IXION is a groundbreaking game that encompasses aspects of city building, survival, and space colonization. Though this game is a unique masterpiece on its own, there are several alternative games with similar themes and gameplay. If you're an avid fan of IXION but are seeking to explore new horizons, this article has a compilation of top-5 games you might like. Dive into new worlds, colonize alien planets, and build thriving civilizations in these exciting alternatives to IXION. Each game offers unique gameplay, compelling storylines, and immersive environments that will, without doubt, quench your thirst for space exploration and city-building endeavors.

1. Stellaris

Stellaris is an epic space strategy game that involves real-time space-explorations and grand strategy elements developed by Paradox Interactive.

Gameplay

In Stellaris, players control spacefaring civilizations. The gameplay is about exploring the universe, managing your empire, diplomacy, and space warfare with other spacefaring civilizations. Players have the freedom to customize their civilizations and govern the species with a mix of different traits.

Story and Setting

The story is not fixed and mostly depends on the choices you make, making room for an unpredictable and dynamic storyline. The game's setting is the whole stellar realm, filled with galaxies, anomalies, various species of aliens, and unexplored territories extending to the outer edges of space.

2. Surviving Mars

Surviving Mars is an immersive city building simulation that takes the setting from earth to Mars, developed by Haemimont Games and published by Paradox Interactive.

Gameplay

In Surviving Mars, players are tasked with building a liveable colony on Mars, starting with just a few rovers and supply drops. Each colonist is a unique individual with strengths and weaknesses influencing other colonists.

Story and Setting

There are story-driven mysteries that players can explore, including unnatural phenomena that might end up threatening the entire colony's existence in the challenging environmental conditions on Mars. The game's visual presentation and the overall look and feel are designed to immerse players in the Mars environment.

3. Anno 2205

Anno 2205 is a futuristic city-building game that combines economic strategy and space colonization themes and was developed by Blue Byte.

Gameplay

Anno 2205 emphasizes city-building and economic simulation by urging players to colonize the Moon and setting up moon bases to mine lunar resources. The goal is to make a thriving metropolis with intricate trading routes and widespread influences.

Story and Setting

The story unfolds as players progress through the game, with tasks surrounding resource management, city expansion, and technological research. The setting extends from the Earth into the lunar frontier, outlining the Day/Night cycle, building layouts, and the natural scenery of Earth and Moon.

4. Aven Colony

Aven Colony is an enthralling city-building and management game with a setting in an alien planet that goes by Aven Prime and was developed by Mothership Entertainment.

Gameplay

Aven Colony mandates players to build and sustain human settlements on Aven Prime, an alien planet light-years away from Earth. Players must manage resources, construct buildings, and ensure residents' survival against the harsh and often dangerous weather conditions of the alien world.

Story and Setting

The story involves colonizing a new world and discovering its secrets. The setting is rich with extraterrestrial flora and fauna, along with alien remnants - mysterious artifacts left behind by an ancient civilization.

5. Starship Corporation

Starship Corporation is a sci-fi simulation game that focuses on spaceship constructions and fleet management developed by Coronado Games.

Gameplay

In Starship Corporation, players have to design, test, and build spaceships for a dynamic market. The game also enables you to manage a number of crews, respond to emergency situations, and explores the vast cosmos.

Story and Setting

While the game doesn't have a fixed storyline, the players make their own story through their decisions and actions. The setting is in a future where interstellar traveling and spaceship production are normal industries.

These five games represent the crème de la crème of stellar alternatives to IXION. Each one offers a unique experience to players, allowing them to explore the stars and other planets, build and manage cities, and make critical decisions that affect their in-game civilization's fate. Whether you're more interested in economic strategy or story-rich exploration, there's a game on this list for you.