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so, had some MOO cravings the other day,

any newish games out there that play similar? RTS or turn based is ok with me, but large intergalactic civilization building is a must.


any suggestions?

StarDrive. It's basically a spiritual successor to Masters of Orion 2, but RTS instead of TBS. Word of warning: this game has a pretty steep learning curve and very little in game help.

Endless Space looks to be similar as well, but I haven't really played it extensively.

Edit: Sins of a Solar Empire is another good space 4x also Sword of the Stars. As with Endless Space, I have played neither extensively, but hear good things about all of them.

Sins is a wonderful game and hits some of the same buttons, but it's most definitely an RTS in the same vein as Warcraft 3.

I like Endless Space a lot, and it's definitely one of the least clunky 4X games out there. There's a lot of depth to be had in the ship design portion, although it's easy enough to just keep clicking the "upgrade" button to bring old designs to current. The only part that really lets it down is the combat system, which can only be controlled via order cards played before the beginning of each phase.

The original Sword of the Stars is fantastic as well, but beginning to show its age lately. Also, it may be wise to turn random events off until you've got a firm grasp of the game, as Von Neumanns will wreck your gak, and don't get me started on the late game events.

And whatever you do, don't get Sword of the Stars 2. You will only be disappointed.

cool guys, that gives me some stuff to try out, thank you!

Whats wrong with Sword of the Stars 2?

Also a nod must be made towards Galactic Civilisations.

I have played most games in the genre I find the Galactic Civilisations games neatly balance Sword of the Stars, the former highlights empire development, the latter streamlines this in favour of fleet combat.
Endless Space is a good game also which ticks all the boxes in new ways. I really like the three stage tactical battle design, it's simple and effective. Sword of the stars frankly became a mess in the lategame with too much lightshow and micromangement to be fun or to really have much of an idea what you are doing. I found I played smaller games to compensate.

I would say Galactic Civilisations would be a better "clone" of MOO.

The species are wildly different, and you are able to choose to customize a race. There are random events, natives and different classes of planet. I would definately say its better than Stardrive.

Sword of the stars is better than Stardrive by a long shot.

if you're looking for something and don't mind age, find a copy of Pax Imperia, amazing game and stupidly easy to pick up and have fun.

Sword of the Stars IMO - as it has the simplicity though it's more 'military' oriented.

I haven't played through Sword of the Stars 2, since last time I tried it was buggy, seemed unfinished, and kept crashing. Maybe it's better now? (but it seemed a lot more complicated than the original)

Galactic Civilizations. Great game.

Another vote for endless space. Galactic civ is a bit old.

They're working on the 3rd one.

http://www.galciv3.com/