I had missed the kickstarter a few years ago, and like some others, I've discovered the game through its demo earlier this year. I gave it a shot, and was hooked instantly, enough to join the closed beta for which I have close to four hundred hours logged on Steam, after which I'm still very much hooked. The devs have managed to successfully mix different genres to make a comprehensive experience at a semi-realistic alien First Contact scenario, with an espionage/4X environment on Earth where you're struggling against the other ideologies to influence the masses and redirect Earth's scientific, technological, political and economic assets for your vision on the way to react to the situation. But at the same time, the game becomes a true tactical and strategic space warfare simulator where you have to deal with orbital mechanics, supplies and command&control issues in a way that is very much enjoyable for the player, leading to pitched battles against other human factions or the aliens. In addition to this, the writing is surprisingly managing to deliver a top-notch immersion despite the genre, with the faction leaders' characterization being very well portrayed both for the content and the voice-acting, which adds to the experience. Finally, as part of the closed beta, I can say that the devs are highly reactive to the constructive comments and have improved the gameplay with our returns, showing true dedication to make the game as good as it can be.
I just finished the game and... wow. A few hours long, but each moment is filled with emotions. I laughed at times, enjoying the exchanges between the characters, but I cried. I cried at the end, letting my tears flow freely as I didn't do in years. This game is beautiful, there is no question about it. You have to feel it, to appreciate it, just like some of the greatest (and sadly unknown) books and movies. Yes, video games are an art. This is one of the proofs of it.
