While, historically, expansions have been the easiest way of squeezing more play-time out of dated mechanics, Egosoft's approach to them (as evidenced most recently with X4: Kingdom End) is markedly different. On the one hand, yes, you get everything you would expect from an expansion: more content, more features, more gameplay. But on the other, the devs get the resources they need to continue realizing the game they had envisioned. Lemme pig-splain.

In the fourth (!) expansion to the increasingly incorrectly-named X4: Foundations, you are asked to assist an Alliance of the Word expedition in examining a disabled jump gate and manage to rekindle contact with the Boron (which deserves a big 'YAY!' because, first, the Boron are adorable; and second, they complete the full race roster from X3).

As one would expect, the Boron come with their own systems and assets, which further stratify X4's already imposing roster, and their plot gives you a few new missions and offers many rewards (read: free ships). The Boron plot itself isn't that extensive (if you focus on it alone, you can probably finish the whole thing in a few hours), but it is a bit precious, since it means Boso Ta can finally stop being the Only Boron In The Universe.

The writing for Kingdom End is, once again, surprisingly good, with dialogue trees that flow like a real conversation and characters that feel like living beings instead of Static Points of Interaction. And talking to the Boron is just joyful: with their squeaky little voices, adorable new facial models and pacifistic inclinations, they mark a welcome contrast to the other races.

For a race of devout pacifists, Boron ships can pack a wallop and offer a surprisingly versatile array of hard-hitting weapons. Their design aesthetic is also a beautiful, flowing counterpoint to the straight lines and jagged edges of the Split (and to the blocky design aesthetic X4 offered straight out of the "box"). Bar none, the Boron ship and station designs are the most involved and advanced Egosoft has made since X4's inception.

The only problem, then, is that Boron ships can only install Boron components. So while the new weaponry is a welcome addition, the only way you can enjoy it is by buying (or building) a Boron ship. And while Boron vessels are no slouches, outside of upgrades to their components, you cannot really improve or modify them in any way.

I can sorta understand why (mating an existing, blocky piece of equipment to a flowing design would mean either compromising said design or making another exclusive equipment model for Boron ships); but seeing as how, weapons aside, Boron ships internalize installed equipment (meaning, the part is installed, but the ship's model doesn't change) it seems more like an oversight than a hurdle.

That's the only qualm I have with the expansion, though, which – given the magnitude of what's on offer – is miniscule indeed.

The very first article I wrote (called "content stream") described what I thought would be a different way of drip-feeding content to players to continually expand a given game. When I wrote it, I hadn't even considered that what I was merely describing, Egosoft had already put into practice.

For every small, paid expansion to X4 that introduced new gameplay, they have been developing huge, whopping "patches" that refine the base game and also (lately) introduce new content – and Kingdom End is no different. The 6.0 patch that accompanied the release of the expansion has improved the base game to the point where X4: Foundations can honestly now be called just X4. There is no longer anything basic or "foundational" about the experience.

In 6.0, you get brand new graphics and physics engines, improved optimization (faster rendering and loading times), new models for old ships (this time addressing the massive, XL builders that used to use a common model; with custom designs for the Paranid Heracles, Split Elephant, Terran Kyushu and Teladi Albatross); and a list of additions and fixes long enough to put a novella to shame.

Between the paid expansion and the free "patch", X4: Kingdom End continues (and nearly completes) the transformation from the bare-bones framework of X4: Foundations into a fully realized, diverse game-world Egosoft can rightly be proud of. And while my core criticism remains unadressed (you still have to play the game a certain way), the benefits, at this point, far outweigh the shortcomings.

If, like me, you missed your Little Boron Buddies, wanted a more optimized gaming experience or simply More Stuff To Do in X4, Kingdom End is well worth the price of admission. For 15 USD you not only get more content and a smoother-running game, but also continued development for X4 as it realizes its transformation into a more robust gaming experience.