty sweet too.

Longdan · January 18, 2013, 02:54:35 PM

I have had the X series from the ten or whatever many it was CD issue but never played for lack of any manual. Is there some adequate explanation
of at least how to drive your ship? Maybe I will start Endless Space I ave Flatspace 2 as well but never fired it up.

steve58 · January 18, 2013, 02:56:03 PM

maybe Nexus The Jupiter Incident? I picked this one up during the recent holiday sales. Might have to fire it up myself...

Shelldrake · January 18, 2013, 03:03:19 PM

Quote from: Gusington on January 18, 2013, 02:49:06 PM
Star Ruler sounds pretty sweet too.

Space Sector has a pretty good review of the most current version of Star Ruler.

http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2011/09/star-ruler-gold-review/

Yskonyn · January 18, 2013, 03:33:20 PM

Of, if you can appreciate an online variant, Vendetta Online. A cute project by just 4 guys which already runs since 2002.
The grahics are dated, as in many Indie offerings, but the gameplay is pretty good with building, trading and fighting (cool physics to boot!).
It has a smallish but loyal community and the trial runs for 8 hours before you need to sub.