Endless Space 2

Endless Space 2 is a computer game from the publisher Amplitude Studios from 2017. It is a turn-based space strategy game and the successor to Endless Space .

Gameplay

As in Endless Space , the player chooses one of eight unique civilizations or creates his own and, in the role of ruler, leads them as an intergalactic empire to victory over the other nations in the battle for the galaxy. This is accomplished by achieving the pre-determined victory conditions, which can include economics, diplomacy, or military superiority, for example.

Each planetary system comprises up to five planets, each of which has its own bonus, penalty or anomaly. The latter are examined with research ships and can thus develop further upgrades or downgrades of the entire system after successful research. Depending on the climate and the planetary properties, it is decided whether colonization is possible and how successful it is.

Particular attention is paid to research. Here new technologies such as new types of interstellar locomotion, ship technologies and weapons or the colonization of previously uninhabitable planets can be researched. If you neglect the aspect of research, you will have an increasing disadvantage compared to your fellow players as the game progresses. Research is possible in the categories of military, science, trade, and empire development. The research tree is divided into these categories and many new achievements are based on previous discovery of certain basic research.

The game focuses on the competition with competing star realms, which can optionally be trumped by military intervention, politics and diplomacy or economic achievements. Options for action such as alliances, trade agreements or declarations of war are possible, depending on the progress of research, certain interaction options with the other realms can be activated. There are several different forms of government and laws can be passed that have special bonuses for your own empire. There are also opportunities to make joint decisions with your allies, the success of which depends on the mutual relationship, which can be strengthened or weakened, for example, through joint research efforts, construction projects or military actions. In addition to the great star realms, there are several smaller factions in the galaxy that can either be persuaded to share resources in a peaceful way or that the player can simply conquer.

In combat, both the fleet and the infantry are essential. Spaceships can be used in battles against other fleets, with armament and equipment playing a role in addition to the fleet size - although the battles have a random element that should not be underestimated. Depending on the ship's capacity, a certain number of ground troops can be invited, which are transported to the planet to be conquered after winning the space battle and establish their own supremacy there. The ships are divided into three different sizes, with smaller ships being easier to maneuver, while the larger ships have better armor and armament. The weapon types specialize in close combat, middle range and long-range combat and are used differently depending on the phase of battle, as each weapon system is most effective at its range.

The game can be played in single player with AI opponents or in multiplayer mode with friends or other players.

Release and DLCs

Endless Space was released on Steam in the early access program from October 2016, with the full game officially released on May 19, 2017.

With Vaulters and Supremacy, two additional paid downloadable content (DLC) have now been released, each of which adds a new civilization and new mechanics to the original game.

Ratings

Metacritic : 80/100
IGN : 7.9 / 10
GameStar : 82/100

Web links

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[1] Metacritic rating

[2] IGN Review

[3] Gamestar rating