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Looking for a strat space exploring - colonize style game.
Know there are lots of them out there. So many it's overwhelming. Looking for one that:
1) turn based
2) easy to medium complex level
3) size isn't too big. Some games you build lots of fleets and each fleet is 100s of ships.
and there are 100s of star systems to explore. That's too big for me.

Any ideas? THANKS!

[Deleted by Admins]

I like Armada 2526 with the Supernova expansion (the expansion is A MUST though)... maybe a little dated compared to the newer games but I still find myself going back to it fairly often.

It's turn based; the numbers of stars and ships can be large but the start setup has a lot of options.

I suggest checking out some let's play videos to see if it's something you'd enjoy. That's what I did.

Armada is good, I don't play out the tactical battles, but the strategic layer is fun.

I like the new Master of Orion, the battles are real time, but you can just watch or quick resolve. The strategic layer is pretty simple, very similar to MOO2, which is still around on Steam of GOG. Still a great game, with good turn based tactical battles.

Predestination is a new game in development. I haven't played too much, but it is all turn based with tactical combat. It seems to be heavy on planet development, almost a mini-civ game there.

Endless space is pretty good, haven't played it in a while though. Endless Space 2 will be in early access soon.

I am a big fan of Armada 2526 Supernova, but lately I have been having a lot of fun with Polaris Sector too.

I recommend them both. They are alike, and different too. Lots of fun with either or both.

Chuck

ORIGINAL: Grognerd

Well I picked up Galactic Civilization 3 not too long ago. I would not recommend that one. But then again I'm a bit of a realism nut.

How can you tell if it's realistic or not? [;)]

[Deleted by Admins]

One of the better and older games was "Reach for the Stars" simple and not millions of planets to micro manage, although Galactic Civilization II and it's expansions are nice also they are rather big in scope may be too big for what you are looking for. That's the problem with many games today is they make them so big they last months instead of hours like old school board games. One model many games should look at in a turn based real time atmosphere is Mount & Blade. Now that's a turn based real time game I can sink my teeth into. Time only moves when you move and stops when you stop. Perfect turn based real time system evah. [:'(]

I remember playing a board game. It has sizeable hexes, and as players explore, more hexes are added on the table. Hex can have planets and some resources. Players build starships and space stations, research better weapons and equipment for the starships. Small scale and relatively easy to learn & play.

Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword has mod Final Frontier. What is there to say but: Civ4 in space

I got bored with Armada and the expansion pretty quick. Of course, it can be found dirt cheap.

You could play a small map of one of the other games. Polaris Sector hooked me pretty good, but there is some micro on fleet movement unless you have a great memory.

Thanks for your comments. [:)] I'll "you tube" a couple of your ideas. But I'm wondering if my criteria is too restrictive. [&:] Thanks again.[:)]