
While Eufloria HD, like the original, has strong RTS roots, it’s probably more accurate to label it as a minimalistic tug-of-war. Don’t let the deceptively basic design fool you though, because while different unit types are few and your actions limited, its take on territorial conquest provides quite a challenge.
To emerge victorious, you’ll have to grow Dyson trees which will, in turn, create seedlings. These act as your personal army used to either colonize empty asteroids or assault pre-occupied ones, to then plant more trees; rinse and repeat. It’s a game of patience, careful consideration and… did I mention patience?
At the same time, you’d better not wait around too long, for age literally defines the toughness of both your troops and those of the enemy, in this battle. Knowing when to strike and where is essential, and the only way to grow is by way of rapid expansion. But not too fast, or you’ll run the risk of spreading your forces too thin. And as I’m sure you can imagine, that is not exactly the most solid strategy.
Engage in space exploration, conquest, plant growth and bio mechanical evolution. Conquer asteroids in deep space and use their resources to grow and nurture semi-organic plants and creatures to do your bidding.
Now, while Eufloria was too slow-paced for some, that won’t be the case with this recently released upgrade, as it lets you increase the speed at the press of a button! A much-appreciated feature, along with the addition of OS X and Linux builds, of course. Oh, and a complete rewrite, moving the entire thing from C# to C++. Neat.
Ain’t no shortage of content either, although I’m not entirely sure as to how much is exclusive to the HD version. Its ‘Story Mode’ packs 25 levels, while ‘Relaxed Mode’ offers a more casual experience, ‘Dark Matter Mode’ is for those seeking a proper challenge and there’s also a bunch of skirmish levels. Best of all, the lot is procedurally generated! Think you have what it takes to sprout trees and wage seedling war, in Eufloria HD?
Note: Eufloria HD is a free upgrade to owners of the original.
Eufloria HD is available from Steam and direct (via. BMT Micro), carrying a $14.99 price tag.