Exodus: The Colonization of Space

Can you rule a galaxy? In this retro style strategic simulation, the first game by Deck13 co-founder Jan Klose, ported to the PC by developer Tom Pickering, you can prove your strategic skills! Travel the stars, claim uninhabited planets or conquer them from your computer opponents. Exodus was first released on the Acorn RISCOS platform back in 1997! This first-time PC port is your ultimate chance to relive the experience.
BUILD A PIXELLATED GALACTIC CIVILIZATION
A whole galaxy of pixel perfect solar systems is waiting for you. Claim uninhabited worlds and make them the new home of humankind. But beware, there are over 10 computer opponents from 4 different alien races to be taken into account! Some are friendly, some are hostile... but it's upon you whether you fight, trade, or forge strong alliances. Enjoy the interactive 1997's space opera soundtrack by legendary Acorn composer Thomas Mohr (Avatar).
POPULATE THE PLANETS' SURFACES

Each planet features a map where you can place cities, factories, farmland and much more. But beware, you need to take into account the planet's climate and its resources in order to keep your world alive. Depending on the planet's climate, your agricultural areas might be prone to collapsing, and the nuclear power plants can have messy accidents. Clever planning can get you a long way, but the unexpected might always happen.
LAW AND ORDER
Allow narcotics? Weapons for civilians? Different religions? You can change the laws on your planets, but beware: if your people don't agree with the way they're treated, they might rebel against you!
TACTICAL BATTLES

Produce troops to defend your planet or to attack the planets of others. Battles are fought on a tactical map where you can deploy 3 different types of combat units and then command each of them in turn based battles! (Unless you want your general to do the dirty work for you, that is.)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
If you set aside funding for your scientists, they will come up with new inventions: passive and active improvements to help you automatize processes and become more powerful. Ultimately, you will be able to create a whole artificial planet that you can even move between solar systems.
HIRE OFFICERS
More skilled officers will help you in your different fields of action, but beware: good personnel is a costly matter!
STARSHIP AND ALIEN ENCOUNTERS

You're not alone. Not only are there several other leaders in the galaxy, but you'll also have to fend off pesky space pirates and brace your planet for orbital bombardments or incoming asteroids. You can equip your starship and your fleet, and upgrade it along the way.
DIFFERENT OBJECTIVES
The game start features several configurations. You can pick your name, your gender (or specify your own), and the flag of your empire. You can choose between several difficulty modes. You can pick various objectives (go for conquest, science, or culture) and also choose the size of the galaxy you want to conquer.