Ground combat is resolved automatically based upon infantry equipment once it is initiated. Planets with no defenses or in-system fleets may be bombarded from orbit, which can destroy ground garrisons, colonial facilities, or colonists, although precise targeting is not allowed. Boarding actions are resolved automatically based upon infantry equipment once they are initiated. Boarding actions may also consist of raids which are intended to damage as many ship systems as possible. Ships may be captured, but may not be used in the same battle unless the player has the Telepathic trait. Orbital defense platforms remain in a fixed position near the planet that constructed them.īoarding actions are available provided the enemy ship is immobilized and the attacking ship is within two grid squares, or, with the Teleporters equipment, the enemy's facing shield is down and the attacking ship is within fifteen grid squares. Planetary defenses constructed by a given colony are all targeted through attacking the planet, and are damaged or destroyed in the order of construction.

Included are options for beam weapons, missiles, and fighter craft, as well as more exotic technologies such as weapons that damage ships through (for example) the generation of miniature black holes or by destabilizing gravity.Ī player moves and attacks with all of his ships before ending his turn. Each ship's armament is customizable, and old technology becomes smaller and gains more options as time passes. Space combat is turn-based, and functions on a two-dimensional grid. (Excess industry generates pollution, creating a point of diminishing returns.) Research allows for the development of new technologies.Īdditionally, until the very end stages of the game, colonies are required to refuel spacecraft, who can only travel a certain radius from previously established colonies or outposts. Industry allows the creation of colonial facilities which grant bonuses and/or abilities, the production of military units, and trade.

Players must manage the population of their colonies, divying it up into producing food, industry, or research. More hospitable climates also have higher max populations and produce more food per colonist. Larger planets offer a higher maximum population than smaller worlds of the same type.

Players begin the game by either choosing from one of a dozen prebuilt races, or by creating a custom race by choosing a combination of attributes, each of which costs (or grants, in the case of disadvantages) a given number of 'picks.' The player then begins on his homeworld with a colony ship and two scout ships, which he uses to explore and gain control of new worlds.ĭifferent sizes and types of planets grant bonuses or penalties to production.

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