Just a quick question about the MoO1 and MoO2 bundle: the games originally supported multiplayer. Do these versions support only the old versions of multiplayer connection, or does GoG run a server of some type to help connect games?

As far as I know, GOG hasn't done anything with the games' multiplayer.

http://www.gameranger.com supports Master of Orion Ii and Iii multiplayer. I think that the Master of Orion I remake has multiplayer. I hope this helps. Thanks

I wouldn't put much stock in that, especially since the Win95 version doesn't really work with newer versions of Windows, and Gameranger doesn't do DOS.

I have read about the DOS version working via direct connection via some IPX-faking shenanigans. Not sure how to do that though since I've never tried it.

i didn't know that Gameranger didn't work on DOS. Thanks for letting me know.

MoO1 never had and still does not have multiplayer.

GOG's version of MoO2 has a working multiplayer that was made in recent years. Since I do not really play multiplayer I am not so knowledgeable how it works except there is a link next to the one that starts the game that says 'Launch Multiplayer'.

MoO2 allowed multiplayer using IPX. DOSBox allows IPX emulation and can be used to play multiplayer MoO2.
GOG has created preconfigured DOSBox conf files, so you don't have to do it all manually.

This post has instructions:
https://www.gog.com/forum/master_of_orion_series/moo_ii_online_dosbox_guide/post2

If you are interested in Master of Orion II Competitive Online play, check this thread for the Definitive Patch and instructions.

I just noticed that GOG Galaxy suggests that it can run multiplayer functions. I haven't downloaded it yet. Does anyone know if it can serve as a game matchmaker for MoO2?