Recs.
Updated
Distant Worlds: Universe is a sci-fi themed 4X strategy game that sees the player exploring the universe and expanding their empire. All previous Distant Worlds releases are included in this package.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro In-depth problem solving
Unlike games like Civ where solving a problem is a few clicks away, Distant Worlds has many layers of abstraction that will make problem solving a lot more difficult and more like a real living world. There may be many elements needed in order to solve a problem that the player will have to figure out on their own, making for a very immersive way to solve issues.
Pro Makes you feel like the empire you're managing is alive
Because the game has a private sector that the player can't control, that independently responds to situations and opportunities, it makes you feel like you're managing a living organism instead of giving instructions to a set of systems. A resort you've built might prompt the entrepreneurs of the private sector to recognize an opportunity to make money, so they might build the infrastructure around that resort without the player's input.
Pro In-depth economy and resource management
The game keeps details that are often abstracted away. For example, when you want to build something you have to make sure that the resources are actually within reach of that structure. Because eXploit can be so much more than planting your flag over a single unit of iron or satramene gas.