Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars
Back in 1993, I played this turn-based strategy game called Master of Orion. It was my first foray into the 4x strategy genre, and this game became the benchmark that I would judge every other of its kind. Three years later its sequel released with improved gameplay and graphics. With over a dozen races to play each requiring a different strategy to secure a victory, I logged hundreds if not thousands of hours. Unfortunately, the series fell silent for several years until the third installment released in 2003. Honestly, I wish it would have stayed silent rather than release the dumpster fire that was Master of Orion 3. I had feared this game would bury the series for good, until I learned of Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars. Hesitantly, I decided to give it a chance hoping this game would renew my hope in the series. I wasn’t disappointed.
I will admit that this game is quite similar to the second installment, Battle at Antares. However, fans of the series won’t care too much about that since this game recaptures much of the magic, while adding improvements. Improved mechanics allow for real time space battles and improved AI makes the other races less erratic in the diplomacy. For those new to the game, they will find a plethora of races, technology, and planets to explore and conquer. Veterans will note that all the races from the first two games returned with a few additions…
