Age of Wonders: Planetfall

just because I read some comments about the game not beeing playable due to it opening in windows mode and the mouse seemingly not regisetering: There is an easy fix. Use the keyboard shortcut for window mode (e.g. alt+ enter) and everyhing should work fine again. If you change it in the options menu to fullscreen the game will launch in full screen from here on as well.
For all who care about my 50 cents about the game: It's a great game, with a beginner unfriendly UI. Lot's of status efffects explanations are somewhat hidden or are missing some vital info, espacially in the research trees (During combat they are better explained on the unit cards.). I think this game loop as a lot of potential and i'd love to see Triumph Studios make a part two.

The campaign gamemode isn't that great, but the galactic empire mode is amazing. The fact that you can build an empire over time unlocking additional powers and abilities really adds to the replayability.

As a long-time fan of the Age of Wonders series, I was initially skeptical about Planetfall. It seemed like the developers were simply trying to make a quick profit by changing the setting while leaving the core mechanics intact. However, after completing the game, I can honestly say I was wrong.
Planetfall doesn't just shift Age of Wonders into a sci-fi universe - it fundamentally reworks many of the gameplay mechanics, resulting in a distinctly different experience that still retains the spirit of the series.
I had my doubts about the setting at first, but the developers did an excellent job with the new factions. Instead of classic undead, we have sentient machines and robots. In place of dragons and monsters, there are genetically engineered mutants. Magic has been replaced by strategic and tactical operations - such as hacking, satellite surveillance, orbital strikes, and other technological tools that integrate smoothly into the gameplay.
Regarding gameplay differences, here are some notable changes:
Territorial management. Cities now expand by annexing surrounding sectors, which allows for more flexible planning and strategic control. This shifts the focus more towards micromanagement of territory.
City development and economy. Each sector can be upgraded and specialized, offering much greater variety and depth in economic strategy.
Tactical combat. Combat is enhanced with overwatch systems, and unit modifications. While the length of battles remains comparable to previous titles, the tactical complexity and variety of situations have increased significantly.
Technology research. The tech tree is divided into military and economic branches and is more nonlinear, allowing for flexible strategic choices, though it demands careful planning.
Heroes and armies. Hero and unit customization is greatly expanded through modules and vehicles, enabling players to tailor their forces to their preferred playstyle.
Diplomacy and independent factions. Diplomacy plays a larger role in Planetfall, and neutral factions have become strategically significant, although managing these relationships can require extra attention.
In conclusion, Age of Wonders: Planetfall not only met but exceeded my expectations. It's an engaging, well-balanced, and thoughtfully designed strategy game. The developers have earned my respect - and their paycheck - with this effort. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Ever wish that Civilization was more overtly combat-focused? Are games too long for you? Looking for a more streamlined experience? Then this is the game for you.
With about 15 hours played, I've completed several games, a feat unheard of for Civ fans. The game plays very much like Civ, but with enough changes to differentiate itself as a completely unique experience. The combat is the most interesting part for me. Turn-based tactical combat is great.
This honestly feels to me like a middle ground between an RTS like Starcraft, and a grand strategy like Civ. It's faster, simpler, and more combat-oriented than Civ, but it's also slower, more tactical, and macro-focused than an RTS. It's great!

I bought this game not long after it was released, but didn't play it until three to four years later. For whatever reason like many people I just couldn't get into it, however I did manage eventually, and let me tell you this, this is the best 4X game I've ever played!
As far as I know this is the only 4X game with X-COM like combat, though not exactly like X-COM, it's very fun regardless.
This game has everything, great visuals, art, sound, voice acting and writing. You will not be disappointed on any one of those points.
There are some bugs but it was never a deal breaker for me, it didn't delete my save or corrupt my games, just some minor bugs.
Game wise, the one shortcoming is diplomacy, it's very basic. Other then that I don't have any other gripes.
The factions in this game are all very unique, it's very well done! A faction is not just composed of a race but also a secret tech, so you can have many combination to play with. Some races does have slightly difference with their secret tech.
Units and technologies are also very unique to the faction or secret tech, non playable units are also very cool, and you can get those units in many ways.
198 hours in and I am still not very good at it yet, so I don't know what it's like to play it on very high level, currently I am enjoying hard difficulty AI and normal over all difficulty.
The in game encyclopedia is very thorough, maybe missing one or two concepts or I just couldn't find them. But it's nothing major, I can learn them just through game play alone, so don't worry about the game keeping secrets from you.

A more enjoyable game than Civ: Beyond Earth, although not as refined in its aesthetics, which it makes up for in sheer variety of factions. There's an abundance of rock-paper-scissors gameplay that keeps you on your toes throughout what can at times feel like a chore of a progression system.
Music is serviceable with a few great tracks, graphics are splendid on the map but lackluster in combat. XCOM-style combat is barebones regarding movement but refreshing enough to keep you going.

All in all a good time can be had, however, it's certainly not for everyone.

I hardly ever review a game but I had to for AoW4 and Planetfall. I am stunned that this game has mixed reviews. Are you people out of your minds? I've had a blast playing this game both solo and with friends. Bought it on sale a few weeks ago almost have 50 hours played 0 bugs or crashes great game 9/10 would buy again don't listen to the haters.