Game: Master of Orion
Developer: Simtex
Publisher: MicroProse
Year Released: 1993
Master of Orion is said to be the first 4X strategy video game--a term that was coined by Computer Gaming World's Alan Emrich in his preview of the sci-fi title. 4X essentially stands for "explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate." This single-player outing introduced players to non-combative methods of play where diplomacy could deliver a windfall just as easily as a battalion of fighters thanks to the Electoral College in the game. With ten unique playable races, a ship designer, an expansive technology tree, and massive replay value, Master of Orion is considered one of the first true great strategy titles, unsurpassed by either of its sequels.
