Outscape

Outscape is a 4X strategy game in the MMO convention, where we run a space empire and compete with thousands of other players. This is the debut project of the IDA Games team, developed since 2014 and initially available only to a small group of testers. The game was released to Steam as part of early access in October 2019.

Mechanics

We start Outscape by choosing our side. We can choose between mankind, artificially conscious machines or warlike and intelligent snakes. Each civilization has its own history, which determines its strengths and weaknesses, such as repair modules or greater energy consumption. Then we come to a huge galaxy of hundreds of thousands of celestial bodies, with a single planet and a small fleet at our disposal. Our task is to expand the influence of our space empire by colonizing more worlds. Everything happens in real time, and apart from us in space we will find both small factions controlled by the computer, and star systems controlled by other players.

To expand, we need a lot of raw materials that we extract from the planets and asteroids. However, buildings are necessary for this, and we need power and the right number of colonists. These will also be our main source of revenue, but their welfare will also translate into the functioning of the colonies. Satisfaction of citizens is determined by factors such as climate conditions, infrastructure and unemployment in addition to taxes. A satisfied community will provide us with additional income from each planet, while neglected people may start striking and destroy buildings.

As more planets are settled, it will be necessary to invest in the development of new technologies. This will allow us to improve buildings, create and personalize ships, and accelerate the development of our civilization (for example, by increasing natural growth and income from planets). Others will allow us to protect ourselves from enemy players, allowing us to create minefields and orbital defence. In addition, new discoveries allow you to partially automate the game and leave more routine actions to artificial intelligence. This allows us to focus on more interesting activities, such as making contact with other players and trading resources, ships, and even entire planets with them.

Due to the online nature of production, the game goes on even when we are logged out, like in browser games like OGame. Our units will move according to our orders, and research centers can independently work on further technologies according to our preferences.

Game modes

Outscape focuses entirely on massively multiplayer online mode. Throughout the game's universe, there may be thousands of players scattered across numerous galaxies, forming alliances, or competing for influence. The creators did not prepare the possibility of playing alone or without an Internet connection.

Technical aspects

Outscape audio-visual setup doesn't differ too much from other 4X strategies, such as Stellaris or Endless Space 2. Most of the time we observe a simplified map of the galaxy, only rarely zooming in on individual planets or three-dimensional ship models.