Master of Orion: Collector's Edition

This is a review of the early access version as of 02/27/2016 I've been involved with Master of Orion for the past 20 years or so. I've played hundreds and hundreds of hours in MoO, MoO2, and even MoO3. I have played tons of Master of Magic, Civ 4 & 5, Sins of a Solar Empire, and a small collection of other more modern 4x games. I cannot give this game enough praise. Colony Management: More Like MoO2 than 1 or 3. You have the ability to designate civilians to each of the three domains of colonization (Research, Food, and Production). Food is useful for early colonies to get bigger, and there doesn't appear to be a penalty for expanding too fast/wise too soon. Fleet Management: Managing your fleet on the galactic map is simple enough, and brings back good vibes from both MoO and MoM. In combat, the view changes to a circular 3D area which can be littered with asteroids that act as obstacles. Diplomacy: A mix between Civ4, Civ5, and MoO2. Most of the robust Diplomacy options come later into the game, so you'll have to work for it. I didn't opt for diplomacy in most cases, as I vapourized most my alien neighbors. Atmosphere and Graphics: This game is absolutely gorgeous! The new race redesigns are beautiful, and their voice actors (some of them VERY famous i.e. Michael Dorn, Mark Hamil, etc...) get their personas down just right. Research: Tech tree design straight from newer Civ games. Although I was expecting something different, This style feels much better than what MoO2 offered when it came to tech. Here's my quick breakdown: PROS: + Atmosphere and Immersion are excellent. + Micromanagement doesn't reach MoO3 levels of ridiculousness but there is plenty of room for it. + Against popular opinion, I REALLY like the space lane system. Space constructors add a great element as well CONS: - Although fleet combat looks nice, tactical movements on the battlefield can sometimes feel pedantic or not helpful to your overall strategy. OVERALL: 4/5

It is early access preview, so various things aren't finished or balanced yet, but there is enough game there to while away some fun hours and to make me excited for the finished version, I played all the previous MOOs when they came out, and agree with the standard view that 2 was a gold standard in games of the genre, but I disagree with the purist negativity in some of the reviews here. It isn't an exact copy of MOO2, but as long as they see the development through, it could be a worthy successor.

Expecting a reboot to be exactly like the originals is a recipe for disappointment. So far the game looks great, sounds great, plays okay, and is good overall for an early access game. The combat is simplistic as of current date. You can position to flank the enemy, and you can give each of your ships a priority target. In summary, it's not the same game but it feels like Orion to me, it's playable in it's current form, and the rest is all hope :D

Why don't you just play the two old games and live your elysium, many even liked the (fans-patched) MOO3. If you love Master Of Orion, It's the myth and story that shall be continued in an appropriate way which this title does great. I'd not yet rate but done it eventually after seeing so much bad critic. What I'd love to see for a sequel though is the option to slightly zoom and watch the progress of areas of a planet ie cities, bases etc. It might take some years to see that happen but would be great. Afterall it's up to one's bias

For a game in development it plays very good so far. I have encountered no big bugs or fun sinkholes. I have played countless games of MoO I and II, even some MoO III, and this game is good with a chance to be a great game. If the developers iron out the few minor errors (like in text "-25% population growth" where it should read "+25%.....") and really listen to the players about balance and game play experience this game can be better than MoO II, which imhO is the best 4X game there is. 4 stars for now, 5 stars if the Devs keep up their good work :)