Underplayed Gems

Master of Orion 1 (2016)

Master of Orion 1 cover
Developer
SimTex
Publisher
Wargaming Labs
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres
Strategy
Rating
4.5 of 5, 450 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 35 hours
Where to get it
Steam

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The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A slow-burn empire-building game that pulls you in with careful resource management and tactical space combat, leaving you always wanting one more turn.

methodicaladdictiveclassicstrategictenseatmosphericsingleplayerturn-based

What players say

Players say Master of Orion 1 is a deep, highly replayable 4X that holds up, but newcomers must accept a manual-reading copy protection check and a slow early game. Long-time fans praise its tactical trade and diplomacy depth, while others note the dated GUI and minimal music.

Screenshots

Master of Orion 1 screenshot 1Master of Orion 1 screenshot 2Master of Orion 1 screenshot 3Master of Orion 1 screenshot 4Master of Orion 1 screenshot 5

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More by Take-Two Interactive

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.