14 DAY TRIAL // Target all habitable planets, even if barely, or only colonize those that stand out in terms of quality? Build up a massive combat fleet to hold the core of a cluster or divide to prepare for a possible attack from multiple vectors? Research all the techs that improve the economy or try to get the best out of our future battleship designs? These are the questions at the core of many science-fiction strategy titles. A good game offers players different potential answers depending on the situation and playstyle. Lord of Rigel has the potential to do that while also evoking the classic of the genre.
The title is developed by Rhombus Studios, with publishing from Iceberg Interactive. The game is in Early Access right now on Steam, with the companies saying that it will remain there for six to nine months. This is a pretty classic take on space-based strategy, with a good variety of factions and starting options.
Eight civilizations are ready to go into space in the current version, with players able to choose what kind of galaxy they plan to compete in. Once those choices are made, gamers will control all aspects of space exploration, colonization, combat, research, and more.
Initially, exploration fleets seek out worlds in distant systems, and players build up an industrial base at home. Once other civs are met, diplomacy becomes essential, as does spying. The focus moves from worlds to starbases and outposts, while space battles become a possibility.
I like the initial exploratory phase of these types of games very much because there’s so much possibility associated with each new star system and encounter with a new civ. Lord of Rigel does not disappoint. The game also has a solid design system for spaceships, giving players the space to create massive battleships or fast attack vessels. The planet management mechanics could be a little more intuitive.
Lord of Rigel has mechanics that hold little surprise for gamers who love the genre. The most interesting tweak is linked to the tech tree. Choosing one tech in a group will lock the other two out, guaranteeing that players will have to specialize and decide between possibilities and play styles. I created an economic powerhouse that had significant problems when the humans showed up with superior ships and ground assault troops.
Our war was resolved diplomatically after a few concessions. I tried again, playing as the humans, and created a few capable space fleets, moving to secure stellar systems even if I didn’t develop my planets as much as I could have. It created a very different set of possibilities for my civ and different threats to deal with.
Lord of Rigel offers a good-looking galaxy and a well-formatted interface, although switching between items very quickly adds some unfortunate lag. Solar systems are beautiful to look at, while factions have personality. The sound design is less engaging, with the soundtrack coming off as generic.
Conclusion
The biggest issue so far is that the experience stays too close to the genre's greatest hits. I would like to see more innovations, either when it comes to diplomacy or internal faction management. Otherwise, Lord of Rigel offers an enjoyable turn-based space strategy for gamers who already appreciate the genre.
Preview code provided by the publisher.
