ConstantineXI

This is a review of SD2, not SD1. I fully understand the frustrations over SD1 since I played it through development and release. SD2 does not feel like a full sequel to me due to the limited time in development between the two titles and the large amount of reused assets. That said, this is a good space 4x game that should please fans of the genre. I have played almost every 4x game ever released, and many of the modern crop, including many of the more recent space 4x games. SD2 is easily the best of the modern space 4x games from the last few years, and certainly stands in the company of other top space 4x games. It has the majority of features expected of the genre. It has wonderful graphics and sounds. It includes tactical space and ground combat. It features some new and innovative ideas that are new or uncommon in the genre. While many of these features have rough edges, there is really no reason for this game to be getting a bottom tier score. It is a far more complete experience than most of the other recent space 4x games. There have already been several balance patches, and I expect more to come. The mod scene is also getting moving, which should help expand the game. If Zero continues to refine the game, and expands it a bit with some additional content, then SD2 will clearly be a top tier space 4x. Once the base game is improved a bit, there is even room for DLC and expansions, which I would be willing to pay for (assuming the base game is fixed this time, unlike SD1). My favorite parts of the game: - Instanced combat. I liked the liveliness of SD1's real time galaxy, but I greatly prefer the turn based strategic layer, which feels far less frantic and twitch-focused. Ground combat is also greatly improved by having a separate mode. - Exploration / Experience. The universe feels interesting, with plenty of different surprises to be found. This could be improved with a larger amount of content so that you don't see the same storyline missions every game. Things to improve: - Diplomacy. There are some good systems in place, but it still lacks some basic options. - Victory conditions. This is very limited and forces you to play for conquest. Really needs some other paths to victory. I'm far more excited about this game than Galactic Civilizations 3, which looks to be far less exciting and innovative than SD2. Hopefully it will sell well enough for Zero to keep improving it.