I'm interested in getting a 4X game but I want one that's not too overcomplicated, (my medications keep me from being able to keep a huge amount of info in my head at once). What is the best of the 4x games on iPad, and would also be least likely to be too confusing for a total noob?
No, the OP means 4X games - "explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4X Have you looked at Starbase Orion? https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/starbase-orion/id438375580?mt=8
The main two I keep seeing, and that keep tempting me, are Alien Tribe 2 and Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy. Eclipse looks good but I'm wondering if it'll give me a case of brain lock. I used to be able to play chess and think four or five moves ahead, but now I'm lucky to be able to think one or two ahead. It's also possible the 4X genre isn't anywhere near as complex as I think they are and I'm just psyching myself out.
Eclipse is very good. Haven't played Alien Tribe 2 as it's RTS but with the current $2.99 sale price I may give it a shot. I repeat my recommendation for Starbase Orion though. It's based on the classic Masters of Orion 2.
I'd avoid Eclipse, it's a nightmare to understand. I bought it 5-6 months ago and STILL don't understand how to play. I would recommend you check out Alien Tribes 2, Starbase Orion, Ascendancy and Distant Star on you tube and see which appeals to you.
Vincere Totus Astrum is an easy pick up and play without the learning curve. Very immersive and easy to spend hours on without realizing it, and a good segway into the genre.
Distant star used to be incredible but for some reason they took out the multiple races and some other stuff and now it's just not the same
I have both Starbase Orion and Ascendancy, and think the latter is easier to play in terms of information needed (e.g. smaller tech tree), but requires more micromanagement: you build individual buildings on your planets, and some are huge (e.g. having 20 factories plus other stuff). For a realtime 4x with the best building AI I know try Imperium Galactica 2: It is also the only one I know on iOS with actual story, campaign and scenarios. For later, there is an upcoming spiritual successor to Master of Magic (Orion in Fantasyland, fantastic game. If you have a PC, go find it; quite sure it is on Abandonia.com). Ah ja, here you go: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=185379 In any case, best of luck in finding something that suits you! P.S.: Looked at Ecplise on the Appstore: yikes! Completely incomprehensible from the screenshots, and I play 4x all the way back to the first Master of Orion and before. Vincere Totus Astrum I'll give a shot, on the other hand.
Thanks for all the input guys. I've got a nice list of candidates now if I don't get too bogged down mentally playing. I ended up getting Tribes 2 to start and to at least get a slight feel for the genre. It helped that it was cheap and has a vary small install footprint at 85ish mb. I never know if a game is going to overload me mentally until I give it a try. Even switching from reading to listening to a voice is enough to lock me up, so I have a pretty low threshold when it comes to multitasking.
I'd say starbase Orion or ascendency too, both are really good, but if u have a PC, get endless space, sins of a solar empire or star drive
Ascendancy is really fun. Civ is a 4X game, 4X doesn't totally mean sci fi. KoDP is another, a fantasy based 4X with a huge story. Read the ENTIRE manual before play tough. It'll help alot.
I second KoDP. Has lots of text, but no voiceacting, which might make it easier for you. Making notes helps too, e.g. about what your advisors tell you ("we should raid this year to please our ancestors").
The only 4X I am playing now is Empire Deluxe Mobile Edition. Fast games with helpful automation options like auto explore and routing of units to target destinations...
The Windows version of Spaceward Ho I played long long ago was very newbie friendly. Later versions, including the iOS port seem too complex. I remember regularly beating the ancient Windows (3.1? 95?) version, but never being able to win the iOS one.
I wouldn't classify Empire Deluxe (or any straight-up war game) as 4X. There's no technological or economic aspect and no non-military way to win.
