Exploration - GNN Blog #2

Exploration - GNN Blog #2

We're all familiar with and passionate about games in the 4X genre, recognizing their reliance on four foundational pillars: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate. Today, we delve into the first of these pillars. Join us as we embark on a galactic exploration in Master of Orion: Ad Astra!

Star Tiles

In Master of Orion: Ad Astra the galaxy is constructed from a set of two-sided tiles, each symbolizing an individual star. Initially, the majority of these tiles lie face-down on the table, concealing undiscovered systems. By checking the color of the star on the reverse, we gain insights into the planetary composition of the respective system.  For instance, if your empire is in dire need of an additional source of food, you should prioritize exploring systems with green stars.

When a fleet enters an unexplored star tile, the player controlling that fleet unveils it, and they are free to rotate it in any direction. However, there's a crucial condition—the newly revealed star tile must have a jump point linked to the system from which the fleet originated. Yet, this is merely the beginning of our expedition.

Planets, Discoveries, and Anomalies

Once a player unveils a system, they draw a planet tile from the corresponding stack and position it on the star tile. Planet tiles represent the most hospitable planet within a system and provide information about the capacity of workers, scientists, and farmers on the respective planet.

In addition to the planet tiles, players also draw a discovery tile, embodying the distinctive characteristics of the discovered system or its primary planet. The suspense lies in the unpredictability—what might you unearth this time? The system could harbor a pirate fleet, or maybe the local planet boasts an unusually intense gravity field or is covered in an enigmatic, yet delicious, red fungus.

Each discovered system is a blend of three components: the star tile, the planet tile, and the discovery tile. This unique arrangement ensures that every time the player reveals a new system, there is uncertainty and excitement. The possibilities are endless! Even after numerous games, the galaxy continues to offer surprises, unveiling wonders that keep the thrill of exploration alive.