4X games are a genre of strategy video game in which players control an empire and "explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate". Alpha Centauri is a great example of such a game. I still play it too! Another long time favorite of mine is the original Age of Wonders. Its not 4x but more of a traditional turn based strategy game. The first Galactic Civilizations also is a very excellent time waster. I have to limit myself when I play these games because if I'm not careful I will waste the entire day on them...
If anyone has these games. (PM if you don't) I'm always ready for a match through Hamachi if you can't figure out how to open up ports on your router.


http://www.mobygames.com/game/sid-meiers-alpha-centauri
http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/g ... ilizations
http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/age-of-wonders