Iceberg Interactive and developer Amplitude Studios are releasing the turn based 4X strategy game Endless Space on July 4th. I still need to dig into this one. Yes, I have failed you. It’s going to run $30.
PR ahead:
Publisher Iceberg Interactive and developer Amplitude Studios invite players to celebrate the holiday this year with the launch of Endless Space, for Windows PC. Coming to digital distribution platforms on July 4, 2012, Endless Space is a 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) sci-fi strategy game that pits eight civilizations together in galactic conflict.
“With the success of the game’s beta program and tremendous feedback from the community, we couldn’t be more excited to be able to get the final game in front of fans,” said Mathieu Girard, CEO at AMPLITUDE Studios. “We look forward to even more players getting their hands on Endless Space as we deliver an intuitive, yet immersive experience for all types of players.”
Set to launch after a highly successful beta campaign via Steam that saw over 20,000 fans registered on the community website, Endless Space is a 4X strategy game covering the space colonization age, where gamers can control every aspect of their empire: Economy, Diplomacy, Science and War. As one of eight unique civilizations, players must strive to control the entire galaxy through trade and diplomacy or technological advancements and strategic warfare. Begging the question, will they conquer the galaxy with an open hand or a closed fist?
Additionally, Endless Space marks the first Amplitude Studios title to take advantage of GAMES2GETHER, a new platform that lets the community track the development team’s objectives, progress, and achievements, while gaining access to early builds, providing feedback, and discussing the game’s future with the developers themselves, giving them an active role in the future of Endless Space.
Endless Space will be available on digital download platforms on July 4, 2012 for $29.99 (MSRP).
For more information on Endless Space, please visit: http://endless-space.amplitude-studios.com/
“Open hand” or a “closed fist”? Someone has been playing Jade Empire lately (though, to be fair, “open hand” is actually called “open palm” in that game).
As for the game itself, it’s already awesome. One of the best turn-based 4X space games I’ve played in the last few years. I recommend it for fans of Galactic Civilizations, Master of Orion, and even for people who really like Sins a Solar Empire, but suck at it because they feel overwhelmed all the time. Not that I know anyone who fits that latter description. No, sir.
ES is win.
Earlier than expected, but great news nonetheless. This is a better game today that SotS 2 after 8 months of patches.
I really haven’t played too many 4X space games before. I’ve played X3 and Sins of a Solar Empire (which I’m not sure really counts as a 4X game). Anyway, any casual thoughts on how it compares to those? I’m interested in what ya’ll think.
The Civilization series is probably a more natural reference point for Endless Space. Master of Orion or Galactic Civilizations II would be better still. While the games you mention are sci-fi themed, they lack the emphasis on developing civil infrastructure, prioritizing specific areas of scientific advancement, and long-view strategic combat that you have in a turn-based 4X game.
If you’re interested in trying a full-blown 4X game, I think Endless Space is a darn good place to start. It’s got a great look, slick interface, and a credible AI.
Before you commit, though, conventional wisdom holds that the Steam Summer Sale is likely to start within the next week. $27 for Endless Space is an appealing pre-order price, but if I were to ease a friend into the world of 4X games for the first time, a dirt-cheap sale on Civilization IV or V would be my top recommendation.
Mr. Angel!
Thank you for the wonderful reply. I appreciate it wholeheartedly.
I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on that one.