A new age is coming in space conquering games:Real Time Read on...
Even though everybody knows that since Homeworld RTS games can be fantastic in 3D space,nobody tried to realize it in such a grand scale,until now.In sins of a solar empire you can,with a turn of a mouse wheel,zoom out and see a whole map of the galaxy through a series of icons that represent your fleets and planets.All actions are effectively done in systems-like building buildings and battle ships.The systems are connected through a series of hyperspace canals in which you,in the end,get a 3D net divided into systems.
The plot is pretty rudimentary,and the single player missions are not in his function,which every single one presents a map in which you have to crush and destroy your enemies.The difference between the 3 playable races are pretty much cosmetical,though there are special types of technology which are unique to the race.You will have to digest quite a lot of options which are,luckily,pretty easily spotted and easy to use.The savior is the Empire Management list in the upper left corner of the screen that shows you all of your ships,planets and buildings.Also,if you move your cursor over any object on the screen,you will get a useful list of the objects characteristics.In general,the graphics are amazing with great models and detailed ships and buildings,while great music is intrusively contributing to the ambient.
You will develop your empire by discovering and conquering new systems in which you can colonize planets (for money) and asteroids (for metal and crystal).You can spend these gained resources on improving your infrastructure,defending your systems and building large and powerful fleets.There are frigates,cruisers and capital ships,who are,in a way,heroes because they gain experience and "buy" special abilities.Battles are usually battled near the hyperspace canal that "touches" your system,because that's where the enemies come.Though relative tactical simplicity is leveled by strategical complexity.Next to battling and building,you can also make diplomatic alliances and trade agreements and buy resources through the black market.Also there is a possibility of putting a price on your rivals heads.
With all of this,the micromanagement can be a problem at the beginning,but after a couple of hours you will get the hang of it.Even if you can only beat your opponents by destroying them,the game has a lot of achievements like conquering your enemies without capital ships,collecting all the artifact's on the map,...
All in all,Sins of a Solar Empire is a great game which is a must whether you like space strategies or not!