From the back of the box Mankind reached for the stars - and found that the galaxy is NOT a friendly neighborhood. A strategy game of epic exploration and cataclysmic combat. Discover, colonize and conquer as you spread your fleet across the galaxy. Dive into detailed tactical combat or simply focus on exploration and enemy destruction. Reach for the Stars promises to be an immersive and addictive gaming experience! From the Matrix Games website Explore - Expand - Exploit - Exterminate A strategy game of epic exploration and cataclysmic combat... Discover, colonize and conquer as you spread your fleet across the galaxy. A massive campaign and 20 ready to play scenarios plus Random Maps and a Scenario Editor give you incredible replayability. This updated re-release of Reach For The Stars shows you what galactic conquest is all about! Sixteen unique species with superior AI and a comprehensive Diplomatic system create a challenge for strategists that is not easily overcome! Full R&D trees take you through multiple eras and include technologies for your colonies and your fleets. The original Reach for the Stars is noted to have been a pioneer in 4x Space Strategy games. 4x Strategy refers to the four activities you perform, Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate. Reach for the Stars for Matrix Games has been reworked for greater stability and incorporates the final unreleased update to the 2000 release from Strategic Studies Group, the developers of the original and 2000 releases. Source: The Publisher Website.