Galactic Civilizations

 PC
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
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  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 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 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.… Expand
  2. 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 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 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...… Expand
  3. 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 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 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.… Expand
  4. Dane
    Apr 7, 2003
    10
    This is what MOO3 Should have been! Everything I hated about MOO3 (which was everything) was fixed in this wonderful game, I love it! People who were excited about MOO3 like me and needed to fill the gap should get this, it fits jolly nicely!
  5. JamieH.
    Apr 22, 2003
    9
    I like this game, very easy to get into. a few anoyances though like uable to put planet jobs into a job que.
  6. SkylaG.
    Nov 1, 2005
    5
    The game was very nice in graphics, and realism, the music really set the mood, but It only took me a measily 3 hours from start to finish to beat it, on my first game even. The same 4 or 5 zombies jump out at you the entire game... All items are found in the same type of desk or file cabinet... I grew board of the game the same night I got it.. Giving it a 5 out of 10 is being extremely The game was very nice in graphics, and realism, the music really set the mood, but It only took me a measily 3 hours from start to finish to beat it, on my first game even. The same 4 or 5 zombies jump out at you the entire game... All items are found in the same type of desk or file cabinet... I grew board of the game the same night I got it.. Giving it a 5 out of 10 is being extremely nice to the game. What a waist of my money.. Next time, I will jus through my cash out the window and save myself the time.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PC Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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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