An enormous tech tree lies at the heart of Alpha Centauri. Researchable technologies are based on plausible science, not the more fanciful stuff of something like, oh, Lost in Space. Research will yield a host of new options affecting your sociological structure, your ability to exploit the planet, the units you can build, and other factors. The unit-building feature is particularly noteworthy: As you discover new technologies, you'll be able to customize the units you wish to produce. Choosing from various chassis, weapons, armor, energy sources, and special items, you can create exactly the sort of machine you want. You will have to juggle your unit creation wish list between what you want a unit to have and what those features will cost. Multiplayer games should be fascinating as each side churns out custom units that their opponents have never imagined, let alone seen. - Robert Coffey

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