C:\ArsGames
At Ars Orbiting HQ, our passion for games spans across generations, embracing both contemporary titles and timeless classics. In collaboration with GOG.com, we have launched a dedicated store page that features a curated selection of our standout picks from GOG’s expansive catalog. Each month, we’ll refresh a selection of titles, ensuring our list of around 50 games remains exciting and diverse.
Twice monthly, we will share a retrospective piece highlighting one game from our selection. These may range from nostalgic classics to modern gems that might have flown under your radar. Each featured title will be available in a DRM-free version courtesy of GOG. Be sure to explore previous entries in our series!
4X games have long been my favorite genre. While I’ve experimented with other types of strategy games, none have captivated me quite like those that prioritize exploring, expanding, exploiting, and exterminating.
Many players likely discovered 4X games through the Civilization franchise, while a few may have experienced earlier text-based versions from the 1970s.
For me, however, the catalyst for my enthusiasm was Master of Orion II (MOO2). This title immerses players in galactic expansion, allowing them to develop planets, research futuristic technologies, and ultimately conquer opponents to dominate the universe. Though there are various victory conditions, the thrill of total annihilation remains the most exhilarating.
The experience of orchestrating thousands of decisions that gradually shift the galaxy map in favor of my empire is immensely satisfying, culminating in the victory cutscene that proclaims me the true Master of Orion.
The games I cherish are those that build upon countless hours of decisions, leading to satisfying long-term results. I prefer these to titles with short, bite-sized challenges. The depth and longevity of the experience enhance the rewards, and MOO2 exemplifies this characteristic.
Nostalgic Yet Imperfect
Despite its charms, MOO2 is not without its flaws. It benefited from over a decade of 4X game evolution, and its developers aimed for a balanced experience.
However, there are missteps. For instance, players select perks that define their empire from the outset, one of which is “Creative.” This option allows multiple technology research paths at once—a choice few would decline unless intentionally complicating the game for themselves.
While this dynamic can be engaging in single-player mode, where it serves as a gameplay variant, the competitive multiplayer scene likely sees most players opting for the Creative perk nonetheless.
MOO2 launched during a time when the complexity of the genre was unprecedented, yet it preceded important advancements aimed at alleviating the tediousness associated with late-game management, especially for players with numerous colonies. This often results in overwhelming details that can hinder late-game enjoyment.
I was struck by how well MOO2 endures after three decades. Some older titles, like The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, haven’t aged as gracefully, appearing less appealing to modern audiences. Beyond the aforementioned busywork concern, I found that new players could still engage with MOO2 and enjoy its design, rich atmosphere, and memorable soundtrack. Despite numerous successors attempting to replicate its essence, none have quite captured the straightforward fantasy of total interstellar rule like MOO2 has.
Conquering Without Guilt
In a previous installment, my colleague Kyle Orland expressed his newfound empathy toward the inhabitants of his virtual cities in SimCity 2000. This raised an issue of morality that he hadn’t grappled with before.
In contrast, my return to MOO2 this week sparked no such moral dilemmas. Instead, I relished the exhilarating experience of deploying my Stellar Convertor—akin to a distinct Death Star—devastating entire planets and eradicating billions of lives. This destructive element stands out in my memories of MOO2 and continues to resonate with me.
While players can opt out of watching the CGI cutscene of a planet’s destruction, many, including myself, embrace it as the culmination of our efforts. My experience concluded, as often happens in MOO2, with my fleet of Stellar Converters annihilating numerous planets owned by rivals. Each time, I found myself captivated by the ending animation, relishing the payoff for my strategic endeavors.
At its core, MOO2’s allure lies in its fantasy of merciless dominance. If that premise does not appeal to you, this game might not be the right fit. Although it doesn’t align with my real-life values, in this game, I command the destruction, and I find enjoyment in it.
Revisiting MOO2 in 2025
Unlike other 1990s classics such as Daggerfall, which have seen significant community remastering efforts, MOO2 has remained largely unchanged. This is acceptable, as it operates smoothly in DOSBox on most systems and maintains its original stylistic charm.
Over the years, both official and unofficial patches have emerged, available within the GOG release. Players can also find fellow enthusiasts for multiplayer gaming on platforms like Reddit or Discord.
Some may argue that there’s little reason to revisit MOO2 with more expansive and creative titles like Stellaris available today. Nonetheless, the pure expression of galactic domination offered by MOO2 holds a unique charm for those who appreciate it.
