4X
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a7/CivilizationAmigaAGA.png/220px-CivilizationAmigaAGA.png)
4X games are a genre of strategy video game where players control an empire and "eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate." This term was first used by Alan Emrich in his September 1993 preview of Master of Orion for Computer Gaming World. Since 1993, other game commentators have adopted "4X" to describe any game with similar design.
4X games are noted for their deep, complex gameplay. These games emphasize economic and technological development, as well as a range of non-military routes to supremacy. Managing the details of a large empire can cause 4X games to take longer to complete than other strategy games. Since the amount of micromanagement required to sustain an empire scales as the empire grows, 4X games are sometimes criticized for becoming tedious near the end of the game. As a result, several games have attempted to address these criticisms by reducing micromanagement.
The earliest 4X games borrowed ideas from board games and 1970s text-based computer games. The first 4X games were turn-based, but real-time 4X games have been released. Many 4X games were published in the mid-1990s, but they were outsold by other strategy games by the late 1990s. In the new millennium, several 4X releases have been critically and commercially successful. One well-known 4X game is Sid Meier's Civilization from 1990, which popularized the level of detail that has become a staple of the genre.
Definition
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2e/Moo2GalaxyAndSystem400.png/220px-Moo2GalaxyAndSystem400.png)
The term "4X" originates from a 1993 preview of Master of Orion in Computer Gaming World by Alan Emrich, in which he rated the game "XXXX" as a pun on the XXX rating for pornography. The four Xs were an abbreviation for explore, expand, exploit, exterminate.[1] Other game commentators eventually adopted the "4X" label to describe a game genre with specific gameplay conventions:[2]
- Explore means players send scouts across a map to reveal surrounding territories.
- Expand means players claim new territory by creating new settlements, or sometimes by extending the influence of existing settlements.
- Exploit means players gather and use resources in areas they control, and improve the efficiency of that usage.
- Exterminate means attacking and eliminating rival players. Since all territory is eventually claimed, eliminating a rival's presence can be the only way achieve further expansion.
These four elements of gameplay have been described as phases which often overlap.[3] These phases can vary in length depending on the game design. For example, Space Empires III and Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar have a long expansion phase, because players must make large investments in research to explore and expand into every area.[4]
Difficulties in definition
Many strategy games arguably contain a similar "explore, expand, exploit, exterminate" cycle. But game journalists, developers and enthusiasts generally apply "4X" to a more specific class of games,[5] and contrast 4X games with other strategy games such as Command & Conquer.[6][7] Hence, writers have tried to show how 4X games are defined by more than just having each of the four Xs. Gaming authorities such as 1UP.com have stated that 4X games are distinguished by their greater complexity and scale,[8] and their intricate use of diplomacy beyond the standard "friend or foe" seen in other strategy games.[9] Reviewers such as Wired have confirmed that 4X games feature a range of diplomatic options,[10] and that they are well known for their large detailed empires and complex gameplay.[11][12] In particular, 4X games offer detailed control over an empire's economy, while other strategy games simplify this in favor of combat-focused gameplay.[8]
Fifth X: eXperience
In 2002, the pending release of Master of Orion III sparked claims that it would be the first "5X game". Alan Emrich announced that the fifth X would be the eXperience of delegating the ruler's authority to subordinates and sharing control over the empire.[13] This experience would require players to make judicious use of "Imperial Focus" each turn, and determine which details of their empire are pressing enough to require their direct intervention.[14] Master of Orion III received mixed comments from reviewers and players. Although a few reviewers liked the experience of delegating power to bureaucrats, the majority of reviewers found these limits on empire management frustrating or boring.[15]
This new "experience" also included the threat of unrest and revolt if players did not meet the demands of their citizens.[13] However, unrest and revolt had already been seen in the 4X genre. Civilization II included the possibilities of civil unrest in unhappy cities and of being over-ruled by the senate.[16] In Galactic Civilizations, the player's party can even be voted out of office.[17]
Gameplay
4X games are a subgenre of strategy games,[2] and include both turn-based and real-time strategy titles.[18][19] The gameplay involves building an empire,[11] which takes place in a setting such as Earth,[20] a fantasy world, or in space.[3] Each player takes control of a different civilization or race with unique characteristics and strengths. Most 4X games represent these racial differences with a collection of economic and military bonuses, although a few games such as Sword of the Stars offer widely different abilities to each race.[21] 4X games do not typically feature a campaign or scripted narrative, as this would interfere with the freedom of building a massive empire over multiple hours of gameplay.[22]
Research and technology
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/FreeOrion-tech-tree.png/220px-FreeOrion-tech-tree.png)
4X games typically feature a technology tree, which is a series of advancements that players can research to unlock new units, buildings, and other capabilities. Technology trees in 4X games are typically larger than in other strategy games, and feature more choices.[5][23] Empires must generate research resources and invest them in new technology.[24] In 4X games, the main prerequisite for researching an advanced technology is knowledge of earlier technology.[6] This is in contrast to non-4X real-time strategy games, where technological progress is achieved by building structures that grant access to more advanced structures and units.[25]
Research is important in 4X games because technological progress is an engine for conquest.[26] Battles are often won by superior military technology or greater numbers, with battle tactics playing a smaller part.[27] In contrast, military upgrades in non-4X games are sometimes small enough that basic units remain important throughout the game.[28]
Combat
Combat is an important part of 4X gameplay, because 4X games allow a player to win by exterminating all rival players, or by conquering a threshold amount of the game's universe.[29] Some 4X games, such as Galactic Civilizations, resolve battles automatically, whenever two units from warring sides meet.[30] This is in contrast to other 4X games, such as Master of Orion, that allow players to manage battles on a tactical battle screen.[30][31] Even in 4X games with more detailed control over battles, victory is usually determined by superior numbers and technology, with battle tactics playing a smaller part.[27] 4X games differ from other combat-focused strategy games by putting more emphasis on research and economics.[8][1] Researching new technology will grant access to new combat units. Some 4X games even allow players to research different unit components. This is more typical of space 4X games, where players may assemble a ship from a variety of engines, shields, and weaponry.[30]
Peaceful competition
4X games allow rival players to engage in diplomacy.[10] While some strategy games offer shared victory and team play, diplomatic relations are restricted to a binary choice between an ally or enemy. 4X games often allow more complex diplomatic relations between competitors who are not on the same team.[9] Aside from making allies and enemies, players are also able to trade resources and information with rivals.[19]
In addition to victory through conquest, 4X games usually offer peaceful victory conditions that involve no extermination of rival players.[8] For example, some 4X games offer victory to a player who achieves a certain score or the highest score after a certain number of turns.[32] Many 4X games award victory to the first player to master an advanced technology, accumulate a large amount of culture, or complete an awe-inspiring achievement.[30] Several 4X games award "diplomatic victory" to anyone who can win an election decided by their rival players,[33] or maintain peace for a specified number of turns.[32]
Complexity
4X games are known for their complex gameplay and strategic depth.[34] Gameplay usually takes priority over polished graphics.[13][23] Whereas other strategy games focus on combat, 4X games also offer more detailed control over diplomacy, economics, and research;[8][1] creating opportunities for diverse strategies.[35] This also challenges the player to manage several strategies simultaneously, and plan for long-term objectives.[36]
To experience a detailed model of a large empire, 4X games are designed with a complex set of game rules.[12] For example, the player's productivity may be limited by pollution.[37][16] Players may need to balance a budget, such as managing debt,[38] or paying down maintenance costs.[39] 4X games often model political challenges such as civil disorder,[29][16] or a senate that can oust the player's political party or force them to make peace.[17][16]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/FreeCol_colony_screen.jpg/220px-FreeCol_colony_screen.jpg)
Such complexity requires players to manage a larger amount of information than other strategy games.[40] Game designers often organize empire management into different interface screens and modes,[8] such as a separate screen for diplomacy,[41] managing individual settlements, and managing battle tactics.[30][31] Sometimes systems are intricate enough to resemble a minigame.[42][36] This is in contrast to most real-time strategy games. Dune II, which arguably established the conventions for the real-time strategy genre, was fundamentally designed to be a "flat interface", with no additional screens.[25]
Absorbing gameplay
Since 4X games involve managing a large, detailed empire, game sessions usually last longer than other strategy games.[8] Game sessions may require several hours of play-time, which can be particularly problematic for multiplayer matches.[43] For example, a small-scale campaign in Sins of a Solar Empire can last for over 12 hours.[12] However, fans of the genre sometimes expect and embrace these long game sessions.[44] Other 4X games such as Stars! aim for greater simplicity, resulting in quicker playing sessions.[45]
Because of repetitive actions and long-playing times, 4X games have been criticized for excessive micromanagement. In early stages of a game this is usually not a problem, but later in a game directing an empire's numerous planets or cities can demand several minutes to play a single turn. This increases playing-times, which are a particular burden in multiplayer games.[43] 4X games began to offer AI governors that automate the micromanagement of a colony's build orders, but players criticized these governors for making bad decisions. In response, developers have tried other approaches to reduce micromanagement,[46] and some approaches have been more well-received than others. Commentators generally agree that Galactic Civilizations succeeds, which GamingNexus.com attributes to the game's use of programmable governors.[47] Sins of a Solar Empire was designed to reduce the incentives for micromanagement,[48] and reviewers found that the game's interface made empire management more elegant.[40][49] On the other hand, Master of Orion III reduced micromanagement by limiting complete player control over their empire,[14] and reviewers reacted with a mixed reception.[15]
History
Origin
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Sid_Meier_cropped.jpg/220px-Sid_Meier_cropped.jpg)
Early 4X games were influenced by board games and text-based computer games from the 1970s.[50] Andromeda Conquest and Reach for the Stars were published in 1983, and are now seen as 4X games in retrospect. Although Andromeda Conquest was only a simple game of empire expansion, Reach for the Stars introduced the relationship between economic growth, technological progress, and conquest.[26]
In 1990, Sid Meier released Civilization and popularized the level of detail that has become a staple of the genre.[51] Sid Meier's Civilization was influenced by board games such as Risk and the Avalon Hill board game also called Civilization. A notable similarity between the Civilization computer game and board game is the importance of diplomacy and technological advancement. Sid Meier's Civilization was also influenced by personal computer games such as the city management game SimCity and the wargame Empire.[52] Civilization became widely successful and influenced many 4X games to come.[51]
In 1991, two highly influential space games were released. VGA Planets was released for the PC, while Spaceward Ho! was released on the Macintosh. Although 4X space games were ultimately more influenced by the complexity of VGA Planets, Spaceward Ho! earned praise for its relatively simple yet challenging game design.[53] Spaceward Ho! is notable for its similarity to the 1993 game Master of Orion,[1][54] with its simple yet deep gameplay.[31] Master of Orion also drew upon earlier 4X games such as Reach for the Stars,[1][55] and is considered a classic game that set a new standard for the genre.[31][43] In a preview of Master of Orion, Alan Emrich coined the term "XXXX" to describe the emerging genre.[1] Eventually, the "4X" label was adopted by the game industry, and is now applied to several earlier game releases.[56]
Peak
Following the success of Civilization and Master of Orion, other developers began releasing their own 4X games. In 1994, Stardock launched its first version of the Galactic Civilizations series for OS/2,[57] and the long-standing Space Empires series began as shareware. Ascendancy and Stars! were released in 1995, and both continued the genre's emphasis on strategic depth and empire management.[56] Meanwhile, the Civilization and Master of Orion franchises expanded their market with versions for the Macintosh.[58] Sid Meier's team also produced Colonization in 1994 and Civilization II in 1996,[59] while Simtex followed up Master of Orion with Master of Magic in 1993 and Master of Orion II in 1996.[60]
By the late 1990s, real-time strategy games began outselling turn-based games.[61] As they surged in popularity, major 4X developers fell into difficulties. Sid Meier's Firaxis Games released Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri in 1999 to critical acclaim, but the game fell short of commercial expectations.[62] Civilization III encountered development problems followed by a rushed release in 2001.[63] Despite the excitement over Master of Orion III, its release in 2003 was met with criticism for its lack of player control, poor interface, and weak AI.[15] Game publishers eventually became risk-averse to financing the development of 4X games.[11]
Recent history
Eventually real-time 4X games were released, such as Imperium Galactica in 1997,[18] and Starships Unlimited in 2001.[19] This blend of 4X and real-time strategy gameplay led Ironclad Games to market their 2008 release Sins of a Solar Empire as a "RT4X" game.[64] This combination of features earned the game several Editor's Choice awards among major game publications.[65]
Cross-fertilization between board games and computer games continued. For example, some aspects of Master of Orion III were drawn from the board game Twilight Imperium.[66] Even Sins of a Solar Empire was inspired by the idea of adapting the board game Buck Rogers Battle for the 25th Century into a real-time video game.[67] Going in the opposite direction, Eagle Games made a board game adaptation of Sid Meier's Civilization in 2002.[68]
In 2003, Stardock released a remake of Galactic Civilizations, which was praised by reviewers who saw the game as a replacement for the Master of Orion series.[69] Civilization IV was released at the end of 2005 and was considered the PC game of the year according to several reviewers, including GameSpot and GameSpy.[70] It is now considered one of the greatest games in history, having been ranked the second-best PC game of all time by IGN.[71] By 2008, the Civilization series had sold over eight million copies,[72] and Civilization Revolution was released for game consoles soon after.[73] Meanwhile, Stardock released Galactic Civilizations 2, which was considered the sixth-best PC game of 2006 by GameSpy.[11] This success has led Stardock's Brad Wardell to assert that 4X games have excellent growth potential, particularly among less hardcore players.[74] This is in addition to the loyal base of 4X gamers who have supported freeware releases such as Freeciv,[75] and C-evo.[76]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Alan Emrich (1993-09). "MicroProse' Strategic Space Opera is Rated XXXX". Computer Gaming World (Issue #110). p. 92–93.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ a b For sources that go into detail about each of the four Xs, see: J. "PyroFalkon" Habib (2006-08-17). "Civilization IV: Warlords Guide". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26.; "Ironclad Games - Sins of a Solar Empire Gameplay". Ironclad Games. Retrieved 2008-06-23.; "Moby Games' 4x games Group Description". MobyGames. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ a b Tom Chick (2000-10-02). "PC Retroview: Master of Orion II". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ i. "Space Empires III Manual v1.10". Malfador. 1998-01-21. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
ii. Steve Butts (2007-02-12). "Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar Review". Retrieved 2008-07-26.{{cite web}}
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iii. Jeff Lackey (2007-02-28). "Review - Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26. - ^ a b Sean Molloy. "Sins of a Solar Empire Preview". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ a b "Moby Games' 4x games Group Description". MobyGames. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ Jason Ocampo (2008-02-13). "Sins of a Solar Empire for PC Review - GameSpot". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
- ^ a b c d e f g GFW Staff (2007-02-20). "Previews: Sins of a Solar Empire". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b i. GameDaily Staff (2008-02-05). "Sins of a Solar Empire Review (PC)". Retrieved 2008-07-31.;
ii. "Moby Games' 4x games Group Description". MobyGames. Retrieved 2008-06-23.;
iii. Sean Molloy. "Sins of a Solar Empire Preview". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-06-23. - ^ a b Several reviewers refer to diplomacy as a generic 4X feature: "Starships Unlimited: Divided Galaxies". Deaf Gamers. 2000. Retrieved 2008-07-26.; YourConscience (2006-12-16). "GalCiv2, SotS, SEV: a 4X Comparison". Tacticular Cancer. Retrieved 2008-07-26.; Earnest Cavalli (2008-03-17). "Review: Sins of a Solar Empire Sinfully Good". Wired. Retrieved 2008-06-23.; Dave VanDyk (2008-02-14). "Sins of a Solar Empire Review". GameShark. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ a b c d "GameSpy's Game of the Year 2006 - 6. Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-03-31. Cite error: The named reference "galcivGOTY" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c Earnest Cavalli (2008-03-17). "Review: Sins of a Solar Empire Sinfully Good". Wired. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ a b c Dan Quick (2002-02). "Master of Orion III Developer Chat". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ a b "Press Release - MicroProse's MASTER OF ORION III Takes Galactic Empire Building a Step Higher". Quicksilver Software. 2000-05-11. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b c "Master of Orion 3 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ^ a b c d Jonatha Caspian-Kaufman (1996). Sid Meier's Civilization II Instruction Manual. MicroProse. p. 67–71,80–83.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
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(help) - ^ a b Steve Butts (2003-02-04). "IGN Preview - Galactic Civilizations". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b Steve Butts. "News/Reviews - IGN: Sins of a Solar Empire". CBS Games. Retrieved 2008-03-31.
- ^ a b c William Abner (2002-01). "GameSpy Reviews: Starships Unlimited: Divided Galaxies". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ Brad Cook (2006-07). "Find New Ways to Conquer the World in Civilization IV". Apple. Retrieved 2008-06-27.
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(help) - ^ Arinn Dembo (2006-03-31). "GameZone: Exclusive Sword of the Stars Developer Diary – Part 5". GameZone. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Iain McCafferty (2007-06-13). "Video Gamer - Sins of a Solar Empire Review". Video Gamer. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
- ^ a b Jason Dobson (2008-02-01). "Joystiq interview: Ironclad talks 4X strategy with Sins of a Solar Empire". Joystiq. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ Andrew Rollings (2003). Andrew Rollings and Ernest Adams on Game Design. New Riders Publishing. pp. 321–345. ISBN 1592730019.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b Bruce Geryk (2001-03-30). "A History of Real-Time Strategy Games - Dune II". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b Bruce Geryk (2001-08-08). "History of Space Empire Games - The Early Years 1980-1992". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b i. Allen "Delsyn" Rausch (2003-03-28). "GameSpy Review - Galactic Civilizations". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
ii. Steve Butts (2006-12-04). "IGN - Space Empires V Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26. - ^ Ron Dulin (1998-04-15). "StarCraft for PC Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ a b Jeff Lackey (2006-11-03). "Gamespot Review - Space Empires V". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b c d e Barry Brenesal (2003-04-08). "Galactic Civilizations Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b c d Bruce Geryk (2001-08-08). "History of Space Empire Games - Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b Michael Lafferty (2000-08-31). "Space Empires IV Preview". Game Zone. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ i. Sam Parker (2003-03-24). "Review - Master of Orion III (PC)". CNet. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
ii. Steve Butts (2007-06-21). "IGN Preview - Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword Hands On". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26. - ^ Several sources have stated that 4X games are notable for their complexity and depth:
i. "Complexity" in Dave VanDyk (2008-02-14). "Sins of a Solar Empire Review". GameShark. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
ii. "deep, hardcore strategy" in "GameSpy's Game of the Year 2006 - 6. Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-03-31.
iii. "strategic depth" in Steve Butts (2008-02-15). "News/Reviews - Sins of a Solar Empire". IGN. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
iv. "tremendous depth" in Neil Booth (2008-02-19). "Sins of a Solar Empire Review". PAL Gaming Network. Retrieved 2008-06-23. - ^ "Sins of a Solar Empire FAQ". Ironclad Games. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ a b Jason Bates. "IGN: Space Empires IV Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
- ^ Steve Barcia (1993). Master of Orion - Game manual (PDF). MicroProse. p. 62. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
- ^ Jason Ocampo (2006-02-07). "Gamespot Review - Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords Hands-On - The Spiritual Heir to Master of Orion II?". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Steve Butts (2006-07-17). "IGN Preview - Civilization IV: Warlords". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b Neil Booth (2008-02-19). "Sins of a Solar Empire Review". PAL Gaming Network. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ i. Allen "Delsyn" Rausch (2003-03-28). "GameSpy Review - Galactic Civilizations". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
ii. YourConscience (2007-10-07). "Review - Lost Empire". Tacticular Cancer. Retrieved 2008-07-26. - ^ William Abner (2006-03-28). "Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords Review". GameShark. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ a b c Joshua Villines (2001-07-04). "Master of Orion 3 preview for PC - Game Revolution". Game Revolution. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Stardock (2007-01-19). "Feature: Galactic Civlizations II Alien Races, Part IV". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-15.
- ^ T. Liam McDonald (1997-02-05). "Stars! for PC Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ Steve Butts (2001-06-21). "IGN - Galactic Civilizations Interview". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Tyler Sager (2006-06-16). "Galactic Civilizations Review". Gaming Nexus. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Jeff Cork (2008-02-04). "Game Informer: Thoughts On Sins - An Interview With Blair Fraser". Game Informer. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ Dave VanDyk (2008-02-14). "Sins of a Solar Empire Review". GameShark. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ Dave "Fargo" Kosak. "Rich "Zdim" Carlson of Looking Glass Studios: The History of Computer Games - Part I". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=
(help) - ^ a b "IGN Videogame Hall of Fame: Civilization". IGN. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
- ^ Benj Edwards. "The History of Civilization". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
- ^ Bruce Geryk (2001-08-08). "GameSpot - A History of Space Empire Games: VGA Planets and Spaceward Ho!". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Jason Ocampo (2005-08-26). "The Greatest Games of All Time: Master of Orion". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
- ^ Mark H. Walker (2002-02). "Strategy Gaming: Part IV -- In the Beginning". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ a b Bruce Geryk (2001-08-08). "History of Space Empire Games - Introduction". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ "Galactic Civilizations Gold". StarDock. Retrieved 2008-06-22.
- ^ Master of Orion II was released for the Macintosh: "Master of Orion II for Mac". GameSpot. 1996. Retrieved 2008-06-20.; and so was Civilization: "MobyGames - Sid Meier's Civilization". MobyGames. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
- ^ "MobyGames - Sid Meier Gameography". MobyGames. 2008-06-24.
- ^ James Fudge (2000-12-30). "GameSpy Hall of Fame - Master of Magic". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Mark H. Walker (2002-02). "Strategy Gaming: Part V -- Real-Time vs. Turn-Based". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ Greg Tito (2005-10-04). "Featured Article: Alpha Centauri". The Escapist. Retrieved 2008-07-28.
- ^ Kieron Gillen (2008-02-08). "Making Of: Soren Johnson On Civ 4". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ i. Tim Surette (2007-03-21). "Sins of a Solar Empire beta unveiled". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
ii. "Sins of a Solar Empire". Ironclad Games. Retrieved 2008-01-06.Sins of a Solar Empire is a "RT4X" game, blending the epic strategy and empire management of the 4X genre with the fast-paced and tactical elements of a real-time strategy title.
- ^ i. Jason Ocampo (2008-02-13). "Sins of a Solar Empire for PC Review - GameSpot". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
ii. By Allen 'Delsyn' Rausch (2008-02-08). "GameSpy: Sins of a Solar Empire Review". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-06-23. - ^ "Master of Orion III - Designer's Diary". QuickSilver Software. 2000-12-13. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ By Blair Fraser and Brad Wardell (2008-04-28). "Postmortem: Ironclad/Stardock's Sins of a Solar Empire". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
- ^ Andrew S. Bub (2004-08-20). "Eagle Games' Glen Drover talks about Pirates, The Boardgame!". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ i. Kieron Gillen (2006-03-06). "Review: Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords". EuroGamer. Retrieved 2008-07-28.;
ii. 1up Staff (2003-03-26). "Reviews: Galactic Civilizations". 1up. Retrieved 2008-07-28.{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Civ IV Recognized in "Best of 2005" Awards". 2K Games. 2005-12-20. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Dan Adams, Steve Butts, Charles Onyett (2007-03-16). "Top 25 PC Games of All Time". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Matt Martin. "Grand Theft Auto series has sold 66 million units to date". gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
- ^ Tom Bramwell (2007-07-16). "Firaxis explains lack of Civ PSP". EuroGamer. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ Alistair Wallis (2007-07-26). "Stardock's Wardell Talks GalCiv, Indie Power". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ^ "Mobygames: Freeciv". MobyGames. Retrieved 2008-07-28.
- ^ Oliver Clare (2007-01-29). "Priceless Victories". EuroGamer. Retrieved 2008-07-28.