Time for a new 4x Space Game

[Atrocities]

We really could use another Shrapnel sold highly addictive 4 x space strategy game. Any prospects on the horizon for one?

[Azselendor]

Poketh.




I second this motion

[Gandalf Parker]

I went hunting for the great thread called "What kind of game would you like to see made". Then I found out, you started that one also.

[S.R. Krol]

If only someone was out there doing one.

It seems like there is a decided lack of ambition on many folks creating non-mainstream games today. Lots of people doing Flash games, or simplistic games that in five minutes you've seen everything it has to offer, but very few doing "real" games, like an epic sci-fi 4X title.

[Gandalf Parker]

Keep in mind that we, the users, can be an army for Shrapnel.
Go forth and discover games. Find Indies that are in alpha, or better yet, Beta version. PC games, card games, board games. Convince them that they would benefit from the great job Shrapnel does of representation, publishing, publicity, etc.

It also wouldnt hurt to hook up any graphics, sound byters, documentation writers you run across.

You might check gaming forums, newsgroups, or even open source projects sites. Personally Im keeping my eyes peeled for some old favorites that I sincerely hope get recreated.

Gandalf Parker
--
What am I doing here? Have you ever heard "those who can, do; and those who cant, teach"?
Well I dont do either one. But Im a real good pitch man.

[DennisS]

I want the best parts of Masters of Orion, Sins of the Solar Empire, Galactic Civilizations, Stars!, and Space Empires, all rolled into one beautifully polished product.

AND I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heh. Agreed. There is ALWAYS room for a good 4x game.

[Noble713]

There are at least two (decent-looking) open source 4x games in production:

Free Orion and Thousand Parsec.

Lost Empire: Immortals has some awesome features (HUGE galaxy maps, easy to manage a sprawling empire, decent UI) but it's sluggish, lacks emotional investment, and is difficult to mod.

[Wdll]

There are some new-ish 4X games out there. But I am in favour of more of them

[gorgse]

Hey, ran into this thread and thought this might be pertinent to the subject. We are are a small independent developer creating a 4x space game. Here is the lowdown on the game:

Aphelion is a 4X(eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) turn based strategy based on a distant future. It features six distinct alien factions, pitted in a desperate battle for control of the galaxy. You can chose from six unique empires, each with their own distinct technologies, ships, units, strengths, and weaknesses. There are over 240 unique ships in the game. The game stays true to a pure turn based approach in all aspects, preventing the it from degrading into a reaction time based click fest when large forces meet. We use an unified system model, instead of managing each planet separately. This will help limit late game creep and keep micromanagement in check.. The game features a circular galaxy which has no corners and a black hole in the center. This will increase strategy, as player's can't hole up in the safety of corners, and results in more equal starting position for all.

Aphelion: Phoenix Rising features:
Engaging and complex storyline which unfolds as the game progresses.

Dynamic technology trees specific to your race that change every game for greater replayability.

Six distinct civilizations, complete with their own look, units, technology, and strategies.

Dynamic diplomacy systems, alloying the forging of alliances along with many other forms of treaties such as trade, friendship, war pacts and non-aggression treaties.

Engaging espionage system in which you can assassinate, sabotage, spy, and frame your enemy. This system is complete with repercussion in the event of disclosure of deeds.

Spectacular 3-D space battles in which the outcome can change in a second due to a reactor going critical, or a boarding party forcing their way to the ship's bridge.

We are a small developer, but that does not mean that we do not have big dreams. In order to get noticed, we need to make some noise in the game world. Please help by visiting our page on Gamespot so that we can be seen and attract the attention of a publisher. Thank you for you time, and feel free to visit our website or forums if you have more questions.

Gamespot page:
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/..._summary;title

http://wyvernstudios.net/

Jared O'Connor

[Arralen]

Obviously, he already has forgotten about Shrapnel again already ... so here's some interesting news, maybe someone want to have a look at that game (not try it, it's only a vid, not a real demo):

Aphelion: Phoenix Rising
6/30/2009 - Video demo available
Wyvern Studios has released it's first public gameplay demo. Note that the demo occasionally skips forward in time.
http://wyvernstudios.net/demo_vid.avi