Pax Galaxia

Empire Lite in Space

Dio Games calls Pax Galaxia "Risk-like," but actually it's more similar to Empire--albeit Pax is simpler and faster-moving.

In that classic game (versions of which existed back into the mainframe era), you control cities which build units, and you tell each city that when a unit is built, it is to move automatically to some other city--establishing "pipelines" of production to your front line.

Pax doesn't have the multiple and varied unit types of Empire, but it does use the pipeline concept; every star builds starships, and you simply tell each star to move its ships to a nearby star.

Attacking an enemy star is simply a matter of telling ships at an adjoining star to move there; both sides gradually suffer casualties, either until you break off or all enemy ships are damaged, at which point they retreat and you take the star. As is typical in games of this sort, your goal is to conquer the entire map.

There are dozens of maps in the game, along with a map editor; additionally, it can be played multiplayer, in a variety of ways--hotseat, over a LAN, or over the Internet. Internet play is implemented remarkably smoothly for a low-budget title--essentially, Dio operates a server that tracks open games, and you can pull down a list of currently open ones, or open up a new game. Pax has enough players that open games are almost always available (sometimes a problem for smaller titles like this).

On the whole, Pax is a nice, curiously relaxing little game of interstellar conquest--perfect to satisfy a strategy game jones when you don't have time for a marathon session of Civilization or the like.

The Developer Says

Pax Galaxia is a fast paced and addictive turn-based strategy game, loosely based on the board game Risk. You will be amazed at the strategic depth of this game, even if it is very easy to learn and play. You will have to conquer stars, break up and force your enemies fleets to surrender, carry out rapid attacks and tactical retreats and break through the enemy's front lines to capture his undefended stars. To be a perfect admiral you must also take into account the special abilities of all stars.

You can choose from more than 30 levels, and play each level using different sides and different difficulty levels. The level editor offers a quick and easy way to create and test even more levels.

Multiplayer game modes for up to six players are also available: online and by taking turns in giving orders to your stars on a single computer.

Reviews

"...a great 'coffee break' game for people who love strategy but don’t always have time for a full-on war game."
   - Gametunnel

"If you’re in the market for a deep strategy game that is quick to pick up yet challenging and deep, Pax Solaris [Note: an earlier title for this game] is well worth checking out"
   - Game Chronicles