PC space sims

[maximus]

What are some of the best space sims around for the PC? I have read about ones called Celestia, Vega Strike and Orbiter all of which are mainly just exploration. I am looking for a combination of exploration and conquer in my space sim. Anything out there like this?

[randal7]

Space Empires IV is an excellent game that bogs down with micromanagement after a while. Master of Orion 3 could have been a great game, but remains unfinished. If you can get it off the bargain rack for about $10, tho, you should get your money's worth. Reach for the Stars can be had cheap, but is adequate at best. I have seen people brag on Galactic Empires, but I've never played it. The original Master of Orion remains the best I've played. It's 10 or more years old and I think you can get it off The Underdogs for free.

[Marc Vaughan]

Galactic Civ is meant to be cool - but haven't tried it myself ..

Loved MOO (the original), heard the patched MOO3 isn't too bad ..

[ozias]

X2 The Threat is a good space sim, and the sequel X2 The Return should be coming out sometime in the first quarter of this year.

[maximus]

I was going to buy Master of Orion 3 but after I read the reviews and how buggy it was I never purchased it. Hmm, maybe now thats its patched I can do some more reading on it to see how it runs now.

As for Space Empires IV, I never really checked that out. I did some reading on it but never went into depth. I'll do some more reading on that as well.

X2....this looks interesting. I've heard of it before but I have a high end PC (just recently built another one :) ) and X2 looks like it will take advantge of my hard work.

Thanks for the feedback. Maybe I'll buy all three. :D

[SplitPersonality1]

MOO2 also can bog down a bit in micromanagement, but I still fire it up every 6 months or so

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm actually contemplating spinning up Moo3 again, having just read about a buttload of player mods and stuff that may or may not make it half ass decent (sound familiar to anyone?).

[maximus]

I'm actually contemplating spinning up Moo3 again, having just read about a buttload of player mods and stuff that may or may not make it half ass decent (sound familiar to anyone?).

Yea, I too have just got done reading about the new player mods & patches. Appearently there are tons of fixes and additions for this game.


Hmm, I wonder if Best Buy has this game anymore....

go here for more details about the pathces, ect

http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=285

[Coffee Warlord]

Been researching the mods and people's opinions for a little bit now.

Gonna try a fairly reccommended set of mods, we'll see if I actually have fun with the game. Let everyone know.

[maximus]

Here is another interesting game/sim coming out. It's called "Horizon".

http://www.l3o.com/

Also, check their forums out. Like I said, it isn't out yet but it looks promising and system demanding.

edit:

Just a bit more info on Horizon-

Horizon a PC game
Horizon is a turn-based space strategy game of galactic conquest. It is set in the not so distant future where humans have just begun exploring the edges of their solar system.

As the chosen leader, you will explore deep space, find new frontiers and discover alien artifacts hidden on long ago abandoned planets. You will also learn more about the galaxy as you come into contact with other species.

Ten major alien races are featured; each with their own unique culture, history and schemes.

A fully interactive galaxy allows you to navigate the space between stars and planets. Patrol your borders, and when the need arises defend your territory by engaging in ship to ship tactical combat.

Develop new colonies, then watch them become galactic centers for trade, industry and science. And of course military bases, outposts and shipyards to design and build your battle ships.

Push your empire to it's limits and go beyond the known horizon in this new open space strategy game.

[Coffee Warlord]

By the by, Imperium Galactica II is a fairly fun game. Few years old, obviously I wish it had some more meat to it, but still, enjoyable.

[Glengoyne]

The best by far IMO is still the original MOO. Pretty sure you can pick it up Free on the Net

I have played a number of the others. Stars! was very good, but it was all about micromanagement..to the point that it gave you several tools to manage your micromanagement with.

Gal Civ, Imperium Galactica, Space Empires IV are all pretty reasonable but all have their flaws.


Regarding MOO3. Well In my opinion it is a pretty good example of SO Close, yet SO Far. I really liked some of their concepts, but they completely botched the implementation. MOO2 was all about micromanagement, and they sought to get rid of it in MOO3. I applaud that, but they really didn't have a very workable solution in place, and as a result it was very difficult for an attentive player to manage, let alone an AI. It is certainly worth trying out though, especially if you can get it cheap, and if you can get the correct selection of player Mods loaded. A while back I found that players had grouped selections of Mods together to make it easier. A good number of people are still enjoying it.