Balanced galaxies have a symmetrical layout in terms of planets and stars, so each player has a nearly identical position starting out. One design innovation, especially important for competitive league play, is the ability to generate “random” or “balanced” galaxies. Plenty of setup options to tailor the experience to your whims You can even set up games with fixed alliances right from the start (quite fun for multiplayer!).
You can also specify up to 7 other opponents, AI difficulty, AI bonuses (yes, you can have HARD AI without any bonuses – the AI actually plays better on higher difficulties), and whether custom races and diplomatic victories are allowed. Starbase offers a range of options for generating a galaxy, including size (from 30 to 140 stars), shape (ring, clusters, spiral), mineral density, empire age, and the presence of specials like space monsters or wormholes. So as the 4X community ponders the current crop of big new 4X releases, I felt it was worth taking a look back at Starbase and some of its clever innovations – if only as a good example for future developers to study. But more importantly, Starbase has a number of exceptionally well-designed mechanics that address some of the genre’s typical weaknesses and turn them into real strengths. While it is starting to show its age, Starbase’s continued developer support over the course of 25 patches has given the game serious longevity. The game was to build on the mechanics of Master of Orion 2, but would also be designed as a competitive multiplayer strategy game. In the article, Rocco shared his motivation to create a full-featured space 4X game on a mobile platform (iOS specifically). We last talked about Starbase in our interview with solo developer Rocco Bowling of Chimera Software. Starbase Orion (henceforth Starbase) was released in October, 2011.
While we are collectively abuzz with all things Master of Orion … You know, in light of MoO: Conquer the Stars ’ recent release, it seems like a good time to talk about another Orion: Starbase Orion.