4X: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate

4x games

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  Alien Legacy

  DOS19944/5 Ybarra Productions
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  Alpha Centauri

  Windows XP/98/951999protected4/5 Firaxis Games
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  Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021

  DOS1987freeware3.9/5 Thinking Machine Associates

  Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021 is one of the first 4x turn-based strategy games, ASCII based. Anacreon is set in space, as most 4x sci-fi games are, and was published by Thinking Machines Associates and designed by George Moromisato who later re-released the game as freeware.

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  Ascendancy

  DOS19954.1/5 The Logic Factory

  Ascendancy is a science fiction themed turn-based strategy game developed by The Logic Factory and released in 1995 for DOS. Ascendancy is a classic 4X game (eXpand, eXplore, eXploit, eXterminate), similar to Master of Orion, yet with a few differences such as a technology tree.

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  Centurion: Defender of Rome

  DOS19904.1/5 Bits of magic

  Centurion: Defender of Rome is a turn-based strategy game set in ancient Rome times. As a centurion of the Roman Empire, you will fight against the enemies of Rome in real time battles in every corner of Italy and Europe, you'll be a gladiator, race chariots, fight naval battles and more.

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  Civilization

  DOSWindows 3.x19914.2/5 MicroProse Software

  Civilization is the critically acclaimed strategy game designed by Sid Meier and Bruce Campbell Shelley that became a staple in 4X turn-based strategy. Civilization was developed by MicroProse Software and released in 1991 for DOS, Windows 3.x, Amiga, Atari ST, Mac, etc. Civilization was followed by sequels, the last one being published recently. T...

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  Civilization 2

  Windows XP/98/9519964.3/5 MicroProse Software

  Civilization 2, later renamed Sid Meier's Civilization II, is a turn based 4X strategy game developed and published by MicroProse in 1996. The gameplay is similar to the first Civilization, many aspects were improved and new features were introduced: a new isometric perspective, hit points for units, new civilizations, new wonders of the world and ...

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  Civilization II: Test of Time

  Windows XP/98/951999remake4.3/5 Atari

  Civilization II: Test of Time is an abandoned turn-based strategy game developed by Atari and released by MicroProse Software in 1999 for Windows. Civilization II: Test of Time is a remake of the cult classic Civilization 2, without the involvement of Sid Meier (the creator of the Civilization franchise). Test of Time includes fantasy and science f...

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  Colonization

  DOSWindows 3.xLinuxMac1994protected4.3/5 MicroProse Software

  Colonization is a turn-based strategy 4x game developed and published by MicroProse in 1994 for DOS, Windows 3.1, Linux and Mac. The setting is the European Colonization of the New World. Colonization gameplay and interface are similar to Civilization, another Sid Meier game. However, there are some differences between Civilization and Colonization...

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  Conquest of the New World (Deluxe Edition)

  DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.2/5 Quicksilver Software

  Conquest of the new world is a turn-based strategy game that lets you control one of 6 different nations in their attempt to colonize the new continent. The gameworld is represented in an isometric point of view. Combat is a mini-game taking place on a battlefield where victory can be achieved by killing enemy troops or capturing the enemy's flag.

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  Deadlock: Planetary Conquest

  Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.x1996protected4.2/5 Accolade
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  Emperor of the Fading Suns

  Windows XP/98/9519964/5 Holistic Design
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  Imperium

  DOS19903.8/5 Electronic Arts
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  Iron Seed

  DOS1994freeware3.8/5
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  Master of Magic

  DOSWindows XP/98/951994protected4.2/5 SimTex

  Master of Magic is a turn based 4x strategy game developed by SimTex and published by the well know Microprose, very similar to Civilization, with a fantasy twist. You play as a wizard and your objective is to evolve your race from a small settlement to a bursting empire. To do so, you can produce military units to fight other computer controlled p...

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  Master of Orion

  DOS1993protected4.1/5 SimTex
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  Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares

  DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.3/5 SimTex

  Master of Orion II is a 4X turn-based sci-fi strategy game set in space. Master of Orion 2 gives the player an empire to run by controlling food and production, managing economy and researching new technology. The player can wage war against other races or use spies and diplomacy to achieve victory.

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  Master of Orion 3

  Windows XP/98/95Mac2003protected4.2/5 Quicksilver Software
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  Spaceward Ho!

  Windows 3.xDOS19924/5 Delta Tao Software
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  Stellar Crusade

  DOS1988protected4/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
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  Sword of Aragon

  DOS1989protected4.1/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
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  Warlords

  DOS19904.2/5 SSG Strategic Studies Group
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  Warlords 2

  DOS19934.2/5 SSG Strategic Studies Group
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  Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes

  Windows XP/98/9519974.3/5 SSG Strategic Studies Group

  Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes is an abandoned turn-based fantasy strategy game designed by Steve Fawkner, developed by SSG Strategic Studies Group and released by Red Orb Entertainment in 1997 for Windows. Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes is part of the Warlords game series and features quite a few multiplayer modes: from LAN to PBEM.