I first played Empire on DOS in the 80s, and was hooked on 4x since then. But recently Civ (5 and 6) and Gal Civ 3 were disappointments. I avoided trying Stellaris because it was real time and I preferred turn based. This game is simply GREAT. The complexity, the game mechanics to balance end game scaling, the transitions from explore and expand to epic galaxy wide dominance and crisis defense were wonderful.
Including the good and the bad. Having grown up playing Starfleet Battles with SSD, this game is still the closest port I have played. The game play is still good to scratch my occasional nostalgia itch, but was never happy with the campaigns. Four out of 5 for the game, but 5 out or 5 for the ease of launching/playing that GOG provides.
If you played this in the 80s, then you will love having the GOG version. Dont need to worry about where you put your decoder wheel, of if you still have the map. No complicated shells or configurations, just launch it an play. Still my favorite space exploration game, nothing has come close.
Picked this up a few years ago after I got tired of making my old CDs work when PCs and OSs updated. Well worth it. Everything good you remember from 30 years ago, and a very effortless installation/play process.
Cant really recommend a game where the start goes: You land Your equipment is damaged Use scanner to find material to repair it so far so good You die after less than 3 minutes of game time due to thermal damage, with no chance to find anything to repair your scanner, let alone recharge your environmental suit. Just glad I waited till it was on sale to waste only $30 instead of $60 Would not recommend.
