Looking for a good 4x game

[Aaron Chiafos]

Hello, all. Before I begin, allow me to provide my dxdiag, in order for folks to suggest games my current rig can handle:

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System Information
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Time of this report: 6/26/2015, 22:54:01
Machine name: AARON
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.150316-1654)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: BIOS Date: 02/24/10 14:05:48 Ver: 08.00.15
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 930 @ 2.80GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Memory: 12288MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 12280MB RAM
Page File: 4703MB used, 19852MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode
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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GT 640
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0FC1&SUBSYS_27571462&REV_A1
Display Memory: 4045 MB
Dedicated Memory: 973 MB
Shared Memory: 3072 MB
Current Mode: 1600 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: E321VL
Monitor Id: VIZ0067
Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.000Hz)
Output Type: HDMI

Well, anywho. I am new to the forum, and I am looking for any "4x" game recommendations. For those not in the know, "4x" is a game such as Sid Meier's Civilization. What I am looking for, however, is one that allows players to play "tall" instead of "wide." For example, being able to gain certain advantages due to having fewer cities (or planets, or space colonies, etc.) Also, I am definitely looking for a 4x game with very intricate diplomacy and intrigue, not just a game with heavy emphasis on warfare. I've greatly enjoyed Civ 5, and am looking for something similar. I've tried the "Galactic Civilizations" series, being disappointed that the games reward "city spamming" too much. Other titles I have tried are as follows: Endless Legend, Fallen Enchantress (which I actually somewhat enjoyed), and Civilization: Beyond Earth. If I am missing any hidden gems, please be so kind as to let me know. Also, any personal experience and general discussion on "4x" games in general could still be useful and appreciated. Thank you in advance, and for taking the time to read this large volume of text.

 

[James Mason]

Age of Wonders 3?

 

[Aaron Chiafos]

Age of Wonders 3?

Hey James, thanks for the suggestion. I will admit I have avoided the Age of Wonders franchise, in large part because it seems as though it favors a lot of warmongering. At least from the gameplay footage I've seen. I may do a little more research into this game though. Don't get me wrong, I like a moderate amount of combat in my 4x games. Even though it might not be exactly what I'm looking for, I may still pick it up and give it a try.