Comments

• Igard

  June 17, 2010, 04:48:29 am

  
  

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  Thanks, SghnDubh.
  
  For those unfamiliar with Distant Worlds. It's a 4x space empire simulation much in the mold of Master of Orion and a little like Galactic Civilizations.
  
  If you are a 4x gamer, purchase of this game is an absolute necessity. It's 2D, which is a good thing because it's huge in both depth and scale. 3D graphics would just slow things down.
  
  Here's the link to the Distant Worlds website at Matrix Games:-
  
  http://www.matrixgames.com/products/379/details/Distant.Worlds
  
  And here's the link to my new mod, The Romulan Star Empire:-
  
  http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2497781
  
  Enjoy.
• Krinkles619

  June 17, 2010, 03:22:00 pm

  
  

  Captain

  
  

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  how would you describe this game in comparison to AI Wars?
• Igard

  June 17, 2010, 05:34:47 pm

  
  

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  I haven't played AI war so it's impossible to compare.
  
  AI war can have thousands of ships and it's AI is supposed to be pretty darn good.
  
  Only a couple of hundred planets in one map compared to Distant worlds which can have 1400 stars with anything between 0 and 10 (roughly) planets in each system not to mention each planet having moons and asteroid belts.
  
  Distant Worlds was pretty buggy at first but with the latest patch, it's looking quite solid.
  
  The tech tree in Distant Worlds is decent but not as expansive as it could be. Devs are improving things all the time though.
  
  Each component tech has a requisite amount of different materials needed to buld it. These materials must be mined at planets and asteroids then trasported to the shipyards where they will be manufactured into the components whilst the ships are being built. This is all automated. You just tell your construction ship where to build a mining station, then you can sit back and watch as freighters and mining vessels travel to and from the resources all the time being vulnerable to enemy or pirate attack.
  
  Military ships can be set individually to fully automate. They will go on patrol or escort freighters.
  
  There are also other types of resources that don't get used for components. Luxury resources can be mined, which are essential for maintaining a happy, expanding empire.
  
  In essense, it feels like a living breathing galaxy. I can't go into all the details, there are many, but that's what impresses me so much about this game.
• Fugusha Kisai

  July 02, 2010, 02:13:37 pm

  
  

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  I liked AI War, lots of fun in one tiny package
• Igard

  July 11, 2010, 09:08:40 am

  
  

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  I think it's important to mention that Distant Worlds is a totally unique game. Also bare in mind, that the screenshots for DW don't do the game justice. Yes it's 2D, but the graphics are for the most part very nice.
  
  After re-reading my above descriptions, it occurs to me that I've made it sound kind of RTS like. That is definately not the case. The game shares some similarities with the RTS genre, but it feels nothing like an RTS.
  
  It is most certainly the true successor to MOO and it is indeed a 4x space empire building game.
  
  I suggest if you're interested in knowing more, head over to the matrix games forums and read some of the AAR's.
  
  Matrix Games - Distant Worlds Forum
  
  I'd also like to update everyone that my mod now includes 20 star trek races (not just the Romulans). I'm going for a Birth of the Federation feel.
• Cmcastl

  October 02, 2010, 07:37:00 am

  
  

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  Living in the UK, I would like to buy Distant Worlds but am finding it difficult. Is it still only available on the US?
  
  Any recommendations?
  
  Live long and prosper.
• Igard

  October 12, 2010, 05:27:17 pm

  
  

  Member 5th Class

  
  

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  I live in Scotland and got the game no problem.
  
  Just go on the Matrix forums and ask for help if you're having trouble buying it. They're a really helpful bunch.