I enjoyed the premise and nostalgia of this title a lot. It did not have complicated mechanics, and it didn't need them or claim to - it is (was) built around simple city management, a good intro to the genre. The graphics and music are lovely, though the mission design (read: objectives) feel performative as each mission plays out the same. The gods mechanics is interesting, but unbalance - unlike Pharoah, you need to satisfy them all quickly or a vicious cycle of setbacks starts hampering your gameplay. I initially would have given it 4/5 stars for its generally quite good satisfaction, but the most recent DLC/update broke the economy. It feels too difficult, if not impossible, to satisfy the base needs of your city, especially the gods; money is the problem. You don't start with enough to build the basic supply chains needed to satisfy piety and defence without running out. The income from "patricians" (taxpayers) is too slow to meet the demand. Gave up on the expansions, but the base game is still recommended.
A greeat space looter-shooter. Reminds me of Free Lancer, or a better combat version of Rebel Galaxy (thought the trade system is better in RG). Tight flight mechanics, upgrade systems, enough lore to keep it grounded without being overbearing, and a story that, refreshlngly, doesn't involve saving the galaxy. Just you getting out of dodge, just like in the first game. The ability to customize ships is also great - the No Man's Sky I wish I had earlier. You don't need to play the first one, but I picked it up on GOG for cheap and it was worth it to get the backstory. This game has evolved in complexity though, so don't do ES 2 then ES1... (Would be cool to have a Mass Effect tie-in as well, would pay $ for an N7 colour scheme...)
A pleasant space combat sim with enough grind to satisfy goblin neurons. Voice acting ain't bad either, for what little plot there is (though that plot is at least coherent).
