05-23-2021, 08:47 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-23-2021, 11:18 PM by ravenzachary.)
The most popular PBM game type during the 1980 and 1990s was strategic space 4x. There were dozens and dozens of these games. Now, there are basically two: SuperNova and Takamo. These are also both open-ended games. You play until you are eliminated or until you drop out.
There are other space games, but no others that would be classified as strategic space 4x. There are tactical space games like Galac-Tac, Starweb, Galactic Conflict, Mobius I, Riftlords, Spaceplan, Star Chase, Star Fleet Warlord, and Stellar Conflict. There are two space opera games - Phoenix: Beyond the Stellar Empire and Regime Change.
SuperNova and Takamo are both fun games but they suffer from opposite problems - SuperNova takes too long to encounter other players and in Takamo, the galaxy is overcrowded. Yet, I play them both and enjoy the experiences.
Both games require a lot of spreadsheets and mapping. If that excites you, you’ll like these games. If you don’t, but still love space as a theme, try one of the tactical or space opera games listed above.
I will be playing SuperNova for decades to come. Takamo, I am not as certain of.
If you asked me to pick a single PBM to keep playing and drop the rest, I am going to have a hard time picking between Middle-earth, TribeNet, and SuperNova. Those are the three I personally get the most reward from.
There are other space games, but no others that would be classified as strategic space 4x. There are tactical space games like Galac-Tac, Starweb, Galactic Conflict, Mobius I, Riftlords, Spaceplan, Star Chase, Star Fleet Warlord, and Stellar Conflict. There are two space opera games - Phoenix: Beyond the Stellar Empire and Regime Change.
SuperNova and Takamo are both fun games but they suffer from opposite problems - SuperNova takes too long to encounter other players and in Takamo, the galaxy is overcrowded. Yet, I play them both and enjoy the experiences.
Both games require a lot of spreadsheets and mapping. If that excites you, you’ll like these games. If you don’t, but still love space as a theme, try one of the tactical or space opera games listed above.
I will be playing SuperNova for decades to come. Takamo, I am not as certain of.
If you asked me to pick a single PBM to keep playing and drop the rest, I am going to have a hard time picking between Middle-earth, TribeNet, and SuperNova. Those are the three I personally get the most reward from.
Raven Zachary in Portland, Oregon, USA. Currently playing: TribeNet, SuperNova, KnightGuild, Middle-earth, Takamo, and Wraith.