4X is a subgenre of strategy video games. The term is a loose acronym of "explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate", coined in 1993 to describe the gameplay of Master of Orion. 4X games usually feature complex simulations of scientific research, economics, diplomacy, and social dynamics. Unlike computer wargames, they usually have more ways to win than through warfare, and they model the creation and evolution of an empire from its beginning. Games prior to Master of Orion have been retroactively identified as 4X games. Early precursors include the board games Outreach and Stellar Conquest, both published in the 1970s.[1] Some early strategy video games, such as Andromeda Conquest (1982) and Cosmic Balance II (1983) incorporated what would later become elements of 4X games, but the first 4X video game was Reach for the Stars (1983).[2][1] Because of the genre's focus on mouse-and-keyboard control schemes, most 4X games are available on personal computers, but examples exist on other platforms.[3] Some 4X games include elements of real-time strategy, but 4X games are typically slow-paced.[1]
Video game platforms
edit
|
List
editYear | Game | Developer | Setting | Platform | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1983 | Reach for the Stars[4] | SSG | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, WIN, APPII, MAC, C64, AMI | Remade in 2000 under the same name.[5] |
1984 | Imperium Galactum | SSI | Sci-fi (Space) | APPII, ATR, C64 | |
1984 | Incunabula | Avalon Hill | Historical | DOS | |
1985 | Strategic Conquest | Peter Merrill, Delta Tao | Historical | APPII, MAC | |
1987 | Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021 | Thinking Machine Associates | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | |
1987 | Xconq | Stan Shebs, others | n/a | CROSS | |
1988 | Reach for the Stars: The Conquest of the Galaxy - Third Edition | SSG | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, C64, APPII, AMI, MAC, PC98 | Third & last edition. Updated to 16-bit computers. |
1988 | Stellar Crusade[6] | SSI | Sci-fi (Space) | ST, DOS, AMI | |
1990 | Imperium | Intelligent Games | Sci-fi (Space) | ST, DOS, AMI | |
1990 | Spaceward Ho![7] | Delta Tao | Sci-fi (Space) | MAC, WIN, AMI | |
1991 | Armada 2525[8] | Interstel | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | |
1991 | Civilization[9] | MicroProse | Historical | DOS, WIN, MAC, AMI, ST, SNES, PS1, SAT | First title in the series. |
1992 | Pax Imperia | Changeling Software | Sci-fi (Space) | Apple Macintosh | First title in the series. |
1992 | VGA Planets[10] | Tim Wisseman | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | |
1993 | Master of Orion[11] | Simtex | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, MAC | First title in the series. First game to use the term "4X". |
1993 | Space Empires | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | First title in the series. |
1994 | Colonization[1] | MicroProse | Historical | AMI, DOS, WIN, MAC | |
1994 | K240[12] | Gremlin Graphics | Sci-fi (Space) | AMI | |
1994 | Master of Magic[13] | Simtex | Fantasy | DOS | |
1994 | Reunion | Digital Reality | Sci-fi (Space) | AMI, DOS | |
1995 | Ascendancy[14] | The Logic Factory | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, WIN, IPAD (iOS) | |
1995 | Space Empires II | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires. |
1995 | Stars![15] | Jeff Johnson and Jeff McBride | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
1996 | Civilization II[16] | MicroProse | Historical | MAC, PS1, WIN | Sequel to Civilization. |
1996 | Destiny: World Domination from Stone Age to Space Age | Dagger Interactive | Historical | WIN | |
1996 | Emperor of the Fading Suns[17] | Holistic | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | |
1996 | Freeciv[18] | Freeciv team | Historical | MULTIPLATFORM | Civilization clone. |
1996 | Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares[11] | Simtex | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, WIN, MAC | Sequel to Master of Orion. |
1997 | Fragile Allegiance[19] | Gremlin | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN9X, DOS | |
1997 | Imperialism[20] | Frog City | Historical | MAC, WIN | |
1997 | Imperium Galactica[1] | Digital Reality | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | First title in the series. |
1997 | Into the Void | Adrenalin Entertainment | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | |
1997 | Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain | Heliotrope Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, MAC | Sequel to Pax Imperia. |
1997 | Space Empires III | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires II. |
1998 | Star Wars: Rebellion[3] | Coolhand | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
1999 | Age of Wonders | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | First title in the series. |
1999 | Civilization II: Test of Time | MicroProse | Historical, Fantasy or Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Remake of Civilization II. |
1999 | Civilization: Call to Power[1] | Activision | Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) | BEOS, LIN, MAC, WIN | Spin-off of Civilization. |
1999 | Imperialism II: Age of Exploration[3] | Frog City | Historical | OSX, WIN | Sequel to Imperialism. |
1999 | Malkari | iMagic | Sci-fi | WIN | [21] |
1999 | Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri[3] | Firaxis | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, LIN, MAC | Pseudo-sequel to Civilization. |
1999 | Star Trek: Birth of the Federation[22] | MicroProse | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2000 | Call to Power II | Activision | Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Sequel to Civilization: Call to Power. |
2000 | Imperium Galactica II: Alliances[23] | Digital Reality | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Imperium Galactica. |
2000 | Reach for the Stars (2000) | SSG | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Remake of 1988 DOS version with weird visuals. |
2000 | Space Empires IV[24] | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires III. |
2001 | Civilization III[9] | Firaxis | Historical | WIN, MAC | Sequel to Civilization II. |
2002 | Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Age of Wonders. |
2002 | Dominions: Priests, Prophets and Pretenders | Illwinter Game Design | Fantasy | WIN, LIN, OSX | Turn based. |
2002 | Starships Unlimited[25] | Apezone | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2003 | Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne. |
2003 | Dominions II: The Ascension Wars | Illwinter Game Design | Fantasy | WIN, LIN, OSX | Turn based. Sequel to Dominions: Priests, Prophets and Pretenders. |
2003 | FreeCol | The Freecol Team | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN | Colonization clone. |
2003 | Galactic Civilizations | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn based. First title in the series. |
2003 | Master of Orion III[26] | Quicksilver | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX | Sequel to Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares. |
2004 | Anacreon: Imperial Conquest in the Far Future | George Moromisato | Sci-fi | WIN | Remake of Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021. |
2004 | Aurora[27] | Steve Walmsley | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Freeware. |
2004 | FreeOrion[28] | Various developers | Sci-fi (Space) | LIN | Initial release date. |
2005 | Civilization IV[16] | Firaxis | Historical | WINNT, OSX | Sequel to Civilization III. |
2006 | C-evo[29] | Steffen Gerlach | Historical | WIN | Civilization clone. |
2006 | Dominions 3: The Awakening | Illwinter Game Design | Fantasy | WIN, OSX, LIN | Turn based. Sequel to Dominions II: The Ascension Wars. |
2006 | Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords[13] | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations. |
2006 | Space Empires V[30] | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires IV. |
2006 | Sword of the Stars[31] | Kerberos | Sci-fi (Space) | WINNT | Turn-based with real-time combat. |
2007 | Armageddon Empires | Cryptic Comet | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Turn-based. |
2007 | Lost Empire[32] | Pollux Gamelabs | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. |
2008 | Civilization IV: Colonization | Firaxis | Historical | WIN | |
2008 | Civilization Revolution | Firaxis | Historical | PS3, DS, X360 | |
2008 | Lost Empire: Immortals[33] | Pollux Gamelabs | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. |
2008 | Shattered Suns[34] | Clear Crown | Sci-fi (Space) | PC | Real-time. |
2008 | Sins of a Solar Empire[13] | Ironclad | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time. |
2009 | AI War: Fleet Command[35] | Arcen Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Hybrid RTS/tower defense/4X game.[35] |
2010 | Armada 2526[8] | Ntronium Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2010 | Civilization V[13] | Firaxis | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN | Sequel to Civilization IV. |
2010 | Distant Worlds[36] | Code Force | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time. |
2010 | Elemental: War of Magic[37] | Stardock | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements. |
2010 | Neptune's Pride[38] | Iron Helmet Games | Sci-fi (Space) | BROW | Real-time. |
2010 | Star Ruler[39] | Blind Mind Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time. |
2011 | Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of Winter[31] | Kerberos | Sci-fi (Space) | WINNT | Turn-based with Real-time combat. Sequel to Sword of the Stars. |
2012 | Elemental: Fallen Enchantress[40] | Stardock | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements. |
2012 | Endless Space[41] | Amplitude Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX | Turn-based. |
2012 | Legends of Pegasus[42] | Novacore Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. |
2012 | Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion[3] | Ironclad | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-Time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire. |
2012 | Warlock: Master of the Arcane[13] | 1C:Ino-Co Plus | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based. Derived from the Majesty universe. |
2013 | Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension[43] | Illwinter Game Design | Fantasy | WIN, OSX, LIN | Turn based. Sequel to Dominions 3: The Awakening. |
2013 | Eador: Masters of the Broken World[44] | Snowbird Games | Fantasy | WIN | |
2013 | Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes[3] | Stardock | Fantasy | WIN, OSX, LIN | |
2013 | Lords of the Black Sun[45] | Arkavi Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. |
2013 | Pandora: First Contact[46] | Proxy Studios | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, OSX, LIN | Turn-based planetary colonization and conquest, borrowing heavily from Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. |
2013 | StarDrive[47] | Zer0sum Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time. |
2014 | Age of Wonders III[18] | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic. |
2014 | Civilization Revolution 2 | Firaxis | Historical | IOS, AND, VITA | Turn-based. Sequel to Civilization Revolution. |
2014 | Distant Worlds: Universe[3] | Code Force | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2014 | Endless Legend[3] | Amplitude Studios | Fantasy | WIN, OSX | Endless Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of Endless Space and Dungeon of the Endless. |
2014 | Horizon[48] | L3O | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based space strategy game with MOO2 like tactical combat and story missions. |
2014 | Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth[44] | Firaxis | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, LIN | Turn-based. |
2014 | Sorcerer King[49] | Stardock | Fantasy | WIN | |
2014 | Star Ruler 2[44] | Blind Mind Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX, LIN | Real-time. Sequel to Star Ruler. |
2014 | Star Traders: 4X Empires[50] | Trese Brothers | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2014 | Warlock II: The Exiled[44] | 1C:Ino-Co Plus | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to Warlock: Master of the Arcane. |
2015 | Galactic Civilizations III[3] | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords. |
2015 | Galactic Inheritors[51] | Argonauts Interactive | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based space strategy game. |
2015 | Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients[52] | Longbow Games | Historical | WIN | Real-time with pause strategy game. |
2015 | Predestination[53] | Brain and Nerd Ltd | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based space strategy game. |
2015 | Sid Meier's Starships[54] | Firaxis Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based space strategy game. |
2015 | StarDrive 2[55] | Zer0sum Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to StarDrive. |
2015 | Worlds of Magic[56] | Wastelands Interactive | Fantasy | MULTIPLATFORM | |
2016 | Civilization VI[3] | Firaxis Games | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4, X360, NX | Sequel to Civilization V. |
2016 | Falling Stars: War of Empires[57] | Riveted Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based online digital tabletop game. |
2016 | Feudalism | IV Productions, Imagimotion Srl | Historical | WIN | Turn-based. |
2016 | Master of Orion Conquer the Stars[3] | NGD Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX, LIN | Turn-based. Reboot of the Master of Orion series. |
2016 | Stellaris[3] | Paradox Interactive | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4 | Real-time space grand strategy game. |
2016 | The Battle of Polytopia | Midjiwan AB | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN, NX, IOS, AND | Turn-based. |
2017 | Dominions 5: Warriors of the Faith[3] | Illwinter Game Design | Fantasy | WIN, OSX, LIN | Turn based. Sequel to Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension. |
2017 | Endless Space 2[3] | Amplitude Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX | Endless Space 2 is a turn-based strategy, science fiction 4X game. It is the sequel to the Endless Space. |
2017 | Oriental Empires[3] | Iceberg Interactive | Historical | WIN | Turn-based. |
2017 | Stars in Shadow[58] | Ashdar Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2. |
2017 | Thea: The Awakening[59] | MuHa Games | Fantasy | WIN, XOne, PS4, NX | Turn-based strategy game. |
2018 | Aggressors: Ancient Rome[3] | Kubat Software | Historical | WIN | 4X turn-based strategy game with tactical elements. |
2018 | Space Tyrant[60] | Blue Wizard Digital | Space | WIN | Streamlined 4X game. |
2018 | Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War[3] | Proxy Studios | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, OSX, LIN | Takes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. |
2019 | Age of Wonders: Planetfall[3] | Triumph Studios | Space | WIN, PS4, XONE | Turn-based. |
2019 | Interstellar Space: Genesis[61] | Praxis Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2 and Stellaris. |
2019 | Thea 2: The Shattering[3] | MuHa Games | Fantasy | WIN, XONE, NX | Turn-based strategy. |
2020 | Imperiums: Greek Wars[62] | Kube Games | Historical | WIN | Hybrid 4X/grand strategy turn-based game with mythological twist.[62] |
2020 | Pax Nova | GreyWolf Entertainment | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. |
2020 | Shadow Empire[36] | Matrix Games | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | 4X Turn-based strategy on a far-future, post-apocalyptic world. |
2021 | Humankind[63] | Amplitude Studios | Historical | WIN, OSX, Stadia | 4X turn-based strategy game. |
2021 | Old World[18] | Mohawk Games | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN | |
2022 | Distant Worlds 2[64] | CodeForce | Space | WIN | Real time with pause.[64] |
2022 | Dune: Spice Wars | Shiro Games | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Real time with pause. |
2022 | Galactic Civilizations IV | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations III. |
2022 | Master of Magic | MuHa Games | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based. Remake of the original Master of Magic. |
2023 | Age of Wonders 4 | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to Age of Wonders III. |
2024 | Millennia | C Prompt Games | Historical | WIN | |
2024 | Ara: History Untold | Oxide Games | Historical | WIN | 4X turn-based strategy game. |
These games include a mode of gameplay that resembles the 4X genre (i.e. global map instead of campaign).
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f Tringham, Neal Roger (2015). Science Fiction Video Games. CRC Press. pp. 383–386. ISBN 978-1-4822-0389-9.
- ^ Brown, Fraser (2018-12-24). "The history of the strategy game". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Hetfeld, Malindy (2022-03-04). "The best 4X games that define the classic genre". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-23.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-23.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-23.
- ^ Wallis, Alistair (2006-10-26). "Playing Catch Up: Spaceward Ho!'s Joe Williams". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ a b Butts, Steve (2009-11-19). "Armada 2526 Hands On". IGN. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b Zak, Robert (2021-12-16). "The best Civilization games: every Civ game ranked from worst to best". PCGamesN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-23.
- ^ a b Johnson, Leif (2016-08-26). "Master of Orion review". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Drain, Brendan (2009-12-12). "MMOrigins: Life's funny like that". Engadget. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b c d e Whitaker, Ron (2017-05-23). "8 4X Strategy Games that Every Gamer Should Play". The Escapist. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Wilbur, Brock (2018-05-05). "DOS Boot: Ascendancy had brilliant worlds and a dunce of an AI". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-23.
- ^ a b Zacny, Rob (2016-03-07). "The 4X Genre Has Grown Stagnant, Here's How To Fix It". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-23.
- ^ a b c "Six strategy games like Civilization". PCGamesN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Vega, Sin (2016-09-08). "Fragile Allegiance & The RTS Formula That Never Was". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Vega, Sin (2016-09-02). "How Imperialism 2 Took The **** Out Of XXXX". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on November 4, 2002. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ Geryk, Bruce. "History of Space Empire Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2007-10-23.
- ^ Nicholson, Brad (2012-06-27). "'Imperium Galactica 2' Trailer Impresses". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ "Space Empires IV". IGN. 2001-01-17. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Abner, William. "Starships Unlimited: Divided Galaxies (PC)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2007-06-29.
- ^ Brenesa, Barry (2003-02-14). "Master of Orion III". IGN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Smith, Graham (2013-11-21). "Interview: Aurora, The 4X Sci-Fi Dwarf Fortress". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ "Freeware Games: Die Hits vergangener Tage". Computer Bild (in German). 24 May 2019. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Tur, Henryk (2014-01-03). "C-Evo v1.2.0". PC World (in Polish). Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Butts, Steve (2006-12-04). "Space Empires V Review". IGN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ a b Tarason, Dominic (2018-06-05). "Sword of the Stars devs Kerberos branch out to tabletops". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Rossignol, Jim (2008-03-11). "Lost Empire Demo". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ "Lost Empire: Immortals Goes Gold". IGN. 2008-02-28. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Todd, Brett (2008-08-29). "Shattered Suns Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ a b Scott-Jones, Richard (2016-12-19). "AI War 2 raises nearly double its Kickstarter target, and is thus happening". PCGamesN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ a b "The best 4X games on PC 2022". PCGamesN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Biessener, Adam (2010-08-31). "Elemental: War of Magic Review". Game Informer. Archived from the original on September 3, 2010. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Lager, Craig (2010-08-12). "The Price of Neptune's Pride". Bit-Tech. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Smith, Adam (2011-08-26). "Wot I Think: Star Ruler". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Todd, Brett (2013-10-07). "Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Zak, Robert (2018-01-04). "How the Endless series reimagined the 4X strategy genre". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Rossignol, Jim (2011-08-12). "Flies Like A 4X: Legends Of Pegasus". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Bailey, Dustin (2017-09-14). "Dominions 5 will let you gather worshippers and ascend to 4X godhood". PCGamesN. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b c d Hafer, Leana (2018-04-03). "The best 4X games on PC". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Smith, Adam (2014-09-15). "Solar Strategies: Lords Of The Black Sun". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Smith, Adam (2014-02-17). "Wot I Think: Pandora – First Contact". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Shannon, Daniel (2014-05-13). "StarDrive Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Hillier, Brenda (2013-09-24). "Horizon now in beta on Steam Early Access, new trailer and screens". VG247. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Mejia, Ozzie (2014-10-02). "Sorcerer King is a 4X game set in an already-conquered world". Shacknews.
- ^ Musgrave, Shaun (2014-06-27). "'Star Traders 4X' Review – Deep Enough To Drown In". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ O'Connor, Alice (2015-02-12). "Galactic Inheritors: A Space 4X From HoI 3 & CK2 Designer". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Chris Wray (2015-09-05). "Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients Review". WCCFtech. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ^ Nelson, Xalavier (2018-05-28). "The hidden tricks bringing game worlds to life". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Purslow, Matt (2015-03-11). "Sid Meier's Starships PC review". PCGamesN. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Zacny, Rob (2015-04-20). "StarDrive 2 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Starkey, Daniel (2014-04-14). "Worlds of Magic Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Lazarides, Tasos (2016-05-05). "'Falling Stars: War of Empires' is an Upcoming 4X Game With Intriguing Diplomacy Mechanics". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Hafer, Leana (2016-09-15). "The latest sci-fi 4X game offers tantalizing turn-based combat". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Sykes, Tom (2016-06-24). "4X survival RPG Thea: The Awakening adds co-op". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
- ^ Tarason, Dominic (2018-03-01). "Conquer the galaxy over lunch in Space Tyrant, out now". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-04-07.
- ^ Mass, Edward (2019-08-05). "Interstellar Space: Genesis Review". StrategyGamer.com. Network N. Archived from the original on 2021-01-23.
- ^ a b Doke, Shunal (2020-07-07). "Imperiums: Greek Wars is a 4X Grand Strategy Game Out on July 30". IGN. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ Castle, Katherine (2022-01-01). "The 50 best strategy games to play on PC in 2022". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
- ^ a b Yin-Poole, Wesley (2021-12-21). "Distant Worlds 2 out March 2022". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2022-04-08.