Stars!

[[XAP]Bob]

Does anyone else here play Stars!

It's a PC strategy game - Domination of the universe style.
There are two distinct phases:
- first you design a race. The "advantage point" system is very well balanced, and there is good variation in race design possible.
- Then you create a universe, with many players (AI and/or human) and each turn is one game year (starting in the year 2400).

Between population management, economic growth, mining the three minerals, colonisation, defensive strategies and war there is plenty to keep a brain entertained.
Particularly as you design ships using components which are unlocked by a variety of (6) technology levels, and starbases; configure battle orders etc...

[MattyDeez]

I play quite a few PC games i've never heard of Stars before.

After a quick google it's from 1995 and maybe thats why i haven't seen it around or advertised.

[JohnW]

To quote a T-shirt I once saw - "I'd rather be cycling"

[[XAP]Bob]

It might be old, but so are many nice bikes.
I find it a well balanced strategy game (like chess for instance).

It's also got a very low cost of entry as there are sufficient serial numbers published, as well as the binaries, that multiplayer games can still be created despite the lack of a current sales channel.

I can't really get out on the bike while babysitting...