Hi! If someone can recommend a game that is similar, I would be thankful!

Ascendancy is a DOS game, that is after space colonization by multiple species, essentially a "Heroes of Might and Magic" in space (where heroes are optional), but the galaxy is procedurally generated. First to conquer all planets or establish full friendship with all (remaining) races wins. You build modules on planets, build spacedocks, then make ships to colonize and research labs to research new technology.

The game should meet following criteria (tried to sort it with most important first):

- is a space strategic game; fights can be more tactical, but empasis is on strategic development
- randomly generated galaxy
- multiple races
- top-down/strategic/ 2d or 3d-from-above view
- diplomacy and wars
- ability to build bases on planets
- ability to customize ship modules
- ability to build structures on squares
- build shipyards and planetary shields
- ...?

trade is not important, but perhaps nice?

Thank you!

https://www.gog.com/game/space_empires_iv_deluxe

It fits all your criteria except it doesn't display planetary maps the way Acendancy does. But each planets has a certain amount of mineral/food/gas yeld bonus, so it's more or less the same concept.

Also maybe have a look at the Imperium Galactica series... haven't tried it myself yet, but I remember it had screenshots of planetary bases and combat.

Master of Orion, Galactic Civilizations, Imperium Galactica, Pax Imperia, etc.

Thanks for suggestions so far!!

Ascendancy is not available to purchase on GOG and also has a weird condition - a limit of 1/2 ships per colonized star system, where each planet must be colonized (many are useless!) to get that. It also has bad description of items and very un-ergonimic interface. (thats my criticism, thats reason I am looking for something similar.)

FreeOrion almost totally lacks diplomacy and it is not the part that is being worked on right now as far as I know. You need to compile yourself for Linux unless you can find a ready compiled copy.

Hmm not that game nor that one.....you sure know what you want.