Orion Pirates is a strategy game that involves thought and tactical maneuvers. Taking over command of one of the eight star empires from the original game you are able to choose between fighting against the Orion Pirates or joining forces with them to conquer the universe. During game play, players will control various ships and all of its systems while taking it into combat against enemy vessels.
The story of Orion Pirates mainly revolves around the eight cartels for which the game is named. The 8 existing empires do not have a new story line, just a generic campaign in which they fight each other and the 8 cartels. The cartels however, do have a story campaign which delves into relations between the cartels, as well as touching on a few events from Empires at War.
