Sins of a Solar Empire

[RichardWhitely]

Sins of a Solar Empire is a mix of the real-time strategy and 4X genre (4X refers to a genre of strategy video game with four primary goals: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit and eXterminate. A 4X game can be turn-based or real-time. Perhaps the best known example of this genre is Sid Meier's Civilization series).

According to the official Sins website, the primary feature that sets Sins apart from other RTS titles is the seamless integration of a real-time epic strategy mode with real-time tactical fleet combat. Players can view entire galaxies, then zoom in to their planets and even individual fleets, starships, and even fighters, similar to the Strategic Zoom featured in the 2007 RTS title Supreme Commander.

The game website also states that players can conquer neighboring planets and explore distant solar systems in a "massively scaled, fully 3D environment featuring entire galaxies, orbiting planets, clusters of asteroids, space dust and radiant stars." In an interview with Talk Strategy, Ironclad director Blair Fraser suggests that the game's "Iron" engine is specially designed with new technologies that allow it to handle very large differences in size, scale, and distance. Comparisons have been made to the successful turn-based space game, Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords.

Various resources can be found on a variety of different planets. Players can build ground-based and orbital structures, including cities and defense platforms. They can interact directly with planets in various ways, such as conquering enemy worlds through allegiance, or by forcefully "raining destruction from orbit".

The diplomacy options of the game allow players to forge and break alliances, blockade enemy planets and place bounties on backstabbing ex-allies and over-powered tyrants. Players can trade resources, establish trade routes, and manipulate the commodities market. Pirates also inhabit areas with few ships in them, attacking any ship that they choose.

IGN Single Player Hands on: http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/817/817282p1.html

IGN Multiplayer Hands on: http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/842/842404p1.html

Official Site: http://www.sinsofasolarempire.com/

Release date: Feb 2008