Much like the original Endless Space, this sequel borrows many of the mechanics popularized by developer Firaxis' classic 4X strategy game. If you enjoy Civilization but wish it went beyond conquering a single planet, this might be for you. An eight-player multiplayer mode lets you play against other people rather than AI. Players win if they conquer the other factions or get the highest score, but they can also win by focusing on scientific research or building a strong economy. Eventually players also will design and deploy fleets of ships to combat rival armadas, either to expand into their territory or protect your own. You'll need to send out probes to find new star systems and colonize habitable planets with special spacecraft, all while researching new technologies and carrying out construction projects on planets within your empire.
Then they take to the stars, engaging in tactical play that spans multiple systems and planets. Then they set parameters, including galaxy shape and size, the skill of competing computer-controlled factions, and the speed of play. First they choose a civilization, with characters ranging from peaceful knowledge seekers to a narcissistic trillionaire named Horatio who wants to seed the universe with clones of himself. In ENDLESS SPACE 2, players control an empire and explore and colonize the galaxy.