Cosian

While clearly we each like what we like .... I think Rob is missing the boat on the Wargame: Airland Battle series and might just be missing something good by being dismissive after a cursory glance. A cursory look might lead one to believe it is just another RTS with tanks and troops, but I think this game has some unique features, depth, and 'playability' you don't see in a run of the mill RTS. It's worth a Three Moves Ahead review to be sure.

I really liked this episode, 4x Space Empire Builders being one of my favorite genres. I played the crap out of SOTS 1 and it still ranks right near the top in this genre IMO. SOTS 2 ... I still shed tears at the abysmal failure of what I had hoped would be my new favorite 4x Space game. Distant Worlds is currently my favorite. It has the depth and scale I am looking for and I do believe addresses many of the concerns raised in the podcast. I think the thing that really nabbed me was the feel and immersion present in the game. The mechanic where you have an active AI 'Corporate / Public' element busily moving about doing their thing while you control military and expansion aspects gives the game a lot of flavor. The universe feels much more alive. Certainly moreso than star systems connected by jump points. Another thing I like about Distant Worlds is that the Galaxy has a lot more than going on than planet colonization. There are all kinds of things to stumble across as a result of exploration .... aritifacts, minor races, ancient ship boneyards, etc... Anyway, I found the immersion factor in DW second to none. Pretty good meta story as well ....The depth, scope, and some of the innovative mechanics make for a pretty steep learning curve, but once you get it, it is a joy. One other thing here ... options for wining other than total dominiation are actually viable. Someone asked about Gal CIV II. Sure the combat was rock paper scissors and you did not have control of it, but it is still one of my favs. I like it better than MOO2. I think the things I most liked about Gal Civ was that the AI was very good. It knew how to expand, design and field ships, and attempt domination. Secondly, the ship building was pretty awsome if you are in to that. What other game can you create ships that look like Battlestar Galatica, the Enterprise, or a Cabbage Patch kid? The tech trees where deep and diverse. You had to make choices that had impact. So off topic ... good to see John S. here and I have been watching Enemy at the Gates from a distance and wish you the best of success with it. I should probably throw some cash at that