By Sean Perryman on March 25, 2015 at 1:12pm
I feel like most people associate Sid Meier's exclusively with the "Civilization" series of games, and that is not necessarily a bad thing; they are an excellent and very well thought out series of games (experiences is perhaps more appropriate). This view, though, leaves out the fact that he has made many other simulation games including ones based around railroad systems ("Railroad Tycoon," "Railroads!") and air combat ("Ace Patrol"). This newest venture that bears the Sid Meier's branding is a step beyond other things we've seen from the master of simulation; I give to you Sid Meier's "Starships."
Sid Meier's Starships is a single player real-time space strategy simulation. You start out with a pair of ships, and as you visit planets you execute missions and gain favor with worlds. Your turn length is measured by your crew's stamina; once they've become exhausted, you end your turn with some much-needed shore leave.
During this shore leave, your opponents (or allies) take their turns, moving between planets and performing their own missions (the game spares you from watching the actual missions), and it seems to usually take about two to three minutes until you regain contol. During the shore leave, all of the planets under your influence maintenance themselves, a process that involves producing the resources you assigned them. Those resources are added to your available pool.
Some users have complained that this game fails to provide the difficulty level that is usually experienced with a Sid Meier's simulation. I didn't find this to be the case, with the game providing me with a fun experience that (for the most part) I was able to get through in one or two turns. An interesting mechanic is that if your ship(s) get destroyed during a mission you don't lose them permanently. This bit me a couple of times, after having lost a valiantly fought battle I was forced to end my turn early to collect the resources needed to get my ships repaired and back in service.
I found the overall game to be very engaging, providing interesting mechanics and a compelling story. Every time I wanted to end my session I kept telling myself "just one more mission," a practice that left me staying up a few nights in a row WAY later than I should have.
Also worth an enthusiastic mention are the graphics throughout the whole game; they are absolutely breathtaking. From the introductory screen you are constantly bombarded with bright and vibrant colors, and crystal clear renderings that left me in awe. The actual ship control and combat screens were excellent, providing you with a intimate camera views that trail right behind your ammunition as it zeroes in on your enemies.
Though I have logged quite a few hours in other Sid Meier's and Firaxis titles, I must say that as of right now this one is my favorite. That statement will hold true until he (Sid Meier) deems it time to recreate the original "Railroad Tycoon" in this engine. You can buy Sid Meier's "Starships" on Steam and iOS now, or your can visit Firaxis' website for more info.
