Quarter 1, 2018 Statistical Analysis
As many of you know, there has been a change to the way Valve handles users’ libraries. What once was open information for anyone to view, is now private by default. The reasons and ethics of that change have been hotly debated. This article is not about that. Instead, I’m doing what may be my […]
Eador: Imperium Review
For the last few years, I’ve made it no secret that I have grown tired with the number of Space 4X games that have hit the market. Since 2014, there have been 16 Space 4X titles launched with another six (that we know of) in early access or closed beta. Amid this flood of space-based […]
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 […]
A Question (Or Three) Of Strategy
I sat down for my first session of Blizzard’s MOBA Heroes of the Storm. I’d watched some Let’s Plays and completed the tutorial. I’d read up on my hero of choice and studied the game mechanics and map objectives. Then, the match started. The gates opened… I realized I had no idea what to do. […]
Sorcerer King: Rivals Review
Sorcerer King (SK) was one of the more innovative 4X games released in 2015. While I believe the game had some design flaws and thematic issues, there was no denying that it added something new to the genre. For Stardock, however, SK proved to be something of a disappointment, receiving a lukewarm reception and disappointing […]
Planar Conquest (PC) Review
I struggled for a long time with how to approach a review for Wastelands Interactive’s Planar Conquest (PQ). To date, eXplorminate has reviewed Worlds of Magic (the “first” version of PQ), ReeXamined WoM, and reviewed the mobile version of PQ for the iOS. Graphically, the PC version of PQ remains distinct, but mechanically there is […]
How I’d Like to See 4X Development Evolve Part 2: An eXposition
Last year I wrote an article encouraging 4X companies to expand their designs in certain areas. It’s too soon to tell if that article had any impact, but it’s not too soon to ask for more! Starting Conditions I’d like to start in an obvious place: Starting Conditions. In classic 4X design, the player (note […]
Weekly eXchange #89 – Meet The Civs
Join Nate and Troy as they bring you all the important information on all of your favorite 4X and strategy games! This week they discuss Civilization 6, Stellaris, Pocket Space Empires, the Darkest Dungeon Giveaway and much much more. As well as continued coverage for your other favorite 4X and strategy games! Music for eXplorminate […]
Mobile Market Machinations: An eXposition
Every so often the pendulum of conversation in eXplorminate’s discussion group swings back towards the topic of mobile gaming. The prevailing attitude appears to be one of skepticism, particularly among those who haven’t really dug into the mobile marketspace directly. Many have the perception that most mobile games are casual, free-to-play (F2P), in-app purchase (IAP) […]
