X4: Foundations
Release Date: November 30, 2018
Simulation, science fiction, space sim, sandbox, elements of strategy, singleplayer
Steam
A sandbox space simulator developed by Egosoft. It is the fourth full-fledged installment of the popular series X. Similarly to its predecessors, X4: Foundations focuses mostly on giving the players a freedom in how they want to play. At the beginning the player takes control of a cheap space ship with weak specifications. He is being thrown into the middle of an open galaxy.
X4 is a sandbox space simulator released on PC. The title was developed by Egosoft, the creators of all previous entries in the series.
Mechanics
The main foundation of the game is freedom. At the beginning of X4: The Foundations for PC the player controls a cheap space ship with weak specifications and he is being thrown into the middle of an open galaxy. What he does next is entirely up to him. The game doesn’t limit player’s actions in any way. The user can freely decide whether to become a space merchant, a pirate, a soldier, a bounty hunter, an assassin, a discoverer or a miner. It is also possible to combine various career choices.
The virtual universe is a dynamical world that is being shaped by player’s actions. The game features more possibilities than other similar titles, as it is possible for player to construct his own space stations and ship armadas that can be used for waging war against hostile factions.
The game is considered a return to the roots of the series. Contrary to X Rebirth from 2014, which simplified the game in many ways, X4 is based on mechanics of the much more complicated and advanced X3 Terran Conflict (2008). At the same time, it introduces many improvements and novelties.
X4 for PC enables the player to pilot many different ships. Each of them can be modified or upgraded by changing parts and installing bought systems. The developers implemented a new interface that enables the player to command large space fleets and to freely construct space stations by manually assembling individual modules.
Last updated on September 5, 2017
Videos and Screens
[1:30] X4: Foundations - Diplomacy Update Trailer
[7:31] X4: Foundations trailer #1
The main pros of the game
- Depth and Complexity: Many players appreciate the game's ambitious scale and depth, allowing for extensive exploration, trading, and empire-building.
- Variety of Gameplay Styles: Users enjoy the freedom to play as pirates, traders, or combat pilots, and the ability to switch between these roles.
- Economy Simulation: The in-game economy is seen as realistic and engaging, with supply chains and trading dynamics that players can manipulate.
- Modding Community: The game benefits from a dedicated modding community that enhances and expands gameplay options.
- Visuals and Atmosphere: Players commend the graphics and sound design (though with some caveats), creating an immersive space environment.
- Ongoing Support and Updates: Many reviews highlight the continuous updates and expansions that improve the game over time.
The main cons of the game
- Steep Learning Curve: New players often find the game daunting due to its complexity and lack of intuitive tutorials.
- User Interface Issues: The UI is frequently described as clunky and outdated, making navigation and management frustrating.
- AI Problems: The AI, especially for ship management and combat, is criticized for being unreliable and requiring excessive micromanagement.
- Repetitive Missions: Many missions lack variety and can feel grindy, detracting from the overall experience.
- Performance Issues: Some users report performance drops and bugs, particularly after updates, affecting gameplay experience.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Better Tutorials and Guidance: Many players feel that the tutorials are inadequate for teaching the game's complex mechanics.
- Improved AI Functionality: Users express a desire for smarter AI that can handle tasks without constant oversight.
- More Engaging Storylines: There are calls for deeper and more compelling narrative content, as many feel the current missions lack depth.
- Enhanced Exploration Mechanics: Some players wish for more engaging exploration elements, as the universe can feel empty or uninteresting.
- Better Controller Support: While some find the game playable with controllers, many users mention that the support is lacking and cumbersome.
Summary
- Overall, X4: Foundations is seen as a complex and ambitious space simulation game with a dedicated fanbase, but it struggles with accessibility and user experience issues that can deter new players.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 175 votes. 44 players anticipated the game.
8
GAMES
in X Rebirth Game Series
Game Series
X Rebirth Series
A series of space simulators with elements of economic strategy. The series was created by German development studio Egosoft, which oversees the development of the brand.
8 video games
X4: Foundations Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
X4: Foundations System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-4590 2.7 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 780 or better, 12 GB HDD, Windows 7(SP1)/8/10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce GTX 1070 or better, 12 GB HDD, Windows 7(SP1)/8/10 64-bit
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