Into the Void is a 4X style of space conquest game along the lines of Master of Orion. It was published by Playmates Interactive Entertainment Incorporated and developed by Adrenalin Entertainment. It was a later nineties release, so the user can expect to see some improved graphics and sound. It is still based on MS-DOS, but can be played in Windows with a recommended emulator or slow down device. It features a simple method of play and low level of violence and sophisticated plot twists, making it acceptable for gamers of all ages, though it is not recommended for the very young.
It plays from the third person perspective and offers a very fun science fiction theme. It can be considered a strategy management game.
There is an absolute host of alien races that you can select to play. Each one has one distinct positive characteristic, such as advanced military skills or technology, or possibly rapid growth rates and maturation. They all, of course, have their inverse weak points, also. Regardless of what race you choose as your own, the goal will be the same: take over the galaxy.
The game play is simple and turn based. The artificial intelligence isn’t going to outwit you at every turn, but it is pretty well balanced and will provide you with just
the right challenge to keep the game fun instead of frustrating. The game offers a random generation, which makes a great replay value since it is a little bit different every time, and it is also littered with bits of humor to keep it light.
The user will basically follow the 4X model and will explore the universe, expand his empire, exploit the resources he finds, and exterminate any enemies that threaten his holdings. There is a large emphasis on expanding the tax base as opposed to the actual area of the holdings. You can do very well with only a few colonies if you can increase their population through various micromanagement measures. Of course, you can also spread yourself thin and try to defend multiple smaller holdings in an attempt to simply squeeze out the enemies. There is a lot of micromanagerial opportunities. You will have to monitor resource acquisitions. Population is the key to all micromanagement aspects, since it will effect tax base, revenue, labor force and so forth. These things, in turn, create technologies, more cash, better militaries and so forth. Keep your people happy and reproducing and keep your cities growing for the best results.
Into the Void is a nice little package game. It has a lot of fun qualities and the fact that it is easy to learn but not necessarily simple to play makes it a good play. It has more than adequate replay value and the touch of humor is a nice addition.
