Info about Master of Orion:

Official game description:
Update Notes
============
**Welcome, Star Conquerors!**  
We have noticed an interest in **Master of Orion** among our Chinese players, so have released a small patch with language support for the players from this region. This patch does not make any changes to the gameplay.  
This version introduces the following languages:  
*   Chinese Traditional  
*   Chinese Simplified
Let’s conquer the stars!
About the Game
==============
Master Of Orion – Conquer the Stars 
------------------------------------
The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.   
Diehard fans of the first games will be ecstatic to know that this revival is being built under the watchful eyes of members from the original development team, in conjunction with NGD Studios in Buenos Aires!   
Discover Master of Orion as it was always meant to be: A fully orchestrated score, interstellar warfare and exploration against the backdrop of beautifully animated far flung galaxies. Confront hostile civilizations, negotiate with mysterious aliens, share knowledge with allies and uncover this newly imagined universe.   
**Just a sampling of the features you will find:**   
*   All 10 original Master of Orion races, brought to life through compelling AI and award-winning voice acting talent   
*   Over 75 researchable technological advancements   
*   Vast galaxies featuring up to a 100 different solar systems, each composed of myriad planets and stars   
*   Customizable ships with diverse styles for each race   
*   Multiple ways to win – including conquest, technological, diplomatic, and more   
*   Enthralling gameplay that will have you saying “just one more turn” again and again
**And in the Collector’s Edition:**
-----------------------------------
*   The exclusive Terran race of militant humans to play in the game  
*   Special pixelated ship models available in the game for a more retro feel  
*   All three legendary original games – Master of Orion 1, 2, and 3  
*   A nearly 300-page Art Book (in digital format) showing the progress of the game’s art along with the original concept art and line drawings  
*   Music files from the game and printable music scores

Release date: Aug 25, 2016

Categories: 4X, Turn-based Strategy, Space Exploration, Ship Customization, Diplomacy, Technology Tree, Colony Simulation, Multiplayer

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 70; verdict: Aggressive Monetization; summary: The game has received criticism for its monetization practices, particularly the use of paid DLC for core elements and the perception of overpriced content. These issues have led to user frustration and a sense of not getting value for money.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game worth purchasing at a discounted price, typically around $30 or less. Several reviews mention that the game is not worth the full price, implying that the full price is higher than $30. The sentiment is that the game is a good value when on sale, indicating a fair price range below the full price but around $30 as a reasonable purchase point.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 50.0h
  - Story completion: 30.0h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: 20.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several indications of playtime metrics. The first quote suggests that a user has spent 50 hours on the game, indicating a significant investment of time to complete or thoroughly experience the game. The second quote mentions players getting tired after several hours, hinting at typical session lengths. The third and fourth quotes compare the game to its predecessors, implying that the playtime for game completion and story completion might be similar to the older versions, which are known for their extensive gameplay hours.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is most enjoyable during the early to mid-game phase, with fun peaking during exploration and meaningful decision-making. However, the fun drops off during the late game due to tedious micromanagement.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Mid-game exploration and decision-making
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: tedious micromanagement; repetitive tasks; late game tedium
  - Unlock drivers: strategic elements like star lanes and warp gates; early game competition; meaningful decision-making
  - Conditions: early game exploration; meaningful decision-making; strategic warfare; early game competition
- Player Archetypes:
  - Old-School Strategist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking depth and complexity in gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Prefers intricate strategy and detailed management.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: old-school gamer; MOO fan
    - Reference games: Master of Orion 1; Master of Orion 2
  - Newcomer Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Looking for an accessible entry point into the 4X genre.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys exploring and learning the basics of 4X strategy.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: newcomer; beginner
    - Reference games: Stellaris
  - Casual Conqueror (sale)
    - Motivation: Seeking a relaxed and enjoyable 4X experience.
    - Playstyle: Prefers straightforward gameplay with less micromanagement.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: casual gamer
    - Reference games: Stellaris


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Stunning graphics and audio (weight 0.6): The game features beautiful and modern graphics, along with an excellent soundtrack and sound effects. Players appreciate the visual consistency and high-quality animations.
- Faithful to Master of Orion 2 (weight 0.46): The game is a modern remake of Master of Orion 2, faithfully reimplementing many beloved mechanics and elements from the classic game. It is recommended for fans of the original series.
- Engaging and accessible gameplay (weight 0.35): The gameplay is described as easy to learn, fast-paced, and engaging. It is suitable for both casual players and those new to the 4X genre.
- Excellent voice acting (weight 0.27): The game features top-notch voice acting and comprehensive audio presentation, enhancing the overall experience.
- Nostalgic and enjoyable (weight 0.27): The game recreates nostalgic memories and is enjoyable for fans of the original Master of Orion series.
- User-friendly interface (weight 0.18): The game has a well-designed and intuitive user interface, making it easy to navigate and user-friendly.
- Great 4X game (weight 0.18): The game is a solid entry in the 4X genre, offering a good introduction for beginners and a fun experience for casual players.
- Innovative tech tree (weight 0.13): The game features a massive and innovative technology tree with many options, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Mod support (weight 0.13): The game supports mods, which add new content and enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Diverse and flavorful races (weight 0.13): The game includes well-fleshed-out races with distinct habits and traits, adding flavor and diversity to the gameplay.
- Civilization in space (weight 0.08): The game is often compared to Civilization but set in a space environment, offering a similar strategic experience.
- Simple yet deep (weight 0.08): The game strikes a balance between simplicity and depth, making it accessible without being overly complicated.
- Cool race and ship designs (weight 0.08): The game features cool and imaginative designs for races and ships, adding to the visual appeal.
- Real-time space combat (weight 0.07): The game offers real-time space combat with pause and speed options, providing decent and engaging battles.
- Deep ship customization (weight 0.07): The game includes deep ship customization options, allowing players to tailor their ships to their preferences.
- Potential for improvement (weight 0.06): The game has potential for future improvements, indicating that it can evolve and get better over time.

Common complaints:
- Game-breaking bugs and issues (weight 0.25): The game suffers from numerous bugs that significantly affect gameplay, including freezing, crashing, and various other issues that make the game unplayable for some users.
- Shallow and dull combat system (weight 0.23): The real-time combat system is criticized for being shallow and dull, with limited player interaction and control, making it unengaging and underwhelming.
- DLC practices for races (weight 0.2): The game's DLC practices are criticized, particularly regarding the availability and completeness of races, with some basic races locked behind paid DLC.
- Terrible and limited AI (weight 0.2): The game's AI is criticized for being terrible, unchallenging, and limited, with a lack of difficulty options and strategic depth.
- Short and lengthy gameplay (weight 0.18): The game is criticized for being too short and lacking replayability, while also being slow and lengthy in certain aspects, making the pacing inconsistent.
- Boring and limited ship design (weight 0.18): The ship design system is criticized for being too simple, boring, and lacking complete customization, leading to a lack of diverse ship designs and limitations in ship classes.
- Lacks innovation and depth (weight 0.17): The game is seen as lacking differentiation from its predecessor, with a lack of depth and innovation that made the original games more impressive and engaging.
- Excessive micromanagement (weight 0.15): The game is criticized for having excessive and tedious micromanagement, particularly in economic and planetary management aspects.
- Lacks strategic and tactical depth (weight 0.14): The game is criticized for lacking strategic and tactical depth in various aspects, including diplomacy and story elements, making it less competitive compared to other games in the genre.
- Fails to revive classic experience (weight 0.14): The game is seen as lacking the charm, strategic depth, and overall experience that made the classic Master of Orion 2 game enjoyable.
- Minimal race differentiation (weight 0.14): The game is criticized for having minimal differences between races, with racial traits not significantly affecting gameplay, leading to a lack of variety and replayability.
- Poor execution and lack of innovation (weight 0.12): The game is criticized for being poorly executed and offering nothing new, with a lack of innovation and depth in various aspects, including combat and gameplay mechanics.
- Limited space travel (weight 0.11): Space travel is restricted to lanes and hyperlanes, limiting exploration and movement options, which is seen as a negative change from previous games.
- Poor ground combat implementation (weight 0.11): Ground combat is criticized for being poorly implemented, overly complex, and unnecessary, with some seeing it as a placeholder rather than a fully realized feature.
- Lacks turn-based tactical combat (weight 0.1): The game is criticized for missing the turn-based tactical combat that was a unique and enjoyable feature of the first two games in the series.
- Game gets stuck on turns (weight 0.09): The game is reported to get stuck on the AI's turn or during turn processing, particularly after a certain number of turns, causing frustration and disrupting gameplay.
- Poor diplomacy AI (weight 0.09): The diplomacy system is criticized for being shoddy and imperfect, with poor AI implementation leading to unsatisfying interactions and experiences.
- Poor customer service and tutorial (weight 0.09): The game is criticized for having poor customer service and an unsatisfying tutorial system, leading to a lack of support and guidance for players.
- Lacks tooltips and info popups (weight 0.09): The game is criticized for lacking tooltips and info popups, as well as a comprehensive tutorial, making it difficult for players to understand and navigate various aspects of the game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Lack of tactical depth in combat (weight 0.29): The combat system is criticized for being shallow, attrition-based, and lacking depth. Players express disappointment with the simplified and real-time tactical combat, both in single-player and multiplayer modes.
- 3D combat and ship design (weight 0.27): The game includes 3D combat graphics and ship design features. Players can customize and manage their ships, which adds a layer of strategy to the combat system.
- Colonization and planet management (weight 0.27): The game features colonization and planet management mechanics. Players can colonize and develop planets, manage colonies, and allocate resources, adding depth to the strategic gameplay.
- 4X strategy game elements (weight 0.25): The game is noted for its 4X strategy elements, including exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination. It combines turn-based strategy with real-time combat and includes diplomatic and strategic elements.
- Extensive tech tree (weight 0.23): The game features a massive tech tree with various research and technology development options. Players can research new technologies to advance their civilization.
- Diplomacy system flaws (weight 0.23): The diplomacy system is criticized for being inadequate and poorly implemented. Players report issues with the diplomatic engine and AI behavior, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Mixed combat mechanics (weight 0.18): The game features both turn-based and real-time combat mechanics. While some players appreciate the blend, others criticize the real-time space combat for lacking depth and tactical elements.
- Star lanes for strategic movement (weight 0.15): The game includes star lanes and warp gates for strategic movement. These features add tactical elements and restrict movement, enhancing the strategic depth.
- Remake of Master of Orion 2 (weight 0.15): The game is noted as a remake or modern rebuild of the 1996 classic Master of Orion 2. Players compare it to the original and other games in the series.
- Ship movement and exploration (weight 0.13): Ship movement and exploration are key aspects of the game. Players can travel through space, upgrade their ships, and explore the galaxy, which adds to the strategic depth.
- Streamlined and fun gameplay (weight 0.11): The gameplay is described as streamlined, simplified, and fun. Players appreciate the flexibility and enjoyment of the game mechanics.
- Availability of mods (weight 0.09): The game supports mods, which can improve and enhance the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the availability of mods.
- Real-time, pause-enabled battles (weight 0.08): The game features real-time combat with the ability to pause. This mechanic allows players to manage battles more effectively, though some criticize the limited control.
- Comparison to other 4X games (weight 0.08): The game is frequently compared to other 4X strategy games like the Civilization series and Endless Space. Players draw parallels and contrasts with these games.
- Espionage mechanics (weight 0.08): The game includes espionage and spy mechanics, adding another layer of strategy. Players can use espionage to gain advantages in tactical combat and diplomacy.
- Multiplayer issues (weight 0.08): Players report issues with multiplayer features, including cross-platform multiplayer problems. These issues detract from the overall multiplayer experience.

Performance notes:
- Game crashes and freezes (weight 0.3): The game frequently crashes or freezes, particularly during turn processing and after long space battles.
- Game is buggy (weight 0.19): Players frequently encounter bugs and crashes, making the gameplay experience unstable and frustrating.
- Game fails to start (weight 0.17): Multiple users report that the game no longer works, does not start, or has stopped working altogether.
- Performance issues with turns (weight 0.14): Turns take a long time to calculate, especially with many planets, leading to slow performance and long wait times.
- Long load times (weight 0.1): Users experience long load times, particularly with large maps and when dealing with UI loading issues.
- Compatibility issues (weight 0.09): The game has compatibility issues with certain hardware and software, such as crashing on specific CPUs and with OneDrive.
- UI and graphical issues (weight 0.09): Users encounter various UI and graphical issues, including texture issues, graphical glitches, and missing icons.
- High system resource usage (weight 0.07): The game has high CPU load even after turns complete and exhibits high RAM usage, impacting performance.
- Audio issues (weight 0.06): Users report duplication on voices and static feedback, affecting the audio experience.
- Save system problems (weight 0.06): The automatic save system is problematic, and the game has large save file sizes, causing inconvenience.
- Notifications causing lag (weight 0.03): Excessive notifications cause lag and result in missed important events, affecting gameplay.

Recommendations:
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.14): Several reviews mention that the game is best purchased at a discounted price rather than at full price.
- Consider other 4X games (weight 0.12): Many players suggest considering alternatives like Stellaris, Endless Space 2, Age of Wonders 3, or Stardrive 2 instead of this game.
- Recommended for beginners (weight 0.12): The game is often recommended for those new to the 4X genre due to its ease of learning and depth, including support for mods and VR.
- Recommended for strategy lovers (weight 0.1): The game is highly recommended for fans of strategy games and the 4X genre, including beginners.
- Not recommended currently (weight 0.07): The game is not recommended in its current state due to performance issues and lack of management tools.
- Recommended for MOO fans (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for fans of Master of Orion I and II, as well as beginners to the 4X genre.
- Avoid due to bugs (weight 0.07): Players advise against buying the game due to its buggy state and lack of developer support.
- Not for experienced players (weight 0.06): Experienced players may find the game too simple and not challenging enough.
- Good for Civ fans (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for those who enjoy Civilization 5, 6, and 7.
- Good for colonization fans (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for those who enjoy colonization aspects in strategy games.
- Use smaller maps (weight 0.03): Players recommend using the smallest map for a better gaming experience.
- Maximize construction and research (weight 0.03): Setting construction speed, research, and food growth to maximum is recommended for optimal gameplay.
- Use mirv missiles early (weight 0.03): Using mirv missiles in the early to mid-game is recommended to avoid having the weakest military.
- Get extra races DLC (weight 0.03): Players recommend getting the extra races DLC for more variety in the game.
- Different from Stellaris (weight 0.03): The game offers a different experience compared to Stellaris.
- Use balance mod (weight 0.03): Using the '5x ultimate balance' mod is recommended for a better gaming experience.
- Good for long sessions (weight 0.03): The game is suitable for long gaming sessions.
- Potential for improvement (weight 0.03): The game has potential for future improvements.
- Wait for full release (weight 0.03): Some players suggest waiting for the full release before purchasing the game.
- Check out the board game (weight 0.03): Players suggest checking out the upcoming board game on Board Game Junkies.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.26): Players feel let down by Master of Orion's failure to live up to the legacy of its predecessors, particularly MOO2. The game suffers from shallow mechanics, limited customization, and numerous bugs. Additionally, the lack of innovation, poor combat mechanics, and the need for unofficial patches contribute to the disappointment.
- Frustration (weight 0.25): Players are frustrated with the game's numerous bugs, crashes, and performance issues, which make it unplayable at times. The excessive micromanagement, lack of effective auto-management, and repetitive gameplay also contribute to this frustration. Furthermore, the game's design flaws, such as poor AI and unbalanced mechanics, add to the players' dissatisfaction.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the game's engaging and fun gameplay, which stays true to the previous titles. The inclusion of diplomacy, planet colonization, and cinematic-style battles are particularly appreciated. The game's visuals, audio, and overall presentation also contribute to the enjoyment.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.08): Players feel nostalgic as the game brings back memories of the original Master of Orion titles, particularly MOO2. The classic races, gameplay elements, and the overall flavor of the original games evoke a sense of nostalgia. However, comparisons to the previous versions also highlight the shortcomings of the current game.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players are satisfied with the game's cinematic and immersive environment, as well as its depth and accessibility. The game's suitability for beginners and its flexible gameplay options are also appreciated. Additionally, the comprehensive voice acting, atmospheric presentation, and good graphics contribute to the overall satisfaction.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Players are excited about the reboot of Master of Orion, finding it faithful to MOO2 and enjoying its improvements over the classic versions. The combination of elements from the original game with a better interface, as well as the mention of an upcoming board game, contribute to this excitement.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Players find joy in the new version of the game, appreciating its improved gameplay and modern rebuild of MOO2. The fun gameplay, great soundtrack, and overall enjoyment of the game contribute to this positive emotion.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Players are angry due to game-breaking bugs, lack of support, and poor customer service. The developer's greed, lack of transparency, and community management issues further fuel this anger. Additionally, game crashes and soft locking contribute to the frustration and anger.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the hiring of original artists and composers, as well as famous voice actors, which adds to the game's authenticity and charm. The modern revamp of MOO II and the detailed analysis of game mechanics are also valued.
- Approval (weight 0.02): Players approve of the game's great retooling and streamlining, as well as its enjoyable changes like warp points and pirates. The nice and modern graphics, along with the overall good game experience, contribute to this approval.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Players have hope for the game's potential for future improvement and updates. They appreciate the updates and improvements made so far and look forward to future enhancements.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's positive aspects, such as the MoO feeling and extensive tech tree. The game's feel and stunning graphics also contribute to this enthusiasm.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed as the game does not meet their expectations and feels targeted at a younger audience. It fails to live up to the original Master of Orion and the standards set by the MOO series.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Players are excited about the game's potential and the discovery of mods that make it complete. The game's improvements and modern elements generate excitement for the next generation of the series.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players are frustrated with the extensive issues and criticisms of the game mechanics, particularly when compared to MOO2. The game's shortcomings and flaws contribute to this frustration.
- Hopefulness (weight 0.01): Players feel hopeful about the game's potential for improvement and future updates. They believe that the game can be enhanced and refined over time.
- Relief (weight 0): Players feel relieved that they can step away from the game without worrying about getting destroyed. This sense of relief comes from the game's flexible and non-overwhelming nature.}