Stellaris Game Thread

[Thomkal]

Well since we have a release date now (May 9), and I think this game might be the biggest game of the year, I thought it was deserving of its own thread.

Let's start with a link to the game.

Stellaris® | Paradox Interactive

Quill19 travelled to Sweden in January 2016 and got to play the game. He's done a Lets Play on You Tube.

Let's Try: Stellaris | Gameplay from Paradox's Space Game! [Featuring: Space Cats] - YouTube

[NobodyHere]

How much DLC will there be for this game?

[Peregrine]

Woo finally a release date. I really can't wait for this game - looks fantastic.

To add to Thomkal's posts - all the developer diaries with all the filthy details on the game are here.

[Super Ugly]

I haven't been this excited for a game in a while. My hopes are probably a little too high, but Paradox seem to be on a tear. Here's hoping this is a good one (and that my computer can handle it).

[bhlloy]

It's paradox, so I'm ready to pick it up at launch, be massively disappointed and then eagerly wait for the patches/mods that will make it one of the best games I have ever played after 18 months

[nilodor]

So where is this game in the spectrum? I get the impression it's like a quasi-real time version of galactic civilizations? Or is it more like civilization or games like red alert?

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by nilodor

So where is this game in the spectrum? I get the impression it's like a quasi-real time version of galactic civilizations? Or is it more like civilization or games like red alert?

It's like a quasi-real time Civilization, Its not turn-based, but you can pause the real-time to do things from my understanding. Look at the let's plays and streams to get a better sense of what it is. It starts out as an exploration game, and somewhat "roguelike" in terms of random events and aliens you can encounter. Then its more of an empire-builder like many of Paradox's historical games. You put your scientists to work to develop new technologies like Civ's tech tree, but each scientist is given a choice of what to research. You can play solo or multiplayer (with at least 32 players) and form all sorts of governments and alliances. Alliance members will have to agree to your "war goals" before you can go to war. Check out the dev diaries that Peregrine linked to earlier. They do a good job of breaking down the various parts of the game.

[AnalBumCover]

Distant Worlds vs Stellaris

Which will come out on top?

[MizzouRah]

Distant Worlds is horrible.. so Stellaris for the win!

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by AnalBumCover

Distant Worlds vs Stellaris

Which will come out on top?

I'd also add Endless Space 2 and Master of Orion 3 to that list.

[Critch]

Distant Worlds would come top on gameplay and depth
Endless Space would come top on pretty graphics
Stellaris will launch with pretty graphics and will add gameplay and depth in 5 x $20 DLCs over the next three years.

[Thomkal]

Live stream starts on Twitch in about 45 minutes for anyone that can draw themselves away from the basketball

[spleen1015]

Thanks for the heads up.

[Edward64]

I've checked out the developer diaries. I've been intimidated by other Paradox games but I'm going to try this one.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I've checked out the developer diaries. I've been intimidated by other Paradox games but I'm going to try this one.

The developers have said they haven't "dumbed down" Stellaris, just made it more accessible to the buying public. I think this game has the potential to be their bestseller, so I think it was a smart move to make it more accessible. We shall see.

[Thomkal]

The live stream is on you tube now in case you missed it:

Stellaris - All hail Blorg, Space Friends #01 - YouTube

[Peregrine]

Really enjoying that video - cool stuff seeing it in action.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

Really enjoying that video - cool stuff seeing it in action.

Ditto. This game was barely on my radar before. Now, I can't wait to buy and download it.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Ditto. This game was barely on my radar before. Now, I can't wait to buy and download it.

really thought this game was going to come out later in the year, so psyched for the early May release date.

[dzilla77]

Really looking forward to this game after seeing the livestream.

[Thomkal]

Some more on the end-game crisis that might develop in your universe:

Unlocking the best tech in Stellaris might destroy the universe - PC Gamer

[spleen1015]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

Some more on the end-game crisis that might develop in your universe:

Unlocking the best tech in Stellaris might destroy the universe - PC Gamer

Love it.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by spleen1015

Love it.

Yup.

[Coffee Warlord]

/engage Nerd Mode

We played a pen and paper RPG a couple years ago, in a quasi Babylon 5 type setting. We were various ambassador type folks of alien races (which we all invented our own). Very intrigue heavy type game. Didn't last too long, but the races people came up with were thoroughly amusing.

And of course, now we're totally going to do a multiplayer Stellaris game with those races.

[Thomkal]

such a nerd. Be sure to share the races here.

[Coffee Warlord]

My guys were a quasi hive-minded isolationist species that specialized in bio-engineering. We were secretly traveling to various primitive worlds and genetically modifying native species to become shock troops. We'd just drop tens of thousands of them on planets owned by minor races to test their effectiveness.

I used to describe them as what you get if you crossed the Vorlons with the Borg.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

My guys were a quasi hive-minded isolationist species that specialized in bio-engineering. We were secretly traveling to various primitive worlds and genetically modifying native species to become shock troops. We'd just drop tens of thousands of them on planets owned by minor races to test their effectiveness.

I used to describe them as what you get if you crossed the Vorlons with the Borg.

I think they have something similar in Stellaris. You can "uplift" native species-not sure what you can do with them then.

[Coffee Warlord]

Clearly they shall be put to good use in cleansing potential colony planets of any undesired biological contamination.

[Thomkal]

live stream on Twitch is two hours long today. Long live the Blorg!

[bronconick]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

I'd also add Endless Space 2 and Master of Orion 3 to that list.

No one wants their game to be compared to MOO3.

[spleen1015]

Either I'm nuts or this game looks like a ton of fun.

[Coffee Warlord]

I am so excited for this.

[dzilla77]

Originally Posted by bronconick

No one wants their game to be compared to MOO3.

This ^

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by bronconick

No one wants their game to be compared to MOO3.

Gah! My mistake. I meant the reboot.

I think my mind erased MoO3 from my mind due to the trauma of playing it.

[Shkspr]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

Gah! My mistake. I meant the reboot.

I think my mind erased MoO3 from my mind due to the trauma of playing it.

Is it too early to declare that no one wants their game to be compared to he MoO reboot?

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Shkspr

Is it too early to declare that no one wants their game to be compared to he MoO reboot?

yes because it is still in early access

[Thomkal]

The live stream is on You Tube now:

Stellaris - All hail Blorg, Space Friends #02 - YouTube

[dzilla77]

Just watched it on Twitch - really looking forward to this title. I don't think I will be disappointed.

[Thomkal]

preorder now available:

Stellaris - Paradox Interactive

scroll down to get lowest price maybe or go to Steam

[Thomkal]

so show of hands, who did the pre-order already?

:shows hand proudly:

[Brian Swartz]

Me! I've also done a ridiculous amount of planning already for an interactive dynasty I'm going to run on FOFC starting on release day. I haven't been this excited about a game in many years. I thought I was virtually immune to this kind of pre-release hype. But this really looks to me, esp. based on the Blorg Stream, like it's going to be ridiculously, absurdly jam-packed full of awesome.

Now why does May 9th have to still be more than three weeks away?!

Edit: Stuff I particularly like:

** Wide variety of species creation options
** Huge galaxies up to 1000 stars(and possibly eventually more they say)
** Random encounter, anomalies, etc; RPG-like leader system looks like it will have a lot of replayability
** 'Card' system for technologies looks like it's really well done, I like that more than what I've seen in any other game of this genre

[Thomkal]

I'll be reading (if I can pull myself away from playing that is) Brian yeah I think just the openness to explore and do what you want from the start-seems like whatever you want to do, you can probably do it. Looks like they have everything covered. I like that its not heavy on micromanaging and lots of details like a lot of their games, but still deep enough to get you hooked. Very curious how the random encounters will play a part and the various options you set at game creation will affect things. And from the Blorg stream, it looked like one of the races they encountered, looked like a dragon, so I'm all over that will probably play "us" the first time out though.

[Eaglesfan27]

Pre-purchased!

[CarterNMA]

First I was like, "Looks like somebody is just trying to make a 'Distant Worlds' but with a larger art budget." But then I kept following this thread. And then I got the email for pre-ordering. Then I started watching the Martin and cKnoor show and got hooked. Pre-ordered last night.

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Distant Worlds is horrible.. so Stellaris for the win!

MizzouRah, could you clarify your statement? I've been playing DW almost non-stop since August/September 2014. I love that game.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'll be ready with my race come dynasty time.

[Brian Swartz]

Originally Posted by CarterNMA

then I kept following this thread. And then I got the email for pre-ordering. Then I started watching the Martin and cKnoor show and got hooked. Pre-ordered last night.

Welcome to the Party! Prepare to be Befriended! Resistance is Impolite

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by CarterNMA

First I was like, "Looks like somebody is just trying to make a 'Distant Worlds' but with a larger art budget." But then I kept following this thread. And then I got the email for pre-ordering. Then I started watching the Martin and cKnoor show and got hooked. Pre-ordered last night.




MizzouRah, could you clarify your statement? I've been playing DW almost non-stop since August/September 2014. I love that game.

Too much micro for me.. and I know you can automate but it's just not my cup of tea. I shouldn't have said it's horrible though as many call it the holy grail of 4x games.

[Coffee Warlord]

Mugani? Hak hak hak.

[Critch]

Originally Posted by CarterNMA

First I was like, "Looks like somebody is just trying to make a 'Distant Worlds' but with a larger art budget."

I would buy that, and I wouldnt even wait til it was on a Steam sale. Full price, no questions asked.

Really grudged paying $39 for something that I have to pay for now, but wont get til May. But I did it anyway.

[spleen1015]

Purchased over the weekend. Really looking forward to it.