1up review

 

Consider this sci-fi concept: In Sins, all activity takes place in the spheres of gravity around planets, asteroids, or stars (the gameplay is ostensibly 3D, but the third dimension proves to be almost inconsequential). These isolated pockets of play are connected by phase lanes -- straight lines -- through which ships can travel at astounding speed and in which are entirely off-limits, invulnerable to attack and unable to process player input.

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But these serene dead spaces enable the living ones. While your fleet's in transit, engage in an anonymous bidding war -- analogous to the final 60 seconds of a heated eBay auction, only the prize isn't a Momma's Family VHS collection but a band of pirate raiders you can sic on a rival civilization (Sins' clever way to give economy-minded players a counter to early-game warmongers). Excavate the surface of your newly acquired ice planet to discover alien artifacts (manifested as, say, a percentage boost to frigate construction speed). Culture-bomb a rival planet (quite literally, in the case of the Advent race's superweapon) to make its inhabitants susceptible to your propaganda and potentially turn traitor.

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Where I'm Coming From: I'm more of an RTS guy than a turn-based guy so I was initially disappointed that Sins wasn't a spiritual successor to Homeworld 2 - something we desperately need. Having said that what Sins lacks in edge-of-your-seat action it makes up for with options and depth. I tend to like science fiction games that include lots of technology and detail and Sins packs plenty of both.

What I Compared It To: While playing Sins I was reminded of games like Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, Homeworld 2, and Star Wars: Empire at War. Galactic Civilizations II was developed by Stardock Entertainment, the same company that published Sins of a Solar Empire.

What I Liked: The setting; the incredible scope of the game; the variety of technologies to research; viable alternative tactics to military power; the balance between economic and military expansion.

What I Didn't Like: No single-player campaign; pace is a tad slow for my tastes; combat could use some spice; the multiplayer. Here's the thing about Sins multiplayer, if you're playing with people you know it's great. The problem is that since the game is already long it's hard to find strangers who will stay through a full game or try to fight out of a corner. I have this same problem with all RTS multiplayer. Most people quit if they get attacked too early or if they attack and you hold them off. The pace of Sins only compounds this issue.

Value Meter: Strategy fans should buy it as soon as possible.

Final Score: 8.0 out of 10.