Many 4X games are triumphal re-enactments of specific periods of colonial settlement and expansion.

All of which is to say that Syphilisation is fascinating.

It’s a reworking of the genre which dismantles and reconstructs concepts such as diplomacy, research and production.

A map screen from Nikhil Murthy’s Syphilisation, showing a hexagonal expanse of regions and terrain with menus to either side

It’s also just left early access - find more details and a playthrough video below.

Some quick notes on the title.

One of Syphilisation’s most gripping devices is that it’s a conversation with itself.

Cover image for YouTube video

They will research new technologies, complete buildings and units and simply deal with their issues by themselves.