Players Like...

❤ Exploration and Discovery

Players praise the game's unique "sector scanning" system, which allows them to remotely explore areas of the galaxy to uncover hidden systems, planets, resources, and other celestial objects. This ongoing process of discovery keeps the "eXploration" aspect fresh throughout the game, as players are constantly surprised by new things to investigate and exploit, rather than simply revealing a static map.

❤ Customizable and Meaningful Decisions

The game empowers players to create and customize their own unique alien races, each with distinct traits, abilities, and ideal planet types. Additionally, the research tech tree demands tough choices, as the costs increase for less important technologies, forcing players to carefully prioritize their technological development. Coupled with the planetary management and ship design systems, this creates a rich, optimizing experience as players work to refine their empire.

❤ Tactical Combat

Players praise the satisfying turn-based combat, which requires strategic thinking about factors like weapon placement, shield coverage, and positioning to emerge victorious. The ship design system offers a good degree of customization, allowing players to fine-tune their fleets for different tactical scenarios.

❤ Emergent Gameplay

The ability to randomize the tech tree, coupled with the unpredictable nature of exploration and the AI opponents, ensures that each game plays out uniquely. This, combined with the customization options, leads to a high degree of replayability as players tackle new challenges and situations.

❤ Scope and Pacing

While the early game can start slowly, the game maintains a consistent level of meaningful decision-making throughout. The scope of building large interstellar empires is praised, with the developers successfully avoiding overwhelming micromanagement, even in the late game.