For all intents and purposes this new “update” could well have been an expansion pack, or sequel with how much the developers have poured into it. I’m not joking, this is the largest and most robust update for a game I think I’ve ever seen.

AI War, by developer Arcen Games, has always been a fun tactical strategy game where the player is tasked with fighting against a horde of sentient AI machines that have driven humanity to the brink of extinction. This new update, however, goes above and beyond the original game by adding new ships, AI types, factions and maps to the game’s already impressive line up.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• 36 new ships, including:
• 5 new ship classes with a variety of abilities.
• Enclave Starships and Regeneration Chambers for direct unlock.
• 6 new AI special weapons.
• 6 new AI Types.
• 3 Neinzul alien minor factions (NPCs).
• Devastating new Hybrid Hives AI plot.
• 3 new in-game music tracks, plus a new title music track.
• Two new map styles: X and Concentric Circles.

Of course, this feature set is pretty limited in just what the new update offers. If you’re interested in checking out just what was included then I suggest popping on over to the developer’s blog and checking out all the nitty gritty details.

As mentioned in the title, for those of you who have bought the game this is a free update. Despite the massive amounts of additional content, AI War 4.0 is 100% free. For those of you who have not yet purchased, I urge you to check out the trailer below and buy the game from either the developer’s website or one of the various online digital distribution stores. It’s only $19.99 and well worth it.

[Buy/Try, Arcen Games]

Trailer