Reset password in the event of brain worms.

Related prose

Fresh confabulation

Like a Star

Entrenchment expansion finally released for Sins of a Solar Empire.

By Nathan Davis on 26 February, 2009

Earlier this month, Stardock held off on launching its first of three ‘micro-expansion’ packs for the galactic Sins of a Solar Empire real-time strategy game. Known as Entrenchment, the expansion apparently needed more lustre, so sticking to its guns and Gamer’s Bill of Rights, Stardock extended the player testing period on the open beta.

Well, no further push-backs are in store, as the pack is now considered radiant enough to go gold. It’s available for US$9.95 as of today, just as promised, through Stardock’s online games store, Impulse. “After careful planning and implementation, we’re confident that Entrenchment brings the concept of updates and expansions to a new echelon for PC gaming as well as create an even more thrilling Sins of a Solar Empire experience,” exults Stardock’s Brad Wardell.

So, what does this echelon-spawning micro-expansion actually contain, aside from polish? On the story side of things, a near total stand-still of war – time to dig a large hole and get the defences back up. According to its description:

“After nearly 15 years, the war which raged across dozens of star systems is nearing a stand-still. The great fleets of the Trader Emergency Coalition, the Vasari Empire and The Advent are near stalemate. With the fronts temporarily stabilized, there is time to regroup, and entrench. Great defensive battlestations are being deployed and critical choke points fortified. Will this buy the TEC, Vasari or Advent enough time to organize an all-out offensive?”

So, it even comes with its own cliff hanger. In terms of gameplay, it adds a number of defensive structures and new technologies to research and improve said structures. It will also force players to rely more on their race-specific advantages, which is always a nifty way to boost variety. Specifically, these changes are listed as follows:

  • Starbases - Each race can build its own unique starbase defensive platform. Packed with weapons, armor and other upgrades, one is capable of defending an entire planet.
  • Turret Upgrades - Improve the firepower of your defensive turrets.
  • Subspace Inhibitor - Slow enemy ships that pass within its range.
  • Mine Fields - Defend your territory by laying down paths of destruction for your enemies.

Stardock says the next miniature expansion pack will enhance the game’s diplomacy features. For those interested in Entrenchment, you can find out more right here.