Space Rangers (video game)

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Space Rangers (2002) and Space Rangers 2: Dominators (2004) are extremely similar multi-genre computer games by the Russian company Elemental Games that are critically lauded and popular in their home country^{[citation needed]}, Finland and parts of Eastern Europe, although practically unheard of elsewhere^{[citation needed]}. In both, a relatively peaceful interstellar coalition is invaded by a powerful enemy; the organic warships of the Klissans in the first game, the silicoid Dominator machines in the second. The player is a Ranger, one of a group of non-military volunteers who are given small ships, free rein and the task of helping to battle, understand and ultimately defeat the menace.

The two are dynamic and open-ended in a fashion that has been compared to Elite and Star Control 2^[1]^[2]. Trade prices on planets follow supply and demand, the wars are ongoing non-scripted conflicts, computer-controlled ships have individual capabilities, goals and relations, etc. There are even several ways to complete the eventual objective. Both games have turn-based space travel and combat, optional shoot 'em up sequences and occasional bits of text adventure.

The sequel improves graphics and the presentation, adds more equipment, a more nuanced ship-building system, more things to do and to spend money on, and most significantly RTS sequences. Dominators is sold in the European market as Space Rangers and includes the first game in its package.