Space Empires: Close Encounters*

The first expansion introduces alien races that engage in ship boarding and planetary invasions, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of around 20 unique races. It enhances the game by adding more technology and features in a streamlined way, allowing players to use only the elements they prefer.

An experience system allows ship crews to improve over time, adding strategic depth, while new Titan ships offer powerful capabilities. Additional scenarios for three and four players, along with unique alien technologies and thicker game pieces, further enrich the gameplay experience.