PhilBowles
Deity
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2011
- Messages
- 5,333
I didn't really get into it, but then again I'm not too much of a sci-fi guy as I used to be so don't take my word for it.
If you're used to Civ type 4xes, Endless Space is more simplistic (every resource is generated and used in the same way, with the only decision-making involved which to specialise a particular system in; the tech trees are four wholly unrelated paths without prerequisites along a different path; there's nothing equivalent to worker improvements; buildings are mostly straight resource modifiers), the difficulty level low, and largely devoid of character. The gameplay is also more combat-focused despite the absence of a tactical combat system.
It has a nice resource monopoly mechanic, and the 'most systems have an exploration reward' encourages, well, exploration, but otherwise brings nothing to the genre. It's closer in features and depth to a turn-based version of Sins of a Solar Empire than a 'true' 4x (although with its last DLC Sins did actually add 'terrain' effects to space combat, something I believe is completely missing from ES - though since I never bought the ES expansion I can't be sure).