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Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced

96%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
stability, grinding
96% User Score Based on 94 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindowsLinuxLinux

About

Descend into the dark ages of space and take control of one of five Royal Houses vying for dominance in a universe on the brink of collapse. With 28 years of passionate community-driven evolution, Emperor of the Fading Suns returns with new features, modernized gameplay, and immersive visuals designed to expand on the already treasured strategy game as a part of the Enhanced Edition. This classic …

Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
Emperor of the Fading Suns Enhanced screenshot
+7

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 94 reviews
gameplay10 positive mentions
stability2 negative mentions

  • Emperor of the Fading Suns offers a unique and deep gameplay experience, combining elements of strategy, diplomacy, and resource management across multiple planets.
  • The game has been significantly improved with bug fixes, AI enhancements, and quality of life features, making it more accessible and enjoyable for both new and returning players.
  • Its rich lore and complex mechanics provide a captivating atmosphere reminiscent of classic sci-fi universes like Dune and Warhammer, appealing to fans of deep strategy games.
  • The user interface can be clunky and uninformative, making it difficult for new players to understand game mechanics without external guides or tutorials.
  • Despite the enhancements, some players feel that the game still retains a dated feel, reflecting its original 1997 release and lacking modern conveniences.
  • The learning curve is steep, which may frustrate players who are not familiar with the genre or who expect more hand-holding in gameplay.
  • gameplay
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by its depth and complexity, offering a rich exploration of systems where mechanics drive the narrative. Players can engage in intricate resource management and strategic planning, with unique victory conditions and anti-snowballing mechanics that enhance the experience. While the game may feel clunky by modern standards, it remains a standout in the 4X genre, especially for fans of turn-based strategy, thanks to its engaging lore and well-integrated mechanics.

    • “I've happily racked up many hours of fun gameplay while beta testing the Steam release, and am very proud to endorse this classic for anyone who likes turn-based strategy games.”
    • “Scarcity is one of this game's core gameplay elements, and the game models the fabrication of more and more advanced components from the raw resources you mine and process across your territory.”
    • “Just be aware, if you get too strong, everybody will turn on you, a wonderfully clever anti-snowballing mechanic that ensures you plan your power curve carefully if you don't want to fight the whole galaxy at once.”
    • “Really excellent themes, decently executed in the gameplay - for when it came out - but unwieldy, uninformative, and clunky today.”
    • “Its a deep game with a mechanic to address any problem you may have, the AI is competent but the game feels just built for a long-term 4-man game.”
    • “If you're curious what it feels like to play, I'd say it does feel quite similar to Shadow Empire x Dune Spice Wars; Spice Wars has many mechanics that feel directly inspired by this game such as its government seats (governor is more or less 1:1 with regent).”
  • graphics
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game, while dated, still hold a certain charm and clarity that many players appreciate, especially in the context of its gameplay. Although they may not meet modern standards, the improvements made to the engine enhance the overall experience, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate old-school aesthetics. Players are encouraged to look past the graphics and focus on the engaging gameplay, particularly if they enjoy space-themed strategy and politics.

    • “The graphics are still great today even after all these years.”
    • “The graphics are clearer and crisper, and there's a whole load of gameplay updates to accompany the engine changes made to facilitate the excellent modding tools.”
    • “Don't let the dated graphics fool you; if you give it a go, you will be stuck thinking... 'just one more turn.'”
    • “But if you’re okay with old-school graphics (which I think add to the charm), and you enjoy games with a heavy focus on space politics and strategy, I can definitely recommend giving this one a shot.”
    • “Back in 1997, fresh off beating Space Quest 5 for the third time and looking for wacky space hijinks, I found I could afford the barely-a-buck demo CDs from the rummage bin at the game store. Some installment called Space Bar seemed to have the same vibe.”
  • story
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in the game is described as emerging organically from its mechanics, providing a rich experience for players who enjoy exploration. It evokes nostalgia for classic space-themed adventures, reminiscent of titles like Space Quest, and offers a sense of discovery within its systems. Overall, the narrative is engaging and complements the gameplay effectively.

    • “If you find joy in exploring systems, there's a lot to find here, and like many of the great game designs, the story emerges out of mechanics.”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its grand scale and ambitious design, complemented by a richly metaphorical help menu that adds depth and character, making it an instant favorite among players.

    • “The scale and ambition of EFS and its commitment to its atmosphere, with a help menu that reads with all the metaphor and moralizing of having been penned by a mendicant friar, made it an instant favorite.”
  • music
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game features an excellent full soundtrack that players enjoy even outside of gameplay, highlighting its quality and appeal.

    • “An excellent full soundtrack that you can listen to even when you're not playing the game.”
  • stability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The enhanced version of the game significantly improves stability by addressing nearly all the bugs present in the original, while also introducing new features and quality of life enhancements. Users appreciate these fixes, which contribute to a more polished gaming experience.

  • grinding
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express concerns that the late-game grinding can become tedious due to the overwhelming number of units, buildings, and planets to manage, potentially leading to a frustrating experience.

    • “I can already imagine that late-game turns could get incredibly tedious with the sheer number of units, buildings, and planets you’ll need to keep track of.”
    • “Grinding in this game feels like a never-ending chore, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “The repetitive nature of grinding makes the gameplay feel more like a job than a fun experience.”

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