Shadow Empire

Shadow Empire is a 4X strategy game with RPG elements. The game is set in a realistic science fiction universe with strong post-apocalyptic accents. The game was developed by VR Designs studio (known from Decisive Campaigns series and Advanced Tactics: World War II). The publisher is Slitherine.

Plot

Shadow Empire takes place in a universe where humanity began to conquer space, but soon after its civilisation collapsed. Player takes on the role of a leader of a nation inhabiting one of the colonised planets, set in a post-apocalyptic reality resembling e.g. Mad Max movies. With time - as the technology develops - the situation gradually changes and we get a more classic science fiction setting.

Mechanics

Shadow Empire is a quite usual turn-based 4X strategy in which the player takes on the role of a leader of a small faction. Our main task is to raise civilization from the ruins and then build a powerful, interplanetary empire. Gameplay is about observing maps, analysing statistics and making decisions.

We manage population and navigate in difficult political reality of post-apocalyptic world - we have to deal or fight with syndicates and leaders of various cults, among others. We also recruit loyal supporters and take care of diplomacy, which allows us to establish relations with our neighbours. The stratagems help us manage the city - they are complete plans that include a number of actions, which can be implemented with a single click

Player can't neglect space exploration, where we can find a number of useful resources ( including rare metals, water, fuel). We often have to compete with other factions for valuable resources. When battle begins, we control our troops directly, moving them on hexagonal board (we have over a hundred types of formations here) and taking care of morale or supplies, among other things. We also take care of units' equipment.

There are RPG elements in the game - the player has to take care of his relations with his people and recruited leaders, who can betray or express their displeasure in other ways if they are neglected. Characters have different skills and can learn new things, as well as gain perks to strengthen their stats and increase their effectiveness in their chosen role.

Shadow Empire has an advanced system of procedural generation for various elements of the game - we're talking about planets (what's important, the worlds are created in accordance with the principles of astrobiology - the climate, rainfall or the possibility of the formation of alien civilisations, among others, have been taken into account), equipment, vehicles or locations. Thanks to this game mechanic, every playthrough is slightly different.

The game also offers an extensive technological tree (over a hundred scientific fields are at our disposal), which is also partially random. Using it, we develop both useful inventions and weapons, which our army uses (in the game you can find several dozen types of units).

Game modes

In Shadow Empire we can play alone or with others. The core of the game is single player mode, but we also have multiplayer mode (both competitive and co-op).

Technical aspects

Shadow Empire has a 2D graphic design similar to what we know from many other 4X strategies. We can find here mainly static illustrations and an interface composed of various tables and descriptions. The artistic style of the game is natural and subdued. The graphics looks neat and does not interfere with gameplay.