Endless Space is a 4X turn-based strategy video game developed by Amplitude Studios and originally published by Iceberg Interactive.
In the game, the player takes charge of fictional Space Age civilizations, expanding their influence by colonization and conquest.
[3] The game is set in approximately 3000AD, tens of thousands of years after the extinction of an advanced civilization known as the Endless.
In addition, hero units can be recruited to act as system administrators or fleet admirals, which provide bonuses depending on their traits that can further be leveled up.
[6] A player may also choose to create their own unique civilization by selecting from a number of different traits that correspond to military, science, diplomacy, hero units and so on.
Each player is to guide their empire over hundreds, if not thousands, of years to diplomatic, scientific, or military conquest, attempting to meet requirements for several different victory conditions.
Research unlocks new ship types, planetary improvements, stat modifiers (either for heroes or planets), new travel methods which do not rely on cosmic links and more.
Players must balance FIDS in order to rapidly expand their empire, build ships and research advanced technologies.
Interstellar fleet battles take place in a quasi-real-time environment, similar to a complex game of rock-paper-scissors.
Fleets are issued up to three different 'cards', one for each stage of combat, which represent fleet-wide general orders, from categories such as attack, defend, tactics, sabotage, and engineering.
[13] IGN praised the game for its accessibility and replay value, while criticizing the sound assets and unclear tool-tips for newer players.