Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

 PC
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Image
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 271 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: Legendary designer Sid Meier presents the next evolution in strategy games, with the most addictive, compelling gameplay yet. Explore the alien planet that is your new home and uncover its myriad mysteries. Discover over 75 extraordinary technologies. Build over 60 base upgrades andLegendary designer Sid Meier presents the next evolution in strategy games, with the most addictive, compelling gameplay yet. Explore the alien planet that is your new home and uncover its myriad mysteries. Discover over 75 extraordinary technologies. Build over 60 base upgrades and large-scale secret projects for your empire. Conquer your enemies with a war machine that you design from over 32,000 possible unit types. [Firaxis]… Expand
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. GamePro
    100
    Its brilliance is in a seamless and convincing storytelling that begins with the opening cinematic and never stops unfolding, developing, and engaging. With each new expansion, each contact, crisis, and step closer to ultimate resolution, Alpha Centauri is a hell of a yarn.
  2. PC Gameworld
    98
    Strategy gamers, the Holy Grail hath been found.
  3. IGN
    95
    Remarkable. Alpha Centauri is a better game than "Civilization II"; it's deep, rich, rewarding, thought-provoking in almost every way.
  4. FiringSquad
    90
    Combining all the best features of a genre AND adding evolutionary improvement to them is in fact, revolutionary...The clean interface, astounding gameplay depth, and narcotic addictiveness of SMAC all prove that it deserves one of our highest ratings.
  5. Adrenaline Vault
    90
    It is, by all accounts, one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made and perhaps the best ever of its kind.
  6. Gamezilla!
    88
    Make no mistake about it, this is the game most Civilization lovers have been longing for.
  7. Gamer's Pulse
    80
    The unoriginality in unit appearance kind of killed the game for me and the good soundtrack that overshadows the game can get on your last nerve depending on how long you've been playing. It just continually loops.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
  1. ScottF
    Aug 8, 2008
    10
    I'm so tired of critics thinking that just because this game is "unoriginal" and "too-much like civ2" is a bad thing. This game isI'm so tired of critics thinking that just because this game is "unoriginal" and "too-much like civ2" is a bad thing. This game is arguably the best turn-based strategy game ever. So what if it's a lot like civ2, civ2 was a lot like civ1 but no one seemed to mind then.… Expand
  2. MillerM.K.
    Nov 29, 2004
    10
    This game is one of the best if not THE best game I'v played on the PC.
  4. DragonRaider
    Jan 18, 2014
    10
    It is terrifying that this 15-year-old game is still one of the best games I have ever played.

    The only downside is its graphics and age,    It is terrifying that this 15-year-old game is still one of the best games I have ever played.

    The only downside is its graphics and age, which can't be controlled. If anything deserves a 10, it is this game.

    I'd kill for a sequel.    … Expand
  5. PaulHarri
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    I used to think this was the best game ever. After replaying it recently, I have concur with my past self.
  6. Eiyuu
    Aug 3, 2015
    10
    I still remember the day when my father came home with this game in his hand. He gave it to me and said: "This is an interesting game, youI still remember the day when my father came home with this game in his hand. He gave it to me and said: "This is an interesting game, you should try it out and you will learn a lot from it". I never imagined he will be so spot on. We both spend countless hours playing this game. Now, 15 years later I still remember the game with fondness and go for a run at least once a year. Actually last year I completed the game with 4 factions each with different victories. (Miriam - Population; Provost - Transcendence; Sparta - Conquest; Morgan - Economic).
    This is such a good game I might call it perfect. I had high hopes with Sid and his Beyond Earth, which was not a bad game, but it just has so little replay value in my opinion. While Alpha Centauri just seems to have infinite replay value.    … Expand
  7. 10paktimbits
    Jun 24, 2013
    10
    #1 on my list since it was released. Without any question, hesitation or doubt whatsoever: the best game I have ever played. I've invested#1 on my list since it was released. Without any question, hesitation or doubt whatsoever: the best game I have ever played. I've invested more time into this game than all other games I've ever played combined.

    Sid Meier please make a sequel.    … Expand
  8. plinq
    Mar 7, 2011
    6
    Fun, but broken six ways from side-ways. compared to Civ II-IV, this was an ambitious but ultimately failed attempt at a strategic game.Fun, but broken six ways from side-ways. compared to Civ II-IV, this was an ambitious but ultimately failed attempt at a strategic game. Worth exploring to find all the ways you can break it at least...… Expand

See all 52 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. Games

    Ranked: Best and Worst Computer Strategy Games

    Ranked: Best and Worst Computer Strategy Games Image
    Published: July 26, 2010
    How good must the new "StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty" be to crack our list of the best PC strategy games of all time? Here's how our top ten list currently stands.
    More »

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 1999
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 1999
5
#5 Most Shared PC Game of 1999

Current PC Games

Full List »
93 Sektori
92 Resident Evil Requiem
91 Mixtape
91 Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
90 Lost and Found Co.
89 Rhythm Doctor
88 Mewgenics
88 Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land Definitive Edition
87 Lumines Arise
87 Cross Blitz
87 Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
87 Tombwater
87 Hermit and Pig
87 PRAGMATA
86 Diablo II: Resurrected - Reign of the Warlock
86 Perfect Tides: Station to Station
86 Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven
85 Esoteric Ebb
84 Titanium Court
68 Last Man Sitting
All Current Games »