Exogate Initiative

Really engaging, reminds me of Evil Genius 2

Ah !! Un jeu avec énormément de potentiels si vous adorer les jeux comme *Evil genius ou bien * les dongeons. Il est vrai que le gameplay a besoin d'un ajustement car ce dernier est redondant, voir calme. De plus avoir de la déco (inutile, donc indispensable !), serais un plus. J'attends les prochaines maj avec hâte !

A fun little take on stargate. If you're after a 'pure' SG game this is not it, but the idea of going out and exploring is very much present. Combat is a core part of the game you can't avoid but it's not the be all and end all. It's basically a simple dungeon keeper game with a 4X layer added. Each layer works fine and presents enough variety to keep you going for at least one run through- but there wasn't enough depth for me to warrant a second play through. That first play through was a good time though and I found the mission events very well written with some fun sci-fi concepts and ideas all presented in an off the cuff manner. References abound from the subtle to the obvious but are usually worked in well and don't draw attention to themselves. You'll just be reading text and get a little smile from a choice of words rather than be subjected to five minutes of 'did you get my clever reference'. Much appreciated, reference humour writers take note. The user experience is a little janky and lacks some modern expectations, but so long as you learn how the game works and where it keeps different options there's always a 'proper' way to do what you want quickly as well as quick and dirty options. While I recommend the game I'd suggest getting it on sale. The shallowness of each layer is far less off-putting when you only pay a tenner, as is the fact I don't see myself doing a second run any time soon. More than that though the game feels... not unfinished, that's not fair. But rather like a solid foundation for a much better, more complete game. It works and everything you'd expect is there but I was always wanting it to do just a little more. It’s obviously been made with passion, I get the impression this was something the studio really wanted to create. There’s talent there as well- it’s just the game feels like it’s missing that last 5% which would really push it over the edge. If you're after a base builder then something like Evil Genius may be better. But if you're a sci fi fan the genuine love present for the genre may give that extra layer of icing the game needs (this was the case for me). It's a shame it looks like there are no plans for free updates or even DLC as with some more love Exogate could become a really solid take in the dungeon keeper style genre. Sadly there’s been no news from the developer at all in three years. At think point the game is dead and possibly so is the studio. But if anyone from Xenobits is reading- I think there’s potential still in this game and a sort of comeback is not off the cards. At the very least I’d love to see a sequel applying lessons learned and aiming for that last 5% (mostly in gameplay depth). Still, don't let that put you off. If Exogate has caught your eye and you like Star Trek TNG or Stargate SG1- put it on your wishlist and see if it hits a good price. If the gameplay is what drew your attention though it might be too shallow and there are better options available. On the other hand if you’ve never even heard of ‘Dungeon Keeper’ (How does it feel to have working knees?) The simpler gameplay could make Exogate a good jumping on point.