The Core Mechanism of 4X Part 2: An eXposition
In Part 1, we defined the core mechanic for 4X and illustrated how it could be seen in exploration, research, and diplomacy. In part 2, we continue examining how the core mechanism manifests itself in other aspects of play. Unlocking Tools for Victory in eXtermination Combat is a major system that might seem like it […]
The Core Mechanism Of 4X Part 1: An eXposition
I recently got into a debate with my good friend and colleague Oliver on our internal eXplorminate forums about what is or isn’t a 4X game. The staff has these debates every now and then, usually sparked by a game that doesn’t exactly fit the pure 4X definition – games like Total War: Warhammer, Sorcerer […]
2016 End of Year Statistical eXamination Part 1
About a year ago, I wrote a piece that brought together data from SteamSpy and Steamcharts to do an analysis of 4X games launched in 2015. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect from an examination of such data, but in the 12 months since that article was published, I have found myself […]
Friday eXcursion: The Viceroy
Does this sound familiar? Humanity reached greedily for the stars. As we sought to tame the unfeeling cosmos, our greatest vices found purchase on new, fertile soil. Now, the ragged, war-torn descendents of mankind live out their miserable lives as slaves of corrupt megacorporations and petty warlords, who exploit their citizens and their worlds with […]
Apollo4X Review
We are in the midst of an explosion in the 4X genre. Big companies like Firaxis, Stardock, Triumph, and Amplitude have all launched major titles in the last 12 months. Likewise, a mass of indie developers have brought us games like Star Ruler 2, StarDrive 2, and Worlds of Magic. Adding to our bevy of […]
