4XL

4XL is a sandbox 4X space game for 1-2 players age 12+, designed in Japan by Charles Ward from EX1ST GAMES, and is published as forever-free print and play game for the 2019 Solitaire Print and Play Contest. The art is by Szymek Dmitruk.

Setting: "Welcome to The Future, stranger! Yep, that’s what they named this galaxy eons ago. Today, trade hubs and hull dealers are everywhere, jump lines connect all of the major systems, and the Rogue invasion has finally begun - Yeehaw! It's time to make some lux.

You, Sir, can run my trade fleets, if you are interested. I won’t be dealing in smelly ass-teroid anymore. Careful though - you won’t stand a chance against the Rogue without protection or something to pay them with. They'll turn y’all back into stardust in no time. Here is what you need to do: Get rich hauling teratons of freight, then pay security to take care of the Rogue.

But if you want to get rich and famous, and get your hands dirty, then gear up for space combat. Oh yeah. I’m gonna blast some Rogue intruders with my battleship, Dolores. I’ve been saving her for the invasion. So long, Sir. If we meet again, I will be glad to lend a hand."

Summary: You guessed it. It’s the year 4040. You’ve just arrived in a galaxy called The Future and have been promoted to direct a trade fleet. Your goal is to make lots of lux by hauling freight and trading resources, to then develop your technology and eliminate the Rogue, before your spacefaring adventure comes to an end. You might build space stations, explore anomalies, compete missions, and attack the Rogue yourself with the powerful fleets you have acquired. The galaxy is yours for the taking.

Features:

Players control up to 4 fleets that can hold ships, crew, science, relics, cargo, and freight cards. The galaxy is made of innovative chevron tiles that create different trading and traveling opportunities in every game. The simple AI grows gradually and provides opportunities for scoring points. Players can choose from a variety of ways to score points, from base building, the combat, anomaly exploration, missions, etc.

—description from the designer