Astra Exodus (AE) is exactly what you’d want if you’re looking for a modern Master of Orion 2 with real-time combat. Just don’t let the idea of real-time combat scare you purists, as it’s surprisingly deep and methodical. Just about everything else you loved about Master of Orion 2 is here, too, which I’m sure will excite a lot of you!

AE is being developed by a small development team of Fernando Rey and some outside contracting help, dubbed Atomic Kaiser. We asked Fernando a few questions a couple of months ago and learned a few exciting things from his answers. However now, after many dev diaries – and eXclusive permission to show off some new video – we’re able to peel back the curtains a bit more and show off more of this promising traditional-style 4X.

Do you like developing your colonies as you see fit? Do you like having to make difficult choices between which technologies to discover and which ones you’ll pass on by? Do you like hiring heroes and putting them to work in making your colonies more effective, your fleets more capable, or even setting them to conduct espionage? Maybe you answered yes to all of those, which is why AE will likely appeal to you.

AE isn’t trying to change the formula; it’s simply trying to refine on perhaps the granddaddy of all 4X games, Master of Orion 2. You’ll begin the game much like any other 4X game, with a map to explore and a few ships to manage. Depending on which of the 8 races you chose, whether it be the Guardians of the Seed, a tree-like race that doesn’t generate pollution and benefits from subterranean living, or perhaps the Ilumina Starnation, a group of shark-like aliens that fare very well on aquatic worlds and are also very industrious, generating more production power, your next moves will be up to you and your race’s focus. It’s all classic 4X fare, but it feels polished and has a distinct color and aesthetic.

There will also be a fully-fleshed-out campaign that will not only start by introducing you to the gameplay but also weave a tale of galactic space drama that further helps you understand the universe you’re playing in. I know a lot of effort has gone into making the campaign something memorable and I’m excited to dive into it once the game releases proper.

Colony management will look familiar, as will research, to those of you that have played MOO2 or any other game that attempts to follow that formula. With each tech level, you’ll be asked to choose one – and only one – technology that you’ll pursue. The only way to get those other techs is to trade for them with other races, which will encourage some diplomatic favor.

Combat, as previously mentioned, is real-time, but pausable and its speed can be adjusted, too. Thus, it never feels overwhelming, even for an RTS-averse player like myself (and perhaps many of you, too). Fleet combat can play out on a pretty epic scale, too, as large fleets are obtainable rather quickly once you get your industry going.

You’ll also be able to customize your ships, as outlined in this dev diary, with quite a bit of customization options. Hardpoints make it easy to figure out where components will go and the interface makes it pretty simple to put new components on a ship and send it off for full duty.

Astra Exodus is expected in Early 2020, but it’s actively being polished and fleshed out in beta right now. Which brings me to my next point: Slitherine and Atomic Kaiser have given us ONE HUNDRED beta tester slots for you, our faithful readership! How do you apply?

Send your browser this way: ASTRA EXODUS BETA TEST and in the comments of your beta application, tell them that eXplorminate sent you! Finally, in the comments below, let us know what your Slitherine account name is and we’ll get you in! It’s as easy as that.

The great news is that Astra Exodus is extremely playable, all you’ll have to do is hunt down those last remaining bugs and provide some feedback on gameplay. Help make a promising entry into our favorite genre even better!

That’s it for this week. I look forward to seeing everyone on the Slitherine beta forums! In the meantime, be sure to watch these new gameplay videos made by yours truly here:

And until next time, keep eXploring!

Rob founded eXplorminate, and quickly brought on Nate, as his passion for 4X needed an outlet. You can find Rob in just about every 4X game beta and 4X game forum, too. He’s equally obsessed with the strategy and tactics genres and constantly combs the internet for new and exciting titles in those genres. He’s proud to be a member of Amplitude Studios’ VIP program and the concept creator of Endless Space 2’s Unfallen.