4X

As a global strategy games (also simply "Global Strategy ", sometimes called " 4X " strategy ) all strategic computer games are referred to, in which the player has control not only over individual units, armies or cities, but controls the fate of an entire people.

Origin

Sid Meier summarized the four basic concepts on which the game mechanics of each Global strategy game works together as " explore, expand, yields, Obliterate " ( engl. explore, expand, exploit, exterminate, hence the term " 4X strategy game " ): elucidation of the world Map, Fighting enemy nations, developing new techniques and expansion of cities, provinces, and countries.

Another explanation is that Alan Emrich in 1993 coined the term " 4X " for a preview of Master of Orion in the Computer Gaming World. Also with him were the four X for explore, expand, exploit, exterminate.

Characterization and history of 4X Games

Almost without exception, these games are turn-based, since the player a huge number of control options and possibilities to influence the game, open up that are hardly controllable in real time.

One of the best known representatives of this genre is the Civilization game series by designer legend Sid Meier. Other well-known artists of the genre are the unofficial successor to Sid Meier 's Alpha Centauri, Call To Power or gambling in space Master of Orion.

Like other turn-based Strategiesubgenres made ​​in recent years, only few global strategy games sales success. Instead, a market for complex, historical simulations, such as Hearts of Iron, Making History, Victoria and Europa Universalis arose. In addition, there is now often a fusion with conventional real-time strategy games, then in addition to running in real-time battle mode have a so-called campaign or world map mode, which works like a highly simplified global strategy game. Typical representatives of this new genus are the games of the Total War series, and Rise of Nations. A pioneering role is played by the Lords -of -the- Realm - row to mid 90s.

14367
de