Sins of a Solar Empire is a very
special game. It is one of the first games to truly combine the strategy and
scope of 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) with the frantic action
of a RTS game. The original game was released two years ago, and it won many
awards (including an editor’s choice award on
GameZone)
because of its great gameplay. Last year the developers released the first
"micro-expansion" entitled Entrenchment, which beefed up the game’s defense.
Finally the developers at Stardock have released the final micro-expansion
called Diplomacy. To make the release even more special they bundled up the game
and both expansions into one package and they called it: Sins of a Solar Empire:
Trinity.
Sins of a Solar Empire is classified
as a 4X game, but I prefer to call it a RT4X (real time 4X), because of its
unique nature. The reason is that 4X games are really huge in scope is because
they allow you to control the minute details of your empire, but they are
normally turn-based strategy games that are very light on the graphics
department. Sins of a Solar Empire really shook up this genre and turned it
up-side down by having all of the actions done in real time and its powered by a
good graphical engine. The game did all of this while maintaining the scope and
integrity of the already established genre. You were free to explore and conquer
up to four star systems (depends on how big the maps are) – depending on your
ability.
There are three factions in this
game: TEC, Advent, and Vasari who are trying to topple each other to claim
victory over the star system and all the spoils that it entails. The TEC is the
most balanced of the three factions and can be classified as the normal "humans"
of this game. The Advent is an offshoot of the TEC that was banished thousands
of years ago. They have acquired many alien technologies that make them a
powerful foe. Most of their ships are very expensive to produce but can cause
massive damage. The Vasari is an alien race that can create dozens of cheap
units units very quickly. As you dig deeper in the game you will find that each
race really does offer you slight differences in terms of gameplay and the
overall strategies used to defeat your enemies.
A screenshot from the Entrenchment
micro-expansion
Last year the first
"micro-expansion" entitled Entrenchment was released, and it was received with
welcomed arms. One of the biggest issues many people had with the original game
was that it lacked any true defensive structures. Whoever had the most advanced
ships usually won a fight and planets only had a few small cannons with which to
defend themselves. Entrenchment gave you the option to create the devastating
star bases, mines, and upgrades to planetary defenses. Even though these new
star bases took a hefty drain on your economy they were worth every penny.
Having one of these star bases allowed you to come up with better defensive
strategies. It also permitted you to attempt to conquer other planets without
the constant fear of another raiding party coming along and capturing your
relativity undefended world.
The newest "micro-expansion" to be
released is also the star of the Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity game; and it is
entitled Diplomacy. Whereas the last expansion really focused on allowing you to
defend what you have already taken, this new one allows you to become a
diplomatic powerhouse. There is a new diplomatic relationship screen that allows
you to instantly see how different players feel about each other. This will help
you when you go to the negotiation screen, which allows you to negotiate
treaties or even demand bribes from other players. There is also a new
diplomatic technology tree which allows you to become even better in your
political abilities.
It wouldn’t be an expansion pack if
there wasn’t a new unit, and thankfully the developers at Stardock delivered
with the envoy ships. Each faction gets one diplomatic ship and they adhere
closely to its overall philosophy. The TEC ship is called Neruda, which can be
sent to help improve relations with other planets, and it can even increase
trade for your faction. The Advent ship is called the Herald, and it is focused
on getting better culture. Finally the Vasari ship is called Voruntaks, which
will boost relations with other factions instantly by just being present. Each
ship offers a unique spin on how the particular faction operates and they each
feel great in action.
Other than the new features listed
earlier, the developers took steps to really improve the game by tweaking two
things: The first is a faster game speed, which improves overall game pacing and
might shorten some of the game sessions; the other tweak is to the computer AI
in this game, which is a very welcomed addition. The AI will now react in new
ways that will give veteran players more of a challenge. The new difficulty
levels are entitled cruel and vicious, and make no mistake – the descriptions
definitely fit.
The graphics for Sins of a Solar
Empire: Trinity look good, even though the graphic engine of this game is two
years old. As always, if you look hard enough you will notice that there is
definite room for improvement, such as the lower quality of textures. Even
though this game is relatively old, it will still amaze you to realize how
stable the framerate remains. It is a moment of pure wonderment when you look at
a massive battle up close, then zoom out to view the entire star system with no
discernable lag or drop in framerate. At times you will find yourself "zoning
out" just looking at the beautiful scenery of this game.
One of the best things about this
game is the musical score. It really sets the mood for the entire game, and
helps lift your spirits when it seems that destruction seems certain. At times
you will want to just sit back and listen to the musical score because it is
very peaceful and moving. The sound effects are also good because it truly
complements the soundtrack. The voice acting, while at times is cheesy, really
fits well.
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Gameplay: 9.0
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity will keep you sleep deprived for months on
end, especially with all of the new additions added to the latest expansion
pack. Whoever said Diplomacy is dead needs to check out this game!
Graphics: 8.0
The graphics are still impressive, especially when you consider how it
allows you to zoom way out and in without any framerate of lag issues. The
problem is that the game is starting to show its age.
Sound: 9.0
I still love the music selection the developers chose to include. It really
is peaceful and tranquil and help fully immerse the players during the course of
the game.
Difficulty: Medium
Unless you have played this game already be prepared for a steep learning
curve. On the bright side there is a nice tutorial mode that will show you
exactly what you need to do to get started in the game. Before long you will be
playing like a pro.
Concept: 8.0
The newest Diplomacy expansion really fills in the missing gaps of this game
and delivers something that is truly special.
Multiplayer: 9.0
Since there are no campaign modes in this game, the multiplayer mode is
where you will spend most of your time. You will have a blast playing this game
with your friends especially since the game has the ability to save a match at
anytime so you can stop and start again.
Overall: 8.5
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity is a great game that no strategy fan should
be without. Plus this is a real bargain getting the game and both expansion
packs for a fraction of the cost.
