Master of Orion

K. Fields
2016-12-15T11:06:23-05:00
Video Games

Thanks to GOG, I was able to experience a 20+ year old classic I’ve always wanted to play. That game is Master of Orion, released by MicroProse in 1993. It was one of the earliest 4X sci-fi computer games, sometimes referred to as “Civ in space.” Back in the day, instead of playing Master of Orion (MoO) I was playing the very similar Galactic Civilizations. Released months before MoO, GalCiv was a classic in its own right. It was probably the most famous game ever made for OS/2 and it was certainly an all-time favorite of mine.

For my first Master of Orion game, I chose a medium sized galaxy with three opponents. I played the Humans while my computer opponents were the Sakkra (expansion minded lizard men), the Mrrshan (an aggressive catlike race), and the Meklars (cybernetic beings who are masters of production). Things were peaceful in the early years as each race explored and settled colonies. We traded with all three races and formed a full alliance with the Sakkra. Human expansion irritated the Mrrshan and they eventually declared war on us. The Meklars joined Mrrshan in the war. After defeating the Meklars and Mrrshan, we had an extended peace with the Sakkra. Unfortunately, the lack of available planets to colonize went against the Sakkra’s expansionistic nature. Our alliance broke down and we were drawn into a conflict. We defeated them in a final war to reform the Galactic Imperium. The High Council elected me as High Master of the Galaxy.

Our former allies, the Sakkra, deliver an ultimatum.