Space Empires: Replicators is the Second Expansion in the Space Empires series. It adds a number of cool features to the Space Empires base game. It was designed to add decisions and some extra replay-ability without adding time to the game.
Features
Replicators: Von-Neumann Machines (or Replicators) are self replicating machines. They have been added to the game and may be played by one player in the game. They behave, research, and reproduce differently than other empires and they have their own Empire Advantages. They can be used as:
● A 5th Player, making Space Empires a 5 player game
● A different style empire in 2-4 player games. One player can play the game normally, while another player plays as the Replicators.
● An opponent in Co-op games
● A great teaching empire. The Replicator player does not have to fill out a production sheet or track the technology on his ships.
So much more than adding a 5th player, it adds an empire that plays completely differently than a normal empire. It is simpler to play, but has its own challenges and difficulties.
Terrain Tiles: Hex sized terrain tiles have been added for planets, asteroids, nebulae, and other permanent terrain effects. Six whole sheets and 120 tiles! When an exploration marker reveals a terrain effect that stays on the map, the exploration marker is removed and replaced by a tile. This gives the map a nice visual effect. It also creates more room in the hexes by removing the exploration marker. The entire hex is the terrain.