Recent 4X Games Compatible with Low-Spec Ultrabooks?

[hidden_fortress]

I've got to do some extended traveling over the next few months, and I wanted to see what I might be able to run on my Asus Zenbook. Any recent-ish (say, last 5 years) 4x games that run reasonably well on relatively low specs? (Intel Core M-5Y10 800 MHz & Intel HD Graphics 5300)

[hidden_fortress]

(Also happy to hear recommendations on games of other genres of usual interest to 4x fans.) Thanks!

[RayFowler]

It's not anywhere near ready for release, but the last Remnants alpha would run comfortably on a PC/Mac/Linux with 1G of RAM. You couldn't create really large maps, but maybe 100-200 star systems.

How much memory does your Zenbook have?

[w@ke_]

I was going to suggest Distant Worlds since I imagine it's not too taxing, but it looks like your processor may not be up to it. (Also it's one year older than you specified, FWIW.)

However, it looks like you may be able to run Dominions 4. As long as you don't mind the dated graphics and a bit of a learning curve (it's not that hard, just different), it's one of the best games in the genre. Be aware however that the AI isn't that good, so multiplayer (usually PBEM) is the best way to experience it.

Dominions 3 has a demo[www.illwinter.com] you can download to try out. 4 is basically an overhauled 3 with better graphics/interface and more content, but the Dom3 demo should give you a sense of whether it's something you can get into.

[hurleybird]

There are three potential bottlenecks there: CPU, GPU, and memory.

The most serious (but probably least likely) of the three is memory. If a game wants more than you have you're going to have a really bad time. If you have 4GB or more, which I'm assuming you do, you're likely OK, although 4GB is already becoming somewhat borderline.

While your specific model of Core M has a low base clock, it does boost up to 2GHz for short times and is based on a fairly recent architecture: Broadwell. With Core M processors, a lot of the exact performance is down to thermal and power limits set by the manufacturer. In other words, that processor may run faster or slower in another laptop than it does in yours. You can download a program like CPU-Z to see how boost behaves for you specific model. For 4X games, CPU power is the critical factor when it comes to turn processing times, but besides that it is unlikely by itself to make a game playable or unplayable.

The worst part about your specs is the integrated GPU, but that often means that you'll need to turn down graphics settings or decrease the resolution to get acceptable frame rates. Most 4X games should still be able to run if you're willing to sacrifice looks, but a minority may not scale low enough, or scaling them low enough might make them so ugly that you don't want to play them anyway.

[hidden_fortress]

Thanks for the detailed answers. I assume by "Remants," you mean "... of the Precursors," right? I haven't tried any of the builds, but it's actually one of the first games I thought of. Maybe At the Gates, too, if it ever happens.

I'll also take a look at Dominions. I've been meaning to check out that franchise for years, but've never gotten around to it.

My Zenbook has 8 gigs of memory, FWIW. I need to sit down and try out a few potential candidates out of what I already own, but with holidays and work and everything else, I thought I'd see if anyone else had done some legwork on the kind of limitations I'm working with.

[Long Dead Fingers]

Dominions 3 or 4 would be a great choice. If you are fine with old school aesthetics, you might also check out Conquest of Elysium 3 and 4 by the same developer. They share some features with Dominions but are rather lighter, easier to get into.

Have you ever tried the original Age of Wonders or Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic, btw? While they are older than what you say you're looking for, imo they still hold up very well and I would guess your specs could handle them. Yesterday on Steam I saw they were both for sale for the price of a coffee.

[hidden_fortress]

Yep, AoW:SM is an old fave. I have it on GoG.

Elysium, while brutal on the eyes, sounds pretty incredible gameplay-wise. Thanks!

[Army Pea]

I played both BG1 and BG2 (Baulders Gate series) on my phone 2 year ago.
Best way to experience them? No F'N way.
Awesome way to play they AGAIN? Absolutely.

Worth a shot if your into RPGs

[hidden_fortress]

Yeah, I've played BG1 twice & 2 three times. Along with all the classic RPGs. I'm mostly looking for more recent games that will run on my travel lappy. Need to check if Underrail will run ...

[Anguille]

My answer is easy:

Armada 2526 Gold

I have installed it on netbooks, windows tablets and it runs everywhere even with touch screens only. It's a classic turn-based 4x and think it still looks great (5-6 years old).

Other options to try:
- Horizon should also run. It's a 4x game with a nice system of quests (2014). Despite the dated graphics, i think it's a great 4x.
- Endless Space 1 on the lowest settings
- Civilization IV should run without problems.
- Sins of a Solar Empire trinity (still looking great and fairly light on requirements). I am talking about the first game, not Rebellion.
- Galactic Civilization 2 (older i know)
- Sword of the Stars gold. It's 10 years old but still has one of the best battle engine.

[Mezmorki]

I was going to mention Armada 2526 as well. One of my favorite space 4X games and should run pretty well.

[Nasarog]

On my mac, which seems to be even slower than your ultra book, I can play Armello, Endless Legend, NuMoO (though not as well with the latest content), Civ 5, Warlock 2, and many other older games.

[hidden_fortress]

I've got Civ 4 & Gal Civ 2 both installed (which is likely what I'll play.) Though I want to see if I can get Civ 5, EL & NuMoO to play (you've inspired me, Nate.) Was interesting to hear on the last show that Brad has recent builds of Gal Civ 3 running on a Surface.

Thanks for the recs to check out Armada & Horizon. Both look interesting, but--ugh--those dated 3D graphics. I wish people were still doing nice 2D games. One of the reasons I was looking forward to both At the Gates & Stars beyond Reach.

Which leaves Sins & SotS, neither of which I'm all that crazy about, but haven't played either extensively. Maybe time to revisit?

Thanks also, Faijeya, for the non-4x recs. I actually have all but Desktop Dungeons & DoD. Maybe I'll check those out as well.

Nate, I know you've been digging Armello. How would you sell a typical 4x grognard on it?

[Nasarog]

Originally posted by hidden_fortress:

I've got Civ 4 & Gal Civ 2 both installed (which is likely what I'll play.) Though I want to see if I can get Civ 5, EL & NuMoO to play (you've inspired me, Nate.) Was interesting to hear on the last show that Brad has recent builds of Gal Civ 3 running on a Surface.

Thanks for the recs to check out Armada & Horizon. Both look interesting, but--ugh--those dated 3D graphics. I wish people were still doing nice 2D games. One of the reasons I was looking forward to both At the Gates & Stars beyond Reach.

Which leaves Sins & SotS, neither of which I'm all that crazy about, but haven't played either extensively. Maybe time to revisit?

Thanks also, Faijeya, for the non-4x recs. I actually have all but Desktop Dungeons & DoD. Maybe I'll check those out as well.

Nate, I know you've been digging Armello. How would you sell a typical 4x grognard on it?

I am using a macbook from 2012, and it has a intel HD4000 card on it... so.... yea.

Anyways, Armello is a boardgame. You can finish a match against the Ai or some friends/enemies (online) in 30-40 min.

It's fun. Have you read my eXcursion? https://explorminate.net/2016/02/12/friex-armello/

Those are my thought, and, they have released several major updates that have further refined and improved the game.

[hidden_fortress]

Thanks, Nate. I'm up-to-date on the show, but way behind on the articles. I'll check out your Armello eXcursion. (Love the show, by the way! One of the highlights of my week.)