Homeworlds

Homeworlds (and Binary Homeworlds)

Designers: John Cooper, Kory Heath, Kristin Matherly, and Jacob Davenport
Type: Icehouse
Status: Free
BGG entry: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/14634
Available at: http://www.wunderland.com/WTS/Ginohn/games/Homeworlds/HomeworldsRules.html
http://www.wunderland.com/WTS/Andy/Games/ILoveHomeworlds.html#BinaryHomeworlds (Binary Homeworlds, the 2-player version of Homeworlds)

In the game of Homeworlds, you take on the role of a space-faring civilization that's become embroiled in an epic, galaxy-wide struggle between Good and Evil. Good civilizations try to work together to eradicate Evil, while Evil civilizations crave only senseless destruction. But which players are Good and which are Evil? That's the ultimate question in this game of strategy, psychology, and diplomacy.

Homeworlds is a redevelopment of IceTraders.

Binary Homeworlds:
Homeworlds with 2 players is a very different game from that with 3 or more. The differences are significant enough that we've decided to emphasize the distinction by referring to our modified 2 player version as Binary Homeworlds: http://www.wunderland.com/WTS/Andy/Games/ILoveHomeworlds.html#BinaryHomeworlds.

The designer considered the Good/Evil elements integral to the original game, and was originally worried that the 2 player version would be comparatively uninteresting, since those rules had no meaning in a 2 player game of Homeworlds.