REVIEW: ‘Nexus 5X’ Redefines Game Night (PC)

If you’ve ever imagined stepping into the shoes of iconic characters like Andrew Wiggin from Ender’s Game, Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars, or even the Ferengi from Star Trek, then Nexus 5x  is the game for you. Developed by Whatboy Games and published by Paradox Arc, Nexus 5x brings all the deep strategy, intense diplomatic drama, and epic military encounters of the 4X single-player genre into a competitive, fast-paced format. Perfect for game nights, it allows groups of up to eight players to complete a full playthrough together in just about 60 minutes.

Nexus 5X, formerly Stellaris Nexus, presents a refreshing blend of strategy gaming reminiscent of classic board games like Warhammer but reimagined in a more accessible format. Anyone who’s played 4X strategy games over the years knows the challenge of finding time for extended gaming sessions. However, Nexus 5X tackles this issue head-on, boasting 60-minute games.

Unlike its predecessors, Nexus 5X offers a streamlined experience. Players dive swiftly into the action and grasp the path to victory without delay. It’s all about strategy—understanding your faction’s unique strengths, anticipating your opponents’ moves, and adapting your gameplay accordingly. Whether you prefer a ruthless, cutthroat approach or a more nuanced, strategic style, Nexus 5X caters to your playstyle.

Nexus 5X‘s diverse range of actions is the key to its allure. From diplomatic negotiations to tactical military maneuvers, each decision carries weight and contributes to the unfolding narrative of your galactic conquest. It’s this rich variety that keeps the gameplay dynamic and ensures that every session is filled with thrilling surprises and strategic depth.

During each turn, players execute actions using resources called support. As players complete more actions, the cost of subsequent actions increases, ensuring a balance in gameplay speed. This system allows even busy players to experience the depth of 4X gameplay without committing to lengthy campaigns.

Actions encompass various activities, from forging diplomatic alliances—a crucial aspect in Nexus 5X—to advancing technological research. Notably, moving fleets doesn’t consume action points, allowing players to retain control over their forces and engage in combat at will. However, this still comes at the cost of support, ensuring that players balance their factions militarily and socially.

The array of factions in Nexus 5X offers a delightful spectrum of playstyles. Each faction boasts unique strengths, whether in economic prowess or military might. They add layers of complexity to the gameplay. Delving into the diverse faction options, it’s evident that some resonate immediately, while others pose intriguing challenges players might never fully explore. This rich variety underscores the game’s adaptability to different player approaches.

Personally, navigating the intricacies of an economically-focused Chinoor proved to be a rewarding yet demanding experience. While I certainly see many of the merits of such a faction, I quickly learned that they may never be my faction of choice. However, by learning about them through the gameplay, I understood their strategy better than I would have only looking from the outside. It highlights the game’s depth, showcasing how proficiency in one aspect could rival mastery in others. Alternative factions may prefer leading a formidable military force or spearheading technological advancements.

Victory in Nexus 5X is achieved by accumulating succession points throughout the game. The first player to amass 100 points at the beginning of a Galactic Council session wins. Succession points are earned through diverse means, including treaty-making, controlling Nexus, waging wars, obtaining titles from the Galactic Council, and other in-game objectives. With only one winner per game, players must balance cooperation and competition. They must employ diplomacy and strategy to secure victory. However, alliances are temporary, and betrayal is inevitable, underscoring the cutthroat nature of intergalactic politics.

Nexus 5X offers a wealth of variability in its gameplay, ensuring that no two matches are alike. While seasoned players may quickly grasp optimal strategies and meta-tactics, the dynamic nature of each game ensures a fresh experience, especially for newcomers. With each player bringing their own style and approach, the outcome of each match is influenced by the unique interactions between factions and players.

The game’s shorter playtime allows for quick yet fulfilling sessions. They last around an hour or less. This accommodates busy schedules while fostering a sense of community among players. Even if you’re not amassing an army within the hour, you’ll still find ways to actively participate in the galactic conflict, whether through diplomacy, exploration, or strategic planning.

In Nexus 5X, it’s not just about winning; it’s about coming together to craft memorable gaming moments that everyone can enjoy. For enthusiasts of the genre, those memories are rooted in the art of outmaneuvering your friends through strategic gameplay. With its intentionally short gameplay, the game offers ample opportunities to create lasting memories with friends and fellow players.

With that said, Nexus 5X is a lot. It’s akin to showing up at a friend’s house for a tabletop gaming night only to be handed a rulebook for Warhammer and told, “Good luck, figure it out.” While the game offers a tutorial, diving in without it can leave you feeling a bit lost in the vast mechanics.

The tutorial is a must for players to grasp the game’s mechanics, but I highly recommend diving into the story mode as well. Unlike tabletop games where you’re left deciphering rules on the fly, the story mode provides an immersive journey through various factions. It offers invaluable insights into their playstyles.

If you find yourself without fellow players to learn alongside, fear not. The story mode serves as a solitary training ground, preparing you for multiplayer matches. However, bypassing both tutorial and story mode spells trouble. Nexus 5X  isn’t a game you can simply pick up and play. Understanding its intricacies is paramount to avoiding being demolished.

Mastering Nexus 5X will require time and dedication, much like any other tabletop strategy game. Some players may find the learning curve steep, while others may embrace the challenge wholeheartedly. It’s a matter of personal choice and commitment. However, for those willing to invest the effort, Nexus 5X offers a rewarding experience. It caters to fans of 4X games and space enthusiasts alike, providing a comprehensive journey through galactic conquest and diplomacy.

The visual experience in Nexus 5X is truly captivating, whether you’re observing the expansive conflict from a macro level or zooming in for up-close ship-to-ship combat above a planet’s orbit. The seamless transition between these views enhances the immersion. You’ll feel like a true galactic commander.

When you’re zoomed out, the galaxy unfolds before you like a detailed map. This helps strategize with a broad perspective. However, zooming in reveals the intricate interactions within the map, bringing the intensity of space battles to life. Witnessing the propulsion of ships and the unfolding combat in real-time adds depth to the experience, pulling you into the heart of the action. In Nexus 5X, every moment feels deliberate and tangible, enriching the sense of realism. Whether you’re a fan of Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, or any other sci-fi saga, Nexus 5X puts you in the front seat of your own galactic epic.

If you’re into the 4X strategy game genre, Nexus 5X delivers precisely what you crave. It boasts rapid gameplay, diverse playstyles, and a sole victor. All while immersing players in the heart of a galactic conflict. For those who are looking to dive into a whole new genre of gameplay, it might be best to wait and play with friends. But if you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll find it easy to jump in and experience the thrill of being a galactic commander, battling against friends for dominance in the galaxy.

Nexus 5X is available now on Early Access with a full release on Steam on April 18, 2024.