OGame is an MMO unlike most. It is an internet browser, space-themed strategy MMORPG, with over 2 million active accounts. This web browser and text-based sci-fi space-war simulator game was released in 2002 by Gameforge. The publishers, Gameforge, have preserved its freshness and appeal with new content and updates; the latest update came in 2019. Since its inception, OGame has seen massive growth; the game is available in different nationalities, languages, and servers (called universes).

The aim of the game is for each player to colonize and develop their intergalactic empire. Some have referred to OGame as Eve Online lite. I don’t very much agree, although this game is reminiscent of Eve, it stands out with distinguishable differences. 

Dare Delve into the OGame Universes?

Success or failure in OGame relies mainly on the player’s ability to manage resources, strategize and research new technologies. Mastering the game can be a little challenging, but it doesn’t take as long to master. Tutorials abound both in-game and without. Once you begin, it gets more comfortable with time.

To start, you would need to select a universe from which to play. The game has over 50 universes for anyone to choose from, and new universes are being released periodically. The Universe you select goes a long way to affect the in-game experiences of the player. At the same time, some universes are old and have veteran players, newer universes houses neophytes, which means an even playing ground for newbies. There are no inter-universal faceoffs, so you need not fear meeting a veteran from another universe during a battle. Each Universe contains a standard number of 9 galaxies (some newer universes have less). These galaxies, in turn, house about 499 Solar systems. Each Solar system hosts about 15 Planets, and planets have debris fields. They are totaling approximately 67,365 planets per Universe. Although each player begins with one planet each, a player can colonize another planet, thereby owning more than one planet to form an empire. Every planet needs development through the construction of fleets, defense installations, and mines.

Gameplay and Resource Management

Every action you take, from the moment the game begins, requires resources. There are two categories of resources—the primary and the secondary resources. The former are Metal, Crystal, and Deuterium. These are mined and collected by the minute from the producing mine. The next category of resources is Energy. Although regarded as a secondary resource, Energy isn’t any less important than its primary counterparts. If anything, it can almost be said to be more important than metal and Crystal because they can’t be produced without Energy. There are different mines for all these resources, and each of these buildings can be updated for quicker mining. In my opinion, Deuterium is an essential resource, followed by Energy. Deuterium is also used as fuel for the ships in your fleet. Its importance is aggravated by the fact that it cant be found in the debris field. To get more Deuterium, you either trade for it or you raid the planets of others. However, the more Deuterium you gather, the more chances that Deuterium hunters will raid you, so be prepared.

The in-game economy runs on Dark Matter. Dark Matter can be purchased using real-life money and could be used, in some cases, as a substitute for resources. Dark Matter can also be harvested during expeditions. With DM, you can purchase the three significant resources from a trader. OGame requires adequate strategizing and planning in the use of resources to build. It is best to strategically time your construction as you prepare for combat that is certain to come.

First, I must commend how resource-centered OGame is; most battles would be fought simply because of resources. It gives it a touch of realism and makes it more exciting. However, unlike most other PvP MMOs that are action-packed, combat is not animated. All you need is to select a destination for your fleet. The fighting is automated and begins once your fleet meets with the designated fleet or a planetary defense. Since combat is automated, you get the report as the fight progresses. Battle, which usually lasts for 1-6 rounds, comes to an end once one party’s forces have been obliterated or when a party decides to surrender. 

It then behoves you to build a strong fleet and a decent planetary defense mechanism. Once you have a formidable fleet, you can then decide what to do with it. You can choose to send it out to raid a planet or another fleet in search of resources from the debris field created by clash, or you could go scouting for planets to colonize. Travel time of the fleet depends on the distance and the speed of the slowest ship type in the fleet. The travel is done using the in-game coordinates. 

OGame also allows players to forge alliances. Alliances can be a great way to boost your gameplay. You can galvanize and coordinate raids in groups, run to aid of a member under attack, or wage war against other alliances. This, as well as the in-game economy, fosters social life in the game. This game features excellent artwork, but not too much that it takes away from the experience, so there is enough room to put your imagination to work. I particularly love that the game is free to play and works in real-time, so you don’t need to spend all day on the game. You can leave the game in the background while you get on with your life.