So what other games you guys play when not playing DW?

[Blueberry]

Guys, just wanted to let you all know about a certain gem that is being developed by guys at Newcastle. Uk....not aussieland.

Project zomboid. Fantastic game.. Very promising. Check it out. Indie games are the most rewarding to wait for....and pay for...

[SecuransRule]

ORIGINAL: Velihopea

Space Empires. It is a bit outdated graphically but if you still like to try them out I would suggest to play SE4. But DW is better.

Ah Space Empires, silly me. A coworker of mine has raved about it, but I think I'll stick with Distant Worlds.

I've also been playing a Russian space game called Star Wolves, and really like it. It is beautiful and rather challenging. Additionally, it has one of the best game soundtracks I've heard in a while. The Russian band has Pink Floyd nailed.

[MartialDoctor]

ORIGINAL: Velihopea
... not playing that much (only about 60 hours played based on Rapt'r)...

60 hours is not much? You obviously have a lot more free time on your hands than a normal person! 60 hours is a long time! I maybe get that much time in 1.5 - 2 months to play games in total. [X(]

[Velihopea]

ORIGINAL: MartialDoctor
60 hours is not much? You obviously have a lot more free time on your hands than a normal person! 60 hours is a long time! I maybe get that much time in 1.5 - 2 months to play games in total. [X(]

Too little time and too many good games, I would say. Many of my favorite sandbox games have hundreds of hours clocked.

SecuransRule: Star wolves is a game that I have never had the time to try out, aren't they more of a simulation game?

[DevildogFF]

ORIGINAL: SecuransRule

ORIGINAL: DevildogFF

Stardrive. This game has legitimate potential for the new 4X throne. Watch out!

So you're playing the closed Beta? Cool. I've actually been watching this one on SpaceSector.com, and yes, it does seem to have the potential to give Distant Worlds a run for its money, though of course this remains to be seen.

I did like the interview with Daniel DiCicco on SpaceSector though, and it gave me reason to be optimistic about StarDrive. For one thing he decries the generally sad state of diplomacy in most 4X games, and means to rectify this with StarDrive (BTW, I think that DW has one of the best diplomatic models I've ever seen in a 4X game, though there is room for improvement). For another, Mr. DiCicco is a Firefly fan, and anyone who likes that great series is alright by me. [:)]

Concerning playing Betas, I had to mention: I played the open Beta of Fallen Enchantress for a while, and although I mostly enjoyed it, I found I was tired of the game by the time of its official release. Having said that, I think I'm going to avoid the open Beta of StarDrive when it becomes available on Steam next month, and just sit tight for the official release and reviews.

BTW, one or two of you mentioned the 'propaganda' machine regarding StarDrive, and I wanted to add that I think I learned my lesson about succumbing to the propaganda machine and fanboy hype from the dreadful Endless Space.

Yes, I am in the closed beta. I'm not one to give in to hype and I certainly don't go out of my way to hype a game up. That being said, Stardrive is shaping up to be very similar to Distant Worlds, only with better graphics, better diplomacy, espionage, and much better shop design. And that's just now, in closed beta.

I feel you about betas burning you out. I have done a few and more than a few have left me feeling burned out, but Stardrive still excites me, even if I have played well over 100 hours of it in total.

That's gotta say something.

[Antiscamp]

I am a Skyrim modder myself and don't have much time for other games than that. However, I enjoy some good strategy in-between. I just recently purchased Distant Worlds though and I'm really enjoying it. I also like the Paradox games, like CKII, Victoria II and EUIII. I've also been playing some Civ 5 this year when the G&K expansion came, but I don't like 5 as much as 4. There's lots of interesting stuff to look forward to in 2013.

[Satosky]

ORIGINAL: richardus

Dwarf fortress...

Modded or vanilla?
Dwarf Fortress is the best ^^ hehe.

[Blueberry]

ORIGINAL: Velihopea

ORIGINAL: MartialDoctor
60 hours is not much? You obviously have a lot more free time on your hands than a normal person! 60 hours is a long time! I maybe get that much time in 1.5 - 2 months to play games in total. [X(]

Too little time and too many good games, I would say. Many of my favorite sandbox games have hundreds of hours clocked.

SecuransRule: Star wolves is a game that I have never had the time to try out, aren't they more of a simulation game?

Star wolves is a great series. A combination of several genres all in one neat package. Fine... Got its flaws but what game doesn't. As for a sim game, I don't think this is it. More tactical approach with some interesting rpg elements in it. Quite a unique approach to be appreciated.

The game world isn't that busy, the trade/economy is rather limited so don't go expecting any X universe stuff. But it is fun. A least it was in my very own case. Need to play to understand really.

What's really cool is that the very last game (civil war) in the series was developed together with the modding community of the previous installments of the series. Shame about ashes of victory though. Its development came to a rather sudden halt. Anyways, give it a try.

[Sarissofoi]

Space Wolves are really good game. Its is sort of RTS in space with RPG elements.
You gather group of pilots equip them with fighters and weapons and lead them to victory.
First part is pretty funny next are not so.

[Blueberry]

Thought civil war was the best but tastes differ I suppose. [:)]

[SecuransRule]

Between Distant Worlds and Star Wolves, I can't remember the last time I alternated between two such great games.

Another thing I really like about Star Wolves is that from the moment you start playing it you realize right away that this is not an American game. I find the Eastern European feel quite different and refreshing. [:)] I take it you guys recommend the other two Star Wolves games?

[MartialDoctor]

ORIGINAL: Velihopea

Too little time and too many good games, I would say.

This, I would totally agree with! I think I also just have a lot less time than I used to [8D]