Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords

 PC
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. PC Format
    68
    It's not all bad - a few neat touches will bring a tear to old-skoolers' eyes, such as the random random generator for invasion battle odds. It's not enough to wow those spoilt by "Civ IV," though. [Apr 2006, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Game Revolution
    67
    There's so much in this game to like, I almost feel like a jerk having to complain about its myriad bug issues, but a final release with this many problems just isn't acceptable. If it were any other type of product, from a television to a pork chop, I'd return it to the store.
  3. PC Zone UK
    60
    A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, this kind of last-generation gameplay would relieve the daily tedium. Now it's in danger of adding to it.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PC Game of 2006
47
#47 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
87
#87 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 78 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 78
  3. Negative: 11 out of 78
  1. JeffD.
    Oct 9, 2006
    4
    I completely fail to see what all the fuss is about with this game. The gameplay is unbelievably repetitive, with nowhere near the number nor I completely fail to see what all the fuss is about with this game. The gameplay is unbelievably repetitive, with nowhere near the number nor variety of nooks and crannies that, say, Civ IV has. The technologies are bland and lamely-named (most of them are just SomeTech I, SomeTech II, SomeTech III, etc.). Worst of all, the writing is *horrible*. I don't expect strategy games to have writing on the same level as a good CRPG, but this is some seriously derivative, borderline-nonsensical stuff. I don't think they even bothered to run the "story" through a grammar/style checker -- and heaven knows whoever wrote for this thing could use the help. All in all, this game is very much like a slicked-up re-hashing of the sorts of games that we used to play on Apple IIs and Commodores -- minus the charm and excitement of those old games. Pick it up when it hits the $4.99 bin, maybe, but otherwise, avoid.… Full Review »
  2. BrianY.
    Jun 20, 2006
    9
    Old time strategy gamers like me who fell in love with the MOO series knows how disappointing it has been waiting for something to even come Old time strategy gamers like me who fell in love with the MOO series knows how disappointing it has been waiting for something to even come close to the Microprose classics. Well Galactic Civilizations II comes prett darn close to filling the void. A nice technology tree, awesome AI, customizable ships, and a great 3D strategy engine helps you relive the glory. One thing missing is tactical control of starship battles as they are played out only in cinematic view. The technology tree is also a little bland as Laser I-IV are as creative as they can get. On the plus side it is a constant design challenge to use equip your ships with the proper defense and weapons. Ship design is also a great feature where your options as far as cosmetic are limitless. Your ships on the starmap actually look like the one you designed too. The 3D starmap is a direction these games need to go where you set at what level you see the model of your ship or a color coded icon from a GOD's eye perspective. Diplomacy is also more fullfilling as the AI is truly the best I have seen in these type of games, MOO included. As far bugs, I have encountered very few bugs, and none that detract from the game. There practically weekly updates so the you know the publisher is on top of their game.… Full Review »
  3. ChristopherPowell
    Apr 23, 2009
    4
    I tried to like this game, I really did, but I have to concede and say this game just isn't that interesting. It does almost everythingI tried to like this game, I really did, but I have to concede and say this game just isn't that interesting. It does almost everything right, but misses the crucial "fun" part of the game. Slow, unimaginitive, stylistically devoid, ugly (particularly the race portraits), bland, and ultimately, just boring. There's a critical lack of cohesion between all the aspects of the game, making playing a chore. I'd rather play any of the Master of Orions than this. Terribly overrated.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »