Cosmic Supremacy
Cosmic Supremacy is a turn based massively multiplayer online strategy game set in a futuristic space environment. Cosmic Supremacy was created in 2005 as "Space Civilizations" by Erwin Kloibhofer. The game is of the 4X style game utilizing a 3D engine. "CS" as abbreviated is a standalone Windows application which requires a small footprint.
Since its official launch in 2009, players are updated of additions and changes via forum and frontpage news bulletins. Reminders for galaxies starts are through email.
Gameplay
All Cosmic Supremacy galaxies consist of five main classifications; team, speed, standard, slow and 2D. Each provide a different experience for the varied player base.
The game is free to play, with a pay-to-play Premium account offering expanded game play features without giving an unfair advantage.
Each player starts with one populated planet in a random system with 2 colony ships, standard tick length is 1hr (Adjustable with Premium). They then explore other systems (approx 3-6 planets), research technology and gain the 5 ship-resources via mining or trade. The main focus is the 3D galaxy map with which players can control their fleet movements. Average galaxy size is 30 players.
Players are ranked according to a combination of how well they perform during and their final position within a galaxy. Points are rewarded for most things except stockpiled credits or ship-resources. The End is either auto determined or chosen by players, leaving a 100 turn window to try and change or consolidate positions.
Team Galaxies
2 Teams leaders are chosen given experience and skill. They each provide a preference list of who they want on their teams. A coin is flipped then players are assigned sides with some balancing if required. Each team is then set against each other to conquer the galaxy.
Note: Clans between separate galaxies are GeneRally Frowned Upon although temporary alliances are OK.
Speed / Slow Galaxies
Speed Galaxies are played over 3 days during "prime time" hours, the usual 1hr ticks are significantly shortened to provide a near real time experience. Ticks slow slightly after early colonization stage to take account of increased logistics.
There have been also 1hr galaxies where the first 100 ticks are 30min.
Slow Galaxies provide game play for CASUAL or otherwise busy players. 2hr ticks are standard with the first 100 ticks 1hr in duration.
2D and un-ranked Galaxies
2D Galaxies provide an easier introduction to CS game play. 2D in particular remove the normal 3D element of the game so new players don't make navigation mistakes.
Un-ranked Galaxies provide a safe haven for new players without the threat of experience players. All galaxies are given a rank restriction to ensure similarly skilled players are set against one another.
Premium Features
Pay-to-Play Premium accounts allow access to various additional features with the use of CS credits, for example; Empire Name, Coat of Arms, Galaxy Replay & Custom Galaxy controls.
Premium Galaxies
Premium galaxies contain additional game play features (For example; Wormholes) and can be customized by their creator; such as tick speed or how many non-premium players can enter.
Future / Additions
Any additions are made formally available by Erwin, although the community is in a position to provide code solutions for example a new scoring system or ship graphics. Proposed concepts enter a ToDoList according to priority and complexity. If utilized the players name is added to credits page.
Rules / Cheating
Cosmic Supremacy Rules are overseen by the lead Creator and Admin Erwin as well as policed by the general community.
The game demographics is mid 20s age bracket although as younger aged players exist polite communication in-game, naming of planets for example, forum and live chat is controlled.
Rule breaches are delt with usually by a warning, temporary then permanent ban.
Cheating:The aim is individual players proving their tactical skill. Clans are rare and frowned upon. If a way of cheating is discovered it is advised to report the loophole in a timely manner.