The WhatsNext verdict
If you want dense turn-based strategy wrapped in serious, atmospheric science fiction, this delivers a remarkably rich campaign. Play it if you can accept an old interface and learn its systems through patience or community fixes.
What it does best
Strategy that rewards real thought
A world with deep lore
Atmosphere you can drown in
One more turn, one more run
What might put you off
A dated interface and steep learning curve
Uneven AI and late-game micromanagement
The setup
What you are walking into
Legendary designer Sid Meier presents the next evolution in strategy games, with the most addictive, compelling gameplay yet. Explore the alien planet that is your new home and uncover its myriad mysteries. Discover over 75 extraordinary technologies. Build over 60 base upgrades and large scales secret projects for your empire. Conquer your enemies with a war machine that you design from over 32,000 possible unit types.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
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