Its a really amazing game, I cant think of any obvious improvements.
Reviews for "Machiavellian Suns"
A very good little strategy game with an interesting back-story as a nice added touch. Appropriately named too: no room for Mr Nice Guy here -- the ends justify the means, whatever the means. You have to understand how the other players behave, and adjust your strategy to suit; often, you must strategically attack players just to make your allies break allegiances and trade relationships with them. The game draws from the spirit of Master of Orion without actually being anything like it in terms of game-play. The gentle hand-holding introduction eases one into the more subtle complexities of galactic diplomacy, but it's ultimately up to the player to adopt the Machiavellian mindset required to prevail. A simple but good idea well executed -- I'll be playing this for a while yet.
I really enjoyed the complexity of this game, alliances can be a help when you need to take out a stronger opponent but like the USSR after WWII once the Nazis were gone the former allies are left to fight it out for supremacy.
I mostly tried to play it like 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov and trade my way through, unless I had to deal with the wolves- then you need to be a bit more aggressive to get them onside.
The Elephants were a great addition because as you aquire more planets they hate you more and more same as the Foxes with building ships.
The opponents force you to play every scenario differently which keeps it fresh!
It's a very clever game. Slightly depressing, too.
Loved the game. If there is anything that could make it better, perhaps for a sequel, it would be if there was more player choice and freedom, kind of like a sandbox where you have the more option to travel, upgrade and making personal choices that affect the game. Again great work.