Sword of the Stars is one of the few space 4X games, in my opinion, that isn't eclipsed by the Master of Orion games. Here's a list of the things that made it unique on launch, most of which are still unique: - each race moves around the galaxy in a different way (different FTL drives), and therefore they tend to play pretty differently; - combat is fully tactical (and real-time), formation matters, every projectile is simulated; - tech tree is partly randomized, with lots of interesting techs; - some techs may lead to AI rebellions, or even greater menaces; - really good "random events" that make each game unique; - streamlined planet management. Of course, this is a combat-heavy 4X. There's a good amount of exploration and diplomacy, but it is at its best when you're fighting. It feels great, flows great, and IMO it still looks great. Remember some of the precious big battles against the Minbari in Babylon 5? Well, if you ever face the Morrigi in SotS, you will remember. :) The lore of the game is pretty cool as well. There are lots of things that remind me of Babylon 5, and I consider that high praise. There are loads of little things to discover in the game, and there's always a new tech or strategy to experiment with. It is one of the best space 4X games ever made and a very special one for me. If you like space 4X games, or if you are interested in game design, this game is a must-have. It sits there with Master of Orion 1 and 2 and Distant Worlds in the very short list of "best space 4X games ever made".
Here's a mini-review I wrote a while ago: To the Moon is a different game indeed. First, there's not much "game" to it, besides exploration (and there's not much length to it either, as it's about 4.5 hours of gameplay - though I feel it was just the perfect length for the kind of game it is). There are a few puzzles in the first half of the game, but they add very little (and as such, they're basically absent in the second half of the game). Some other "game" sequences feel so out of place that it almost hurts, and the game could arguably be better without them. Or perhaps not, but as I said, there's not much "gameplay" here, if that's what you're looking for. Yet, To the Moon wouldn't work as well if it was not a game, because the interactivity and exploration aspects of its gameplay are a very important aspect of its storytelling. As the doctors explore Johnny's memories, you're there too, in a way you wouldn't be if you weren't controlling their actions. The game makes you feel like an invader sometimes, as you uncover intimate feelings and secrets that give amazingly human dimensions to the main characters in the game. It works well with the visual style and the music (FANTASTIC music, I should add) to create a really memorable experience. And the story is easily one of the best, most humane stories I've ever seen told in any videogames. It is dramatic, but nothing about it seems forced. It is also funny at times (specially where Dr. Watts is concerned). It is also exquisitely well-written, easily topping the likes of Bioware in the quality of its writing. And it's a unique experience, that kind of story that makes you look at your own life and think about what's really important, and what could have happened had things been different. It is effective, it is heart-wrenching, it is brilliant. In summary, this is not a "game" game. It's all about the story, and how you interact with it. But it's also one of the best stories ever told in videogame form, and the most humane game I've ever played. I highly, highly recommend it. You may not find a "game" here, but you may well find what I've found - a true gem of writing and interactive storytelling, one that is bound to make you relate to the characters like no other game ever had, and possibly make you shed quite a few tears of your own. It is one of my favorite games of all time, and one that I plan to play every year, on my birthday, as a way of revisiting my own life, and remembering what are the really important things after all. And if that's not art, then what is?
This is one of my favorite games. In fact, it is kind of "4 games in 1" - you have the main game, which is a 2D turn-based space adventure kind of game (think of a 2D Elite and you'll have an idea of how it plays), a 3D real time strategy mini-game, text adventures of many kinds, and asteroid-like levels inside black holes. Now, except for the main game, the other game modes are optional. I didn't care much for the RTS part, and the game never forced me to play it, which is fantastic. And though I thought the text adventures and asteroid-like levels to be fun, what I really loved was the main game mode. For once, the universe feels alive - things are happening around you all the time. To keep this short: this is one of my favorite games ever, and I still play it every now and then. Though I'd prefer to see the "Complete" version here (with the Reboot expansion, which does add quite a few much-needed improvements), this is still the version I've played the most. It is a very fun game even without the expansion, and very much worth the asking price. An underrated gem, that's for sure.
