Best feature of a 4X strategy game

[Aleksey_aka_al]

Which feature you like most? Or which you miss in modern games most?

I tried to combine similar features of both land-based and space-based 4X games in the same poll options, so here are some comments:

Diplomacy with leaders

Diplomacy screen with a character reacting to player actions whether a leader of a nation or a representative of an alien race, or any other.​

Several levels of map

Land-based example: in Civilization Test of time there were two maps for an Extended Game - surface of the Earth and surface of the Alpha Centauri planet; and four for Fantasy mode - surface level, underworld, ocean bottom and sky...

As for space-based games, this option stands for accessible planet surface (Galactic Civs 2, Reunion, etc). It also stands for accessible Star Systems as a separate map (Ascendancy).​

Tactical battles

For space-based: separate screen, where you control or watch your ships fighting an enemy.

For land-based: the same, but with common units of course like in Master of Magic or Civilization Call to Power, or even Total War (if you think it's a 4X).​

Customizable units

Land-based example: Alpha Centauri, where you can choose weapon, armor, chassis, propulsion, etc.

Space-based example: Master of Orion series, where you can choose size of the ship and its components by piece.​

Civs or leaders special abilities, traits, etc

Land-based: that is, what you see in Civ III and IV compared to Civ I or II.

Space-based: this option stands for customizable races like in Galactic Civilizations 2, Master of Orion II and III, Space Empires, etc.​

Setting-oriented special victory conditions

Land-based example: construction of Space Ship and successful flight to Alpha Centauri.

Space-based example: winning the High Council elections in Master of Orion.

Or any other similar, but distinctive and setting-oriented (not just "conquer 70% of the World").​

Wonders or special projects

No comments here.​

Special units, great peoples, hired leaders...

Land-based example: in Master of Magic if you are famous enough, you can hire mercenaries, which are special units with enhanced stats, but expensive to support.

Space-based example: in Master of Orion II you can hire leaders of two types - colony leaders and fleet commanders; in MoO III leaders affect whole empire (as i recall).​

Cityscape

City or colony view with landscape and completed constructions, as in Civ I-III, Master of Orion II, Master of Magic.​

Palace

It was funny fortress wall in Civ I, throne hall in Civ II and a street in Civ CtP...​

PS: Sorry if I've mistaken somewhere in the examples or if your favorite feature is not there...

 

[Maniacal]

The resulting awesome combination of multiple great features is the best part.

 

[scherbchen]

isn't it the 4 xs? *vacant look upon my face*

what was it? exploration, expansion, ex-..... something with technologies? oh, sod it...

 

[Fëanor]

explore, expand, exploit and exterminate

 

[scherbchen]

well that is somewhat redundant, innit, seeing as expanding will usually lead to exterminating. though you are right of course. well.... has more of a ring to it than 3X 1R (esplore, expand, exploit and research)

how about extrapolate? experience-gathering?

 

[Aabraxan]

There are several things on the list that I like, but I'm going to have to go with tactical combat. Three more that are very important to me are: (1) customizable units; (2) randomly generated maps; and (3) civs or races with special abilities or traits.

 

[PhroX]

The resulting awesome combination of multiple great features is the best part.

This.

 

[Heretic_Cata]

Diplomacy with leaders
Not very important. I always get bored with them, really fast.

Several levels of map
This would be great. The Heroes games realised the potential for this and kept it from H3 on. Why didn't civ do the same ?

Tactical battles
I like autocombats. But thats because at suck at those kinds of things.

Customizable units
Worst part of MoO.
Worst part of Alpha Centauri.
I had to make 100 designs and update each of them every 5 turns when i researched something.

Civs or leaders special abilities, traits, etc
Special units, great peoples, hired leaders...
These 2 are a must. I dont think any modern games lack them tho.

Wonders or special projects
Wonders are purdy. I voted for this.

Cityscape
This would be purdy also.

Palace
This too!