Wargaming Labs (WG Labs) and NGD studios, have released their first DLC for Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars. Revenge of Antares is a triple race pack DLC and more! That revisits three more races from the renowned Master of Orion series. As well as several features that fans have been longing for.

WG Labs have done well for themselves considering that Master of Orion was their first foray into 4X gaming. The fact that the Master of Orion title is a venerable name in 4X with a ready made fan base, is a double edged sword, WG Labs were guaranteed a lot of interest in their title from the name alone, but it also meant they inherited many high expectations and every fan of the genre would be passing a very critical eye over their game.

The surprise emergence this year, of Stellaris as a genre classic, then the numerous other exciting 4X titles appearing, like: Stars in Shadow, Endless Space 2 and Dawn Andromeda, has meant that Master of Orion has been overshadowed somewhat since its release. However, it’s worth noting that WG Labs did accomplish what they set out to do; Create a worthy successor to a near mythical game, and modernize it. MoO may not have bowled everyone over with their astounding game, but the fact that they have kept most of their players happy, while adding modern graphics and real time combat (acts of heresy to some fans) is no mean feat at all.

It is now ten months, and dozens of patches since MoO’s launch. WG have been busy during this time, addressing many minor issues from AI to UI, but not many major additions have been made. However this New DLC heralds a change to this, as well as adding the Etherian, Gnolan and the Trilarian races, it also adds Leader, Admirals, Minor Civilisations, balance changes, new tactical and economic mechanics, and most importantly of all, it adds that ancient scourge of the galaxy, the Antarans!

Despite having a heady mixture of Stellaris, Endless Space 2 and Stars in Shadows games all in mid flow, I find myself eager to become deprived again, and fully explore these new MoO features. Space 4X games, thank you! You’ve stopped 2016 from becoming bust.