
Like in most 4X games, this outpost will grow over time, eventually becoming a colony. Players will need to send a colonising/settler ship to the desired planet and create an outpost. In fact, I am still mostly befuddled by the optimum science progression in the game, despite my best attempts.Ĭolonization is rather interesting, though. However, in order to get a new hull and create new kinds of ships, or colonise different types of planets, you will need to research the correct technology that might be hidden down a skill tree you didn’t even consider that you might need. I normally love research in 4X games, enjoying pursuing a more culture and science approach over military. The decision of whether to fire off a probe or investigate an anomaly can be important and strategic, and utterly confounding if you haven’t even noticed the probe button.Įach aspect of the game seems to follow this theme. Discovered anomalies can yield resources, including luxury goods, gold or even influence, and are also tied into the numerous quests that pop up over the course of gameplay. These can either be fired off into space to find other nodes, opening up greater travel or investigate anomalies on planets within the various space systems. However, the exploratory crafts can launch probes.

Just as an example, exploration happens within clusters of planetary systems with starting spacecraft moving along set travel lines. Each of the hundreds of buttons has an attached tutorial, and if you don’t read the info (or assume you’ll understand it because you’ve played so many 4X games before), you will probably miss out on half of the strategy and gameplay available in Endless Space 2. There is simply so much going on, so much to figure out. This goes to the heart of what makes Endless Space 2 both intriguing and horribly daunting. Normally, I would go into the various mechanics in the game at this point, but that would turn this review into a Wiki instead. The same could be said of Endless Space 2 – you probably won’t get bored, but you might also be totally clueless for more of the experience than you’d like. These games are usually so massive, though, that even with my pacifist tendencies I can get through a game without getting bored or running out of things to do. To be fair, though, I only really enjoy three of the four Xs: eXplore, eXpand and eXploit, preferring to avoid the eXterminate aspects. the Forgotten are silent killers through and through.The 4X genre isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of my favourites. Strong and nimble, their troops can appear fragile, but you shouldn't let appearances deceive you. Covered in tattoos, piercings and tribal paintings, these body modifications serve the dual purpose of expressing the Forgotten's identity and deceiving their opponent on their true nature and shaping, making them ever more elusive. Originally a splinter group from the Vaulters, the appearance of the Forgotten has evolved to reflect their contempt of their science-loving once brothers. The Forgotten have ranged, close combat and flying units.

