Stellaris: The Machine Age

Yes, Stellaris: The Machine Age is another new piece of content from the base game, now in its eighth year of popularity. So, what's in store for this expansion that continues to build on the ever-popular 4X title? We have cybernetic, synthetic, and machine themes coming up, or at least that's how the developers put it.

While most new content for the game has generally been decent over the years, one wonders where the idea bank starts to run dry, especially with vague labels for Stellaris: The Machine Age. But we're here to give it a go and see how the game drives new adventures as scientists attempt to unlock the secrets of creation and the corresponding crises that follow.

A Brand New Empire

So, let's focus on what's new with Stellaris: The Machine Age, considering we all understand the premise of the base game over eight years. As aforementioned, the game's themes adopt the ideas of civilization running parallel with machine learning, embracing cybernetics and synthetics. The title has three new origin stories: Cybernetic Creed, Arc Welders, and Synthetic Fertility, allowing players to choose how to push their civilization's mantra into the universe.

Each origin's approach: cybernetics adopts a fusion of humanity and tech, synthetics create life through machinery, and the Arc Welders are a pre-established robotic society vying for the universe's resources. The origin stories are entertaining. Mixed with the intricate 4X mechanics of Stellaris, players can find themselves vastly entertained as they continue to strive for space supremacy.

Of course, Stellaris: The Machine Age introduces new assets, too. There are new chipsets, civics, traits, and portraits to refresh the base game and keep the trend of an expanding universe of thrills and spills to enjoy. But does the expansion manage to achieve that? Generally, yes. Fans of the game will ultimately find enough to do to retain their interest in building a space empire.

However, introducing the new expansions doesn't pull new fans into the game, considering the content was made to retain an already established player base. The intricate themes and mechanics are arguably more complicated, leading to the endgame. It's excellent for Stellaris fans but would ultimately be tricky for 4X fans looking to start up for the first time.

Machine Mayhem

Stellaris: The Machine Age is a fine expansion to the base game, continuing to build on what has made the title fantastic over the past eight years. A player's sci-fi answer to the Age of Wonders franchise continues to thrive with well-thought-out content and themes relevant to our increasingly machine-based society. There's enough content to justify a purchase, adding tens of hours of gameplay.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Well-crafted new origin stories bring back immersion
• There is plenty to do once players reach endgame
• Provides entertaining challenges for long-time players

Cons:

• Might be difficult for new players
• AI-generated assets can feel disconnected from the game world