FOUR SCORE

The BEST 4X GAMES for today’s discerning a explorers, expanderspexploiters, Ae and exterminators

- Leana Hafer

STELLARIS 

RELEASED May 9, 2016 | DEVELOPER Paradox | PUBLISHER In-house

After six years, several expansions, and dozens of patches, Paradox’s space 4X has aged like a fine alien wine. With a mind-boggling array of imagine is at your fingertips. And various systems reworks and improvements mean there’s never been a better time to spin up your drives.

What really sets Stellaris apart from other space 4X games is the depth of its society simulation, a staple of Paradox games. There is more abstraction going on here than some of the studio’s other projects, but the fact that I can see what is causing so much crime on my forge worlds or be pressured to change my stance on planetary bombardment by a disgruntled political faction helps the galaxy come alive.

ENDLESS LEGEND

RELEASED Sep 18, 2014 | DEVELOPER Amplitude Studios | PUBLISHER Sega, Iceberg Interactive

Endless Legend is one of the most memorable fantasy 4Xs ever, mainly because of its rich world lore and creative faction design. You want to play peaceful traders with mobile cities built on the backs of giant bugs? How about dragon people who get different bonuses based on the changing of the seasons? In a genre that can sometimes become bogged down by its own conventions, this game lets imagination run wild and isn't afraid to mix up the fundamentals.

SLIPWAYS