However, the real strength of the United Empire lies in their influence. Like the other factions, they look to the stars for new frontiers - but unlike the other factions, the United Empire is very flexible. The faction is humanoid, and their aesthetic is imperial fanaticism, with their opening cinematic smacking strongly of war propaganda. The United Empire is one of the starting factions of the core game, and, on the surface, it doesn't look as alien as many of the other choices.
It isn't necessary to play all the games, but it does add to the enjoyment when you recognize a faction's history - such as the United Empire, born from the Mezari from Endless Legend and back in the lineup from the first Endless Space game. The saga of the Endless and how they've helped or hindered various races is a long and convoluted one, stretching across several games, galaxies and dimensions. Amplitude Studios, a subsidiary of Sega, has a number of 4X games that take place in the same universe, which allows for some deep worldbuilding and flavor text if one cares to read it all.
