As a real-time strategy game, Relativity is a nice twist on the space-civ genre.
Relativity purports a twist on all of this, however, assuming you're at least somewhat familiar with the general gameplay of space civ games. As the (rather good) tutorial points out, space isn't Newtonian, as most games make it to be. Rather, objects with mass in the universe (planets, starts) curve space around them (gravity) and travel close to the speed of light is quicker for those on board a ship than for the outside viewer. These physics mechanics are incorporated into Relativity in ways which, while not impeding gameplay, give you a (generally) more accurate view of what space civ games play out. Furthermore, you'll be able to research weapons based on Einstein's theories and use them to deadly purposes as well, making Relativity a game where you might just glean some basic science while you play. Relativity also allows you to personally control ships in addition to setting automatic functions (like colonize, attack, defend areas etc), which is something that most games of this kind don't do.
If Einstein's theories as generally well-incorporated into the game serves as Relativity's zenith, the nadir might unfortunately be located in the general pace of the campaign mode and lack of strategic depth. In campaign mode, you'll need to win a set of universe-scenarios against the Pink Fluff. Each one has a specific in-game limitation, however, ranging from a ban on lasers to a ban on relativity-based weapons, to other odd limits. While you get the sense that these were inserted to help the player learn the game, as a sort of extended tutorial, while playing it becomes rather annoying. It's not a game-breaker, but it feels like you're being held back, rather than implementing strategy. This is likely because there's not a ton of depth in terms of play. You have limited weapons, engines, and defensive upgrades as it is, so rather than feeling challenged by the limits, you'll likely just feel unjustly prohibited.
Despite those issues, Relativity is still a fun game to play. It doesn't take a ton of strategy to win any given campaign scenario, sadly, but the incorporation of more accurate space physics works well, and in later campaign stages when you're up against a large enemy force, you'll feel like you've got more on your hands thankfully. I think more alien races with different strategic elements would've boosted this game's potential (for instance, a small race of highly advanced enemies, or a large race of dumb enemies, or enemies with different techs, or who knows what...). Also, Relativity works solely by way of combat, whereas in other games of this type you have culture victores, more science research options, and negotiations with your enemies which are all absent here, leaving Relativity further feeling a little one-dimensional. Also, the game did crash on me once while playing, sending me back to the xbox dashboard. This wasn't a frequent occurance, but is annoying to see in any game.
Taken as a whole, Relativity is a decent real-time strategy game that will please those interested in playing with Einstein's physics as well as those who like sci-fi strategy games even when they're not too hard. For 80 MS points, it's still a great buy!
Rating 7/10