Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares is a turn-based strategy game. Includes some game mechanics from Master of Magic, as well as new gameplay features. Three new alien races were added, as well as the ability for players to create their own races. Instead of the one planet per star system found in Master of Orion, there are now multi-planet star systems that can be shared with opponents. Food and the need to balance it are introduced into the economy. In tactical combat, spaceships can now change direction and Marines can board enemy ships. With the right technology, players can now destroy planets directly. Multiplayer mode includes one-on-one matches and games with up to eight players.