Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords

 PC
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
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  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 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 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.… Expand
  2. 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 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,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 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.… Expand
  3. MikeW.
    Aug 1, 2007
    0
    I have given this game 0 because, even if you have a totally legal purchased copy of the game like i have, the protection system is blown out of all proportion making it impossible to register the game and get patches or updates.These guys really need to take a close look at what the hell they are doing, customers like myself dont want to spend hours trying to get their purchases I have given this game 0 because, even if you have a totally legal purchased copy of the game like i have, the protection system is blown out of all proportion making it impossible to register the game and get patches or updates.These guys really need to take a close look at what the hell they are doing, customers like myself dont want to spend hours trying to get their purchases registered & updated or being sent on wild goose chases trying to resolve these protection CD Key issues.… Expand
  4. BenjaminH.
    Sep 23, 2007
    2
    Why does everyone like this game? It is so completely boring. The interface stinks. The art stinks. The creators forgot that Space Is Not Flat. It's cool that you can customize your ships, but the feature is merely annoying because by the time you build them, they're obsolete! The research system is just a handful of linear tracks with techs numbered 1,2,3,4. If you want to play Why does everyone like this game? It is so completely boring. The interface stinks. The art stinks. The creators forgot that Space Is Not Flat. It's cool that you can customize your ships, but the feature is merely annoying because by the time you build them, they're obsolete! The research system is just a handful of linear tracks with techs numbered 1,2,3,4. If you want to play the good version of this game, play Civilization 4. Homeworld was better if you like realtime. I have no idea why GalCiv continues to get good critic reviews, I almost always agree with the critics.… Expand
  5. LawrenceL.
    Jan 17, 2008
    2
    I also agree with Mike W., for whatever reason the game is not compatible as is with windows vista. Now in order to make it compatible you need to download a patch. Problem is (if you bought it at retail like me) you need a serial number to run the patch, and guess what..... my game came with no cd key or serial number, so how am i supposed to fix the game?? bunch of geniuses over there. I also agree with Mike W., for whatever reason the game is not compatible as is with windows vista. Now in order to make it compatible you need to download a patch. Problem is (if you bought it at retail like me) you need a serial number to run the patch, and guess what..... my game came with no cd key or serial number, so how am i supposed to fix the game?? bunch of geniuses over there. I can only manage about 25 turn before it hangs/freezes, but from what i see its a good game. Unfortunatly there security department needs to give there head a shake and quit wasting peoples time.… Expand

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. PC Gameworld
    90
    One of the best strategy games I've played recently. The depth of gameplay offered is truly remarkable and the AI is good enough to almost make me forget that there is no multiplayer (almost).
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  2. Next Level Gaming
    95
    It is clear that the development team used the development cycle to full effect and have created a fantastic game, with all the components coming to together expertly.
    Read full review
  3. IC-Games
    93
    Fun and enjoyment wise nothing has touched Galactic Civilization II this year and we’ll be surprised if that stance changes in December. Stardock and Paradox have without doubt created a hugely enjoyable and highly customizable space simulation that deservers every ounce of your attention.
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