After spending way too much time with the ASCII based #VmsEmpire (https://gitlab.com/esr/vms-empire), I gave in and spent the 20$ for the latest version of #EmpireDeluxe (https://killerbeesoftware.itch.io/empire-deluxe-combined-edition).

The UI is dated and cumbersome, but the gameplay is still bloody addictive. However, I also played the original Empire Deluxe when it was released in 1993. Maybe it's just the nostalgia kicking in.