Terra Invicta, Latin for “Earth Undefeated,” is a paid strategy game that lets you conquer Earth and the rest of the Solar System. In this tactical and management experience, you choose from one of seven ideological factions and advance their respective plans for the survival of Earth or its inhabitants.

Its scale and complex strategy potential make Terra Invicta a promising alternative to games like Empire Earth or Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. However, its visual choices and flat map approach make it closer to Plague Inc.

A 4X of a grand scale

More specifically, Terra Invicta belongs to the 4X strategy subgenre, or Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate. After you choose one of the factions, you’re given a starting platform with which to build your base and farm your resources. Its lack of animated units and buildings at this point actually works to its advantage. The game allows you to focus on the progress of rival factions and teams in the game.

There are innovative and fun features to this game, too. Not only are you fighting against your fellow humans for the leadership of mankind, but you also will be facing aliens bent on enslaving mankind altogether. This takes the game beyond Earth, letting you research and develop your own spaceships. At this point, the game treats you to a 3D model and animation for interplanetary battles.

In terms of its complexity, this game is comparable to Sid Meier’s Civilization series. Similarly, the game suffers from the same drawback, as games can extend more than a couple of hours. Development isn’t slow, however, it’s just that its scale makes it impossible to finish in under an hour. Still, for players used to playing the long game, this one is a perfect fit.

Plan tactics for days

Terra Invicta is definitely a grand scale worth mentioning. It has an engaging premise by combining internal and external threats to mankind. This is made even more complex by the virtually limitless plays possible between you, your fellow humans, and the alien invaders. The battlefield includes Earth and its neighbors in the Solar System.  It can extend up to hours long depending on your style. Highly recommended.