Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 271 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 271
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 271
  3. Negative: 19 out of 271
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  1. 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, which can't be controlled. If anything deserves a 10, it is this game.

    I'd kill for a sequel.
  2. GarrettM.
    Dec 24, 2007
    10
    This is, without question, the best game I have ever played bar none. The gameplay is smooth and balanced, the subject matter is throught provoking, and the sheer artistry and consideration that went into the technology tree is nothing short of astounding. Incredibly addictive and rewarding without fail, it sets itself apart from the Civ series by being so rich and unique, sometimes I This is, without question, the best game I have ever played bar none. The gameplay is smooth and balanced, the subject matter is throught provoking, and the sheer artistry and consideration that went into the technology tree is nothing short of astounding. Incredibly addictive and rewarding without fail, it sets itself apart from the Civ series by being so rich and unique, sometimes I would find myself just sitting and thinking about the personalities, the technologies, the well selected quotes and the themes they address. This has spoiled strategy gaming for me, because I've never found one that could hold a candle to Alpha Centauri.… Expand
  3. Comradepinko
    Jan 27, 2013
    10
    This is my favorite Civ style game of all time. The gameplay is near perfect and the back story is incredible. I love reading through all of the details on each technology that is developed, and playing through as different factions with entirely different strategies never gets old for me. Even now, more than a decade after its release I still occasionally come back for more, and otherThis is my favorite Civ style game of all time. The gameplay is near perfect and the back story is incredible. I love reading through all of the details on each technology that is developed, and playing through as different factions with entirely different strategies never gets old for me. Even now, more than a decade after its release I still occasionally come back for more, and other modern Civ titles only keep me interested in them for a few months after their release before I come back to this gem.

    Every future empire building game should strive toward imitating the excellent design of this title.    … Expand
  4. ogower
    Aug 24, 2014
    10
    Years later and I still love this game. The backstory is rich and involving, the game mechanics intelligent and fun, the AI some of the best I have ever seen and the overall experience something that stays with you. The AI deserves special mention. In the game you find pods that do various things, one of them being setting of an earthquake that can raise or lower land. In one game, theYears later and I still love this game. The backstory is rich and involving, the game mechanics intelligent and fun, the AI some of the best I have ever seen and the overall experience something that stays with you. The AI deserves special mention. In the game you find pods that do various things, one of them being setting of an earthquake that can raise or lower land. In one game, the drone faction, my allies suddenly broke off their alliance then soon after attacked; it turns out they had accidentally created a land bridge to my continent, presumably making invasion and expansion viable and so changing the AI's game plan. The AI then astounded me when I hammered their ground forces with air by developing ground troops with anti-air capability (presumably using the 'design your own unit' capability that hasn't been used since but is a brilliant innovation), swatting my air force. The game, well over a decade old, felt like I was playing against a human and I have not seen that very often. An astonishing work.… Expand
  5. Egexe9
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    A masterpiece that shouldn't be missed by anyone who likes playing strategic games. It has a very good diplomacy which is quite rare in newer strategic games.
  6. effataigus
    Jun 14, 2013
    10
    This game introduced me to a wide swath of ideas that inspired and excited me. I enjoyed the game too, but it is really the ideas that I still treasure some 10 years later.
  7. GoFindaGolux
    Mar 15, 2011
    10
    Better than any of the Civilization games, in almost every aspect..

    There are useful features in this game that I'm still discovering, even after having played it extensively on three computers. I can't say that for any other game. Two particularly annoying aspects of Civilization are repeated here. The first is the world generator. The player gets one chance a day to start a "good" new    Better than any of the Civilization games, in almost every aspect..

    There are useful features in this game that I'm still discovering, even after having played it extensively on three computers. I can't say that for any other game. Two particularly annoying aspects of Civilization are repeated here. The first is the world generator. The player gets one chance a day to start a "good" new world/game. Repeated tries generate worlds that are often barren and unplayable. The other issue is that if the human player "gets too far ahead", the computer players go into overdrive -- enemy units becoming nearly invincible. Even more annoying, if the computer has decided some faction must die (to make way for another computer player who can challenge you), no amount of money or military units given to the "loser" will save them. They do practically nothing to defend themselves and crumble without warning..    … Expand
  8. TechnologoDoom
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    Alpha Centauri dominates the competition and marks out the stakes for engaging, civilization building. Here's why...

    1. Cultural Philosophy is embodied in the different factions. Ridded of the heavy baggage accompanying past factions (egyptians, americans), factions are boilded town to philosophical embodiments including relgious fundamentalism and scientific anarchism. 2. Tech tree has    Alpha Centauri dominates the competition and marks out the stakes for engaging, civilization building. Here's why...

    1. Cultural Philosophy is embodied in the different factions. Ridded of the heavy baggage accompanying past factions (egyptians, americans), factions are boilded town to philosophical embodiments including relgious fundamentalism and scientific anarchism. 2. Tech tree has actually been thought out. From the quotes from famous literary figures to the theoretical nature of the discoveries, the tech tree makes you actually stop and read. That never happens in other games of this genre.

    3. "Planet" is a living breathing player in the game. Not only in the storyline, but also in mindworm opposition, Alpha Centauri gounds civilization in the environment, and forces an amount of eco-friendliness from it's technological business. 4. The graphics and music are wonderous. They effectively immerse your consciousness into the game itself, drawing you in, and bringing you to this planet at the far reaches of space. Absolutely beautiful.

    This game makes the "Civilization" series boring and inconsequential.    … Expand
  9. Ecclesiastes
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    The gameplay from the Civilization series is adapted for an engaging sci-fi experience. The real genius of the game, and what ensures its immortality, is the compelling and dynamic world it creates through a series of excellently voice-acted quotes. Each will have you thinking, and feeling, and longing for more.
  10. Ndi
    May 28, 2013
    10
    Without a doubt the best game I ever played.

    Better than Civ series, with a more natural and dynamic diplomacy, much better story, much better terraforming, and the level of detail put in every aspect of the game is unbelievable. Custom units, psy combat, water combat, air combat, bombardment, espionage, the planet itself turning against you and, frankly, the first turn based game I    Without a doubt the best game I ever played.

    Better than Civ series, with a more natural and dynamic diplomacy, much better story, much better terraforming, and the level of detail put in every aspect of the game is unbelievable.

    Custom units, psy combat, water combat, air combat, bombardment, espionage, the planet itself turning against you and, frankly, the first turn based game I liked. There's so much to do you never feel it's turn based. Units fight back, pull out, defenses fire, it feels dynamic.

    And the research quotes and customizing ability is beyond impressive.

    Best. Game. Ever. Oh, and, works in W7 x64 just fine, 14 years later. Scenario editor, too. Custom factions. too. This is how a game should be.    … Expand
  11. 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 more time into this game than all other games I've ever played combined.

    Sid Meier please make a sequel.
  12. BrianW.
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    The best game I've ever played.
  13. GlennM.
    Aug 22, 2005
    10
    Meiers just blows my mind with his unbelievably enthralling gameplay.
  14. RichardP.
    Nov 29, 2006
    10
    This game really gets you in the role of a responsible and sometimes cynical leader. I fell the game really hits the peaks of an RTS and just allows you to immerse yourself for hours upon hours of playing. Truly great!
  15. Crowbarfetish
    Mar 24, 2011
    10
    I played this game years ago when I was just a wee tyke,. I got civ5 and got nostalgic so I dug up my old copy. Still so much fun.. The story. The depth.. Man... They really don't make them like they used to.. Have we gotten stupider?
  16. Cgarater
    Nov 26, 2010
    10
    Liked a lot, one of the MASTER PIECES of it's time, technology tree was superb and you could play it as a leader of one of the 3 clans after a trip to another galaxy. Simply another MUST HAVE
  17. Doniazade
    Dec 5, 2010
    10
    More or less the single best turn-based strategy game ever made, excelling in absolutely every area. Even now, nearly twelve years later, very few games can stand up to its incredible charm and addictiveness. I could play it for months and months.
  18. NotkerBiloba
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    Agree wholeheartedly with Tb87670, except I was a little older in 1999 and had played previous Civ titles and whatnot. This game is 16 years old, and miraculously still fresh on my current play-through after not having looked at it in years. I love the sci-fi story in addition to all the usual Civ features. If only something similarly creative could be done in this genre!
  19. Drakan
    Sep 1, 2011
    10
    Brilliant game. SMAC is probably the apex of Turn-Based Strategy gaming even 13 years after its release. The amount of Philosophy, imagination, new technological trends that was poured into it was amazing at the time. I got to pick up this game for the first time in 2004, some 6 years after its release, and I was blown out of the water by its staggering depth and possibilities. The limitBrilliant game. SMAC is probably the apex of Turn-Based Strategy gaming even 13 years after its release. The amount of Philosophy, imagination, new technological trends that was poured into it was amazing at the time. I got to pick up this game for the first time in 2004, some 6 years after its release, and I was blown out of the water by its staggering depth and possibilities. The limit is really your skill and imagination on playing it. You can play it through a myriad of different playstyles following which faction you choose to play with. Each game will feel completely different from another one as the strategies that must be pursued are completely different. Highly recommendable game which you can now buy, updated, through GOG.com for only 5 USD. Really worthwhile. You do not need a high end rig to play it. Its pure strategy gaming directly in your veins.… Expand
  20. bubbadukes
    Mar 30, 2011
    10
    if you even remotely liked any of the civ games, buy this. graphics aren't phenomenal but the presentation and depth are. the amount of choices at your disposal is overwhelming. the civ series never became stale for me, but if it did for anyone, this game will likely freshen up the experience. similar structure, different atmosphere and world. the thought provoking quotes never fail toif you even remotely liked any of the civ games, buy this. graphics aren't phenomenal but the presentation and depth are. the amount of choices at your disposal is overwhelming. the civ series never became stale for me, but if it did for anyone, this game will likely freshen up the experience. similar structure, different atmosphere and world. the thought provoking quotes never fail to disappoint either.… Expand
  21. Gotterdammerung
    May 29, 2011
    10
    It's a fantastic game with an very large scope, and takes it all in it's stride. The technology is all scientifically correct, and the descriptions explain a lot, and the quotes interesting. Also, customization of units is a great touch, that I am sad to see has not been continued in later games. The best part about it, for me, were the faction leaders, each with their own distinctIt's a fantastic game with an very large scope, and takes it all in it's stride. The technology is all scientifically correct, and the descriptions explain a lot, and the quotes interesting. Also, customization of units is a great touch, that I am sad to see has not been continued in later games. The best part about it, for me, were the faction leaders, each with their own distinct personality and viewpoints, all of them humanly flawed, and easy to emphasise with, and see the various pros and cons of their worldview. It has a varied set of win conditions, and the planetary council is a joy. It's one of the best games I've ever played, and I would recommend it to everyone. It's a rare game that makes you truly think about what you are doing.… Expand
  22. Jedai
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    Still one of the most amazing game of its category. SMAC was fascinating when it came out and it is my belief that it has yet to be surpassed on the depth and interest of its setting for a realist Sci-Fi strategy video game. The gameplay is surprisingly smooth, maintaining your interest and your control despite the great complexity of the game mechanics. With an almost infiniteStill one of the most amazing game of its category. SMAC was fascinating when it came out and it is my belief that it has yet to be surpassed on the depth and interest of its setting for a realist Sci-Fi strategy video game. The gameplay is surprisingly smooth, maintaining your interest and your control despite the great complexity of the game mechanics. With an almost infinite replayability potential SMAC is still played today while plenty of other popular games in its category have disappeared after a short (comparatively) time.

    One of the most interesting Civ-like opus.    … Expand
  23. Mr_Big
    Nov 8, 2011
    10
    This is the definitive masterpiece of the strategy genre. Never have I seen a game invest so much effort into building up the lore of the setting. Gameplay is intuitive, easy to learn, and exciting.Factions are varied and diverse, ensuring that players of all stripes have something to suit their styles of play. Multiple paths to victory and engaging multiplayer cement the re-playability ofThis is the definitive masterpiece of the strategy genre. Never have I seen a game invest so much effort into building up the lore of the setting. Gameplay is intuitive, easy to learn, and exciting.Factions are varied and diverse, ensuring that players of all stripes have something to suit their styles of play. Multiple paths to victory and engaging multiplayer cement the re-playability of this game.

    If you are a fan of either science fiction or strategy games in general, I highly suggest that you give this game a try.    … Expand
  24. Tb87670
    Jan 27, 2015
    10
    The classic. Hasn't been beat really, shame it's suffering from licensing issues and no real sequel could be made. Every Civilization game before and after this game was not near as good as this game, no joke. Customizable units for starters, flexible tech tree, lots of options for terraforming including mountains to collect moisture and make rainfall on one side and to make the other sideThe classic. Hasn't been beat really, shame it's suffering from licensing issues and no real sequel could be made. Every Civilization game before and after this game was not near as good as this game, no joke. Customizable units for starters, flexible tech tree, lots of options for terraforming including mountains to collect moisture and make rainfall on one side and to make the other side dry which could be used to ruin an opponents farmland. The complexity is nuts for how old this game is, yet it was easy enough for me to play when 13 with no prior strategy game experience. Even the current attempt at a remake called 'Beyond Earth' is a pale shadow to the original Alpha Cent. The expansion is also good, it just adds more to the already great game.… Expand
  25. BadIdeas
    Jun 19, 2019
    9
    The Best Civ game ever, bar none. Yes, the graphics are dated. Yes, the AI fails at the late game. Yes, there are some balance issues. However, the shear level of customization that was available makes modern Civ games look simple by comparison. The game had something like a million plus possible unit variations. Terrain can be lowered/raised in game using formers (builder unit). FactionsThe Best Civ game ever, bar none. Yes, the graphics are dated. Yes, the AI fails at the late game. Yes, there are some balance issues. However, the shear level of customization that was available makes modern Civ games look simple by comparison. The game had something like a million plus possible unit variations. Terrain can be lowered/raised in game using formers (builder unit). Factions were distinct and interesting. Wonder cutscenes were incredible, and there was a storyline that wasn't too bad.… Expand
  26. Palizoid
    Sep 1, 2016
    10
    One of the best turn based strategy games of all time. Honestly, would be awesome if they left this game as it is, and just did a graphical remake to bring it into 2016.
  27. 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, 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. ActuallyI 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
  28. 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. Worth exploring to find all the ways you can break it at least...
  29. DorianG.
    Aug 10, 2008
    10
    The greatest game ever made, like Civilzation with every aspect improved on. Interesting factions, fascinating technologies, hilarious quotes and profound philosophy make this good game into an amazing game.
  30. Selfbiased
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    Sid equals god.
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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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Computer Games Magazine
    80
    It might sit a little short of Transcendence, but at four o'clock in the morning you probably won't even notice.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    91
    Another one of those games that can make hours pass like minutes...With its top-notch diplomacy, civilization building, and wargame elements, Alpha Centauri is the new pinnacle of turn-based strategy games.
    Read full review
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