Galactic Civilizations

 PC
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Gamer's Pulse
    90
    Definitely not flashy in the presentation department, Gal Civ more than makes up for it with excellent gameplay that is updated with new tweaks, bug fixes, and content very often.
  2. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    An understated, thoughtful game that is highly replayable and continually challening - the sort of game that will still be on your hard drive when all the other games you are playing right now are gathering dust on a shelf. [June 2003, p.78]
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  3. Gamezilla!
    90
    Gamers looking for twitch action or a strategy game with a strong emphasis on combat might be disappointed, but gamers who prefer to meticulously oversee things rather than execute them directly have something to look forward to.
  5. Computer Gaming World
    90
    The A.I. in this game is capable of some remarkably human-like behavior. [June 2003, p.99]
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  6. Yahoo!
    90
    What makes Wardell's game stand out from other recent 4X space empire games is a blend of simplicity and depth.
  7. FiringSquad
    88
    Easily the best 4X game right now and the best that we’ll see for years to come. The AI of this spectacular title alone will keep gamers talking long after its moment in the spotlight is over.
  8. PC Gameworld
    88
    A nicely streamlined space 4X game, which hits the right balance between strategy and micro-management.
  9. GameSpy
    87
    The game's enemy AI is very good, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that it apparently doesn't cheat -- it plays the same game you do.
  10. PC Format
    86
    Enthralling, humorous, and a real must for all "Civilization" fans.
  11. GameSpot
    84
    Galactic Civilizations' strong AI, robust diplomacy, and variety of strategic options make it an outstanding turn-based strategy game.
  12. IGN
    82
    Whatever it attempts, it generally does well, and where AI is concerned, moves to the head of the class. It lacks innovative imagination, but provides a solid gaming experience and a challenge that never fails.
  13. PC Gamer
    82
    Addictive, solid, and smarter than all of its competition combined. [June 2003, p.82]
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  14. Gamers' Temple
    80
    It's "Civilization" set in space, and the result is an enjoyable strategy game but one that does not fully realize its potential.
  15. G4 TV
    80
    If you can get past the terrible documentation and very steep learning curve, Galactic Civilizations will be not only enjoyable but also addictive.
  16. GameZone
    75
    If you are a serious strategy nut, then try and beat this AI. It seems that they spent most of their energies on that, and it paid off.
  17. ActionTrip
    74
    No matter what you prefer, war, political or economic influence, or diplomacy, it's all there to assure you'll have a variety of ways to prosper and triumph over other races.
  18. Game Chronicles
    70
    Despite being a little too difficult, even on the easy setting, and having all the break-neck speed of a run away yak in a snowdrift Galactic Civilizations is actually an enjoyable experience.
  19. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    An extremely approachable game that has a strong foundation for those who are willing to stick with it for the long haul, despite the fact that it tends to wear a bit thin at present due to the vagaries of its random events and a difficulty level that tends to be too easy or too hard, with very little middle ground for experienced players.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 35
  3. Negative: 4 out of 35
  1. DanO.
    May 20, 2003
    10
    Returning gloriously from the ashes of its mid-90s OS/2 origins, this classic strategy game is back with a raging vengeance on the Windows Returning gloriously from the ashes of its mid-90s OS/2 origins, this classic strategy game is back with a raging vengeance on the Windows platform in 2003. Replayable to the point of abusiveness and deep beyond imagination, ?GalCiv? is an achievement that goes beyond almost all the adulatory accolades that can be rightfully attached to it. Brad Wardell and his team are fully worthy of avatarhood industry-wide for the level of user input they welcome and to which they unfailingly respond. After a months-long beta period, and only a few short weeks after release, no fewer than 4 significant gameplay-enhancing subsequent releases have been provided, with a major expansion pack coming mid-summer. Wardell?s dev team has pledged a full year of ongoing support to expanding GalCiv, and one can only imagine how far this truly phenomenal game will have progressed when Stardock is done polishing it. Yes, there could be more middle ground between ?too easy? and ?too difficult?, and if you?re seeking cutting-edge 3D graphics and tons of shoot-?em-up action, then look elsewhere; but for the thinking, strategy-inclined gamer, this title can only be described as hopelessly addictive gaming nirvana and an ultra-rare treat beyond description. Recommended without a shred of reservation.… Full Review »
  2. Jan
    Sep 12, 2004
    10
    I love this game. Was a little hard to get started, but once you've conquered that its addictive. The AI are excellent. Really I love this game. Was a little hard to get started, but once you've conquered that its addictive. The AI are excellent. Really challenging, and when you find one "level" to easy, there are plenty more to keep on challenging you. Every game is different. Its very customisable (create you're own ships, graphics, movies...) I just really love this game and would recommend to any strategy game player who has a little patience to get started as the rewards are great. I rarely touch any of my other computer games. Another great thing is there is a community! You get to talk to other players and sugest mprovements (there are always patches coming out to make teh game better and more challenging and they listen to the players!) An all round good game in game play, addictiveness, customisable and challenging.… Full Review »
  3. JodyK.
    Apr 24, 2003
    9
    Wow, this one'll suck your time away. A really solid 4x game with excellent AI, a sensible interface that (gasp) actually presents Wow, this one'll suck your time away. A really solid 4x game with excellent AI, a sensible interface that (gasp) actually presents information well, and a few little tools that allow you to manage a large empire without having to click through every planet. One of my favorite aspects of the game is that it de-emphasizes the necessity of combat. yes, you can certainly pursue a military path to victory, but the extensive work put in to building the trade and economic systems mean that you can also win without firing a shot, simply by building your empire into an economic juggernaught. This one has caused quite a few sleepless nights...… Full Review »
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