Spore

 PC
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 2110 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 885 out of 2110
  2. Mixed: 446 out of 2110
  3. Negative: 779 out of 2110
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  1. SebOss
    Sep 26, 2008
    4
    This game is mediocre at best. Very nice creature editor but bland graphics, shallow and repetitive gameplay.
    I fail to see how anyone would replay this game except for the space age, which mostly consist in running around like a headless chicken resolving annoying random events anyway.
    This game is totally overrated and underwhelming. I won't even mention the DRM issue which has    This game is mediocre at best. Very nice creature editor but bland graphics, shallow and repetitive gameplay.
    I fail to see how anyone would replay this game except for the space age, which mostly consist in running around like a headless chicken resolving annoying random events anyway.
    This game is totally overrated and underwhelming.
    I won't even mention the DRM issue which has been extensively debated all over the web.
    Please don' buy the hype.    … Expand
  2. 4ndy
    Sep 26, 2008
    4
    The the idea of this games is revolutionary - "create your own game". The dark side is, "create it in programmers limits". The game is for like 10 years max kids. They say it's like Sims - pardon me, but Sims are complex like quantum physics with comparation to this. There are 5 stages of your evolution. The programmers are putting all emphasis on the last space stage, that will takeThe the idea of this games is revolutionary - "create your own game". The dark side is, "create it in programmers limits". The game is for like 10 years max kids. They say it's like Sims - pardon me, but Sims are complex like quantum physics with comparation to this. There are 5 stages of your evolution. The programmers are putting all emphasis on the last space stage, that will take you most time. But the last stage is ironically the most boring. Your looking for useless artifacts, terraforming takes a looong time and gives you nothing, AI is simple, stupid, aggresive and "good-or-bad" like. There are no quests and i actually never finished this game, coz it bored me to death. Very unsatisfactionary. - and did i say the graphics is shameful...… Expand
  3. AnonymousAnonymous
    Sep 26, 2008
    5
    Awesome game, too bad EA distributed it. They are ruining all maxis games. That's why I and dozen of people pirated it.

    Beside that, this is the most impressive peice of programmation I have ever seen. Gameplay is amazing during cell and creature phases. Tribal phase is boring. Macro management is really hard and the gameplay is way too basic. Civilization phase is ok. You can    Awesome game, too bad EA distributed it. They are ruining all maxis games. That's why I and dozen of people pirated it.

    Beside that, this is the most impressive peice of programmation I have ever seen. Gameplay is amazing during cell and creature phases. Tribal phase is boring. Macro management is really hard and the gameplay is way too basic. Civilization phase is ok. You can build your own vehicles and buildings, but beside that, it's too long. There are too much cities to ally and/or destroy. Money is also really easy to gain. Then it comes to space phase. Micromanagement kicks back in, the ammount of place you can visit and things you can do is incredible for the actual size of the game. My main complaint about this phase is that attacks and disasters get on your nerves.
    Spore is an excellent game except for tribal and civilization phase because of aweful controls and boring gameplay. It is technically incredible, and a really fun game for people who like to create stuff. The main flaw of Spore is that EA distributed it.    … Expand
  4. BradTohtz
    Sep 26, 2008
    3
    After waiting for this game for 3 years, I'm extremely disappointed in the final product. The creature creator is simply amazing and the high point of this game. The gameplay is where this game fails. They tried to fit to much in one box and because of that this game falls flat on its face. None of the stages of the game are entertaining, and on top of that this game has aAfter waiting for this game for 3 years, I'm extremely disappointed in the final product. The creature creator is simply amazing and the high point of this game. The gameplay is where this game fails. They tried to fit to much in one box and because of that this game falls flat on its face. None of the stages of the game are entertaining, and on top of that this game has a ridiculous DRM which only lets you install the game 3 times before you have to buy another copy.… Expand
  5. AugurDragonWolf
    Sep 25, 2008
    0
    The game its self is ok gets old fast IMHO but others may enjoy it longer. I ratted this game 0 because of the DRM. The 3 activation limit may be an issue for some and my not be for others but the secret installation of SecuROM to ring 0 allowing it to override your control of your hardware is totaly unacceptable!
  6. OwenDunne
    Sep 25, 2008
    5
    This game was fun for the first 7 hours of gameplay or so, and the first creature I made I had lots of fun with making and eventually designing the buildings. However after the initial playthrough it does become fairly boring. I do remember however going through the game on my first runthrough and still expecting something more, which never came.
  7. LagaMahesa
    Sep 25, 2008
    3
    First off, this has nothing to do with DRM. Separate issue.

    This game features five levels, each linked with fun lego and plasticene building fun : Level 1 : Pacman Deluxe. Level 2 : Pacman Deluxe 2008 Winner's XTreme Rage Singing Edition. Level 3 : Age of Empires pre-alpha. Level 4 : RISK for kids. Level 5 : Join-the-Dots Galactic Edition. Now with extra RSI inducing    First off, this has nothing to do with DRM. Separate issue.

    This game features five levels, each linked with fun lego and plasticene building fun :

    Level 1 : Pacman Deluxe.
    Level 2 : Pacman Deluxe 2008 Winner's XTreme Rage Singing Edition.
    Level 3 : Age of Empires pre-alpha.
    Level 4 : RISK for kids.
    Level 5 : Join-the-Dots Galactic Edition. Now with extra RSI inducing frustration!

    A game based on evolution that a) ignores sex, b) ignores evolutionary triggers, c) allows you to add and remove chunks at will, ignoring evolutionary stages, d) in fact allows you to create an entirely different creature each time you 'mate' in the creature stage has quite obviously been usurped by the intelligent design crew... who, unfortunately, have the same idea of what makes a good game as a cat that has been deceased for 6 weeks, having been run over by an articulated truck.

    The good thing is that the game's name is spot on. Spore. A tiny seed from which something beautiful might eventually develop. Unfortunately, this particular spore's development time is going to be in the decades, well after I'm dead.

    Will Wright... you have betrayed your fans. You stood at the front door waving the golden egg back in 2005, but what we got instead was a tvrd wrapped in gold foil. I and others don't care about what 'camp' you were in - you didn't tell us, after showing us those glories, about Spore's dumbing down and "cute-fication".

    This could have been the kernel of a future Matrix, a true life sim. Instead we got 4gb of popcap games.    … Expand
  8. HankRiker
    Sep 25, 2008
    1
    Totally crippled under the weight of it's DRM. I have picked up the Galactic Edition several times now, and considered buying this game, only to put it back.

    EA needs to wake up. DRM does NOTHING to deter real piracy, but punishes legitimate owners. Mass Effect is the last game that I will buy that has onerous DRM. I will happily buy Spore the moment they remove the installed    Totally crippled under the weight of it's DRM. I have picked up the Galactic Edition several times now, and considered buying this game, only to put it back.

    EA needs to wake up. DRM does NOTHING to deter real piracy, but punishes legitimate owners.

    Mass Effect is the last game that I will buy that has onerous DRM. I will happily buy Spore the moment they remove the installed Digital Restrictions Management software from the game.    … Expand
  9. AlexSmith
    Sep 25, 2008
    0
    There comes a time when disappointment reaches a pinnacle when it comes to developers screwing with games.
    This time they have done it.
    What happened to the absolutely amazing videos they showed us a year or so ago? The dances based on your creature's design, it actually MATTERED if your creature had thirty legs and one arm. He'd be just a bit faster than the one-legged guy    There comes a time when disappointment reaches a pinnacle when it comes to developers screwing with games.
    This time they have done it.
    What happened to the absolutely amazing videos they showed us a year or so ago? The dances based on your creature's design, it actually MATTERED if your creature had thirty legs and one arm. He'd be just a bit faster than the one-legged guy next to you. Now, its all about stats. A glorified RPG.
    Oh, and don't even get me started on the DRM. I love this game. But I do NOT love what it has become, and what EA has slapped onto it (Read: Draconian DRM)    … Expand
  10. NelsB
    Sep 24, 2008
    3
    Incredibly over-hyped, very shallow, unoriginal, highly derivative game. For all of its supposed novelty and originality, Spore is nothing more than a very simple RPG/RTS. It really feels like it was made for children, which may be the correct target audience for Spore. I can't imagine that very many people who have played many computer games in the last 10-15 years will find SporeIncredibly over-hyped, very shallow, unoriginal, highly derivative game. For all of its supposed novelty and originality, Spore is nothing more than a very simple RPG/RTS. It really feels like it was made for children, which may be the correct target audience for Spore. I can't imagine that very many people who have played many computer games in the last 10-15 years will find Spore to be a positive experience.… Expand
  11. DA
    Sep 24, 2008
    0
    I had to re-install it a few times because my computer is screwed up...now I have to buy a new copy if I want to play it because the DRM prevents me from doing another install! I haven't even gotten to play it yet and I've spent more then $50 !!!
  12. thomasknudlleson
    Sep 24, 2008
    1
    Miserable failure. Cool concept, pretty lame execution. I was bored with the first game, found the 2nd one even worse, 3rd was slightly redeeming, but omg what an unrelated pile of crap these little party games are. This is mario party 1 for one player lol. And the controls are stupid, can't configure the mouse or movement keys. F-
  13. AnthonyJessup
    Sep 24, 2008
    1
    WTF is this game getitng such good reviews? Man, I bought this expecting it to be at least playable. I can't install it, and the dealer won't take it back. What's up with the copy protection? It tells me I can't istall it because I have some memory problem? Huh?? This stupid game cost me $50 and I still can't get it installed. what is wrong with this pos?? Sheesh
  14. NateC
    Sep 24, 2008
    1
    The old bait & switch. Let's show them footage of what they think will be in the game, then completely switch it out at the last minute!

    This is an unfinished, unpolished, un-fun game. It gimps the gameplay for the first 4 stages, then the AI kicks in and runs you into the ground in Space stage. It's great to look at on moderate systems, for the most part, but loses its luster    The old bait & switch. Let's show them footage of what they think will be in the game, then completely switch it out at the last minute!

    This is an unfinished, unpolished, un-fun game. It gimps the gameplay for the first 4 stages, then the AI kicks in and runs you into the ground in Space stage. It's great to look at on moderate systems, for the most part, but loses its luster the more you play it, ironically.

    Absolute disappointment.    … Expand
  15. cvs
    Sep 24, 2008
    0
    I was so looking forward to this game. Bwarp. Installed it and 10 hours later gave up on trying to get it to go. All I got was the unhelpful "Cannot Connect to Internet to Verify" message. I completely disabled my security settings, disabled firewall, uninstalled, reinstalled, installed the patch, investigated using FireShark, got some mindless suggestions from support, spent hoursI was so looking forward to this game. Bwarp. Installed it and 10 hours later gave up on trying to get it to go. All I got was the unhelpful "Cannot Connect to Internet to Verify" message. I completely disabled my security settings, disabled firewall, uninstalled, reinstalled, installed the patch, investigated using FireShark, got some mindless suggestions from support, spent hours searching the internet and tried every other method I could think of. I'm a software engineer, so if I can't get it to go, I don't know what chance most other people have. All I could figure in the end was that it was something to do with my on-board network card. Judging by what I see online, I am not the only one. Not impressed.… Expand
  16. ShallaS.
    Sep 23, 2008
    3
    To summarize my feelings about the game: it was far too short (from microbe to space in a matter of two hours to three hours), the tribal phase is dull as there are no challenges, and the space stage is so phenomenally irritating. Spice production at first is slow, and so help me if I see another space pirate again I'm tossing the computer out the window. I can't leave myTo summarize my feelings about the game: it was far too short (from microbe to space in a matter of two hours to three hours), the tribal phase is dull as there are no challenges, and the space stage is so phenomenally irritating. Spice production at first is slow, and so help me if I see another space pirate again I'm tossing the computer out the window. I can't leave my homeworld for thirty seconds without getting an urgent message, "Your homeworld is under attack!" The battles are frustrating as there are always more than one invader, and the one you are fighting will inevitably fly off and heal itself before you can get the deathblow in...all in all, I'll be sticking to the creature creator, the diamond in the rough.… Expand
  17. JesseRadin
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    The fact that this has a 4.6 shows that most users are mentally challenged. These are the frat boys that Microsoft bribes to play Halo all day to make it seem like people actually like shitty shooters with guns that make no sense. Spore is the greatest game ever, but not for dumbasses. So if you just want to shoot things, gtfo.
  18. ZachS
    Sep 22, 2008
    0
    The hyper Maxis generated from the game is so astoundingly far-fetched given what the game could have been. It's five masterable flash games masked with an "Evolution Theme" that, if done well and correctly (could I say uniquely, too? come's on, it's MAXIS!!!) could've indeed lived up to the hype it built up over the last three years. If I wanted to play a game of FlowThe hyper Maxis generated from the game is so astoundingly far-fetched given what the game could have been. It's five masterable flash games masked with an "Evolution Theme" that, if done well and correctly (could I say uniquely, too? come's on, it's MAXIS!!!) could've indeed lived up to the hype it built up over the last three years. If I wanted to play a game of Flow or a no-depth RTS, I would've went to Google and found a flash game site. And what is UP with the DRM? Is every gamer out there a crook? Not the way to treat your customers. The only real 'revolution' here was the creature creator, which should have been the only thing Maxis released. Anyone giving more than a five on their review is either nine years old or has played the game or maybe an hour. It's just disgusting, a few idealists on Spore.com's forum could have created a better game. Too much shitty hardware to talk about. Definately not worth the money.… Expand
  19. ToddS
    Sep 22, 2008
    9
    This is a wonderful game. It's not totally nihilistic in that you have options for making allies and avoiding conflict. It gives a slight sense of the fun God must have had putting life forms together. You also don't spend all of your time destroying and killing (but you can if you want to). My son loves this as do I. It's neat to try on different roles (egThis is a wonderful game. It's not totally nihilistic in that you have options for making allies and avoiding conflict. It gives a slight sense of the fun God must have had putting life forms together. You also don't spend all of your time destroying and killing (but you can if you want to). My son loves this as do I. It's neat to try on different roles (eg carnivore/predator/aggressor vs vegetarian/ diplomat) and see how it effects your evolution as a species/lifeform/civilization.

    Also, alot has been said about EA's "draconian" DRM. I say bollocks! It's no less user unfriendly tha Steam and Their download policy isn't as sucktacular as people let on. Personally, I found EA to be easy to work with.    … Expand
  20. johnevans
    Sep 22, 2008
    0
    ok so here is how evelution is supposed to work: Creatures that are ill suited for an environment die off. Creatures that have mutations that help them out in their environment thrive and live on passing on genetic material to furthur mutate. This game does not adhear to this idea at all. In this game no matter what your design is your creature will pretty much servive, because how youok so here is how evelution is supposed to work: Creatures that are ill suited for an environment die off. Creatures that have mutations that help them out in their environment thrive and live on passing on genetic material to furthur mutate. This game does not adhear to this idea at all. In this game no matter what your design is your creature will pretty much servive, because how you build your creature has no effect on how it works. This is very dissapointing. What is the point of creating something if the only thing you can do to it is make it look different. If I do a good job creating a creature I want it to kick ass, if I do a bad job of creawting a creature I want it to die. Thats my first complaint of many about this game. 3 installs is all you get!!! thats shit. After creating your character the gameplay is very very very very shallow. So whatever. This game is stupid we all know that. Now what to do with all of these critics who seem to think that a single good gimic is enough to make antire game good. And why dont they ever talk about how crappy secur rom is and how evasive it is to your computer. Secur ROM completely crashed my computer, and my computer kicks a lot of ass. So just avoid this game get the creature creator online for free, and wait for someone else to take this creature creator idea to the next level.… Expand
  21. Pnothy
    Sep 22, 2008
    3
    It started out with a bit of promise, but when I realized that your actions don't really correspond to your evolution (you may spend points to whatever you like) and to get these points you have to repeat simple repetitive actions endlessly, the fun slipped away quickly. Compared to the Sims, the user interface is way less intuitive, so one (at least I) can miss certain essentialIt started out with a bit of promise, but when I realized that your actions don't really correspond to your evolution (you may spend points to whatever you like) and to get these points you have to repeat simple repetitive actions endlessly, the fun slipped away quickly. Compared to the Sims, the user interface is way less intuitive, so one (at least I) can miss certain essential elements of gameplay easily. For example, I upgraded my creature with a ranged attack ability, only to find out it was ranged after a friend told me. During my game, I had no clue as to why it wouldn't work in battles. Maybe I am too stupid for modern games... ;)

    The creature editor is quite fun to play, but the rest is, in my opinion, a bad implementation of an innovative game idea. Just get the creature editor and don't burden yourself with the repetitive DNA-point scraping to finally get to build the same character in a slower way!    … Expand
  22. AnonymousMC
    Sep 21, 2008
    1
    I feel like I wasted $70 on this game after all the hype.
    The first 2 stages were decent but then tribal stage rolled around and completely destroyed what could have been a decent game.
    If there was any doubt after tribal stage, Civ stage was added in just to put the final nail in the coffin. Even space stage seems cold and lifeless, the creature you lovingly created all but    I feel like I wasted $70 on this game after all the hype.
    The first 2 stages were decent but then tribal stage rolled around and completely destroyed what could have been a decent game.
    If there was any doubt after tribal stage, Civ stage was added in just to put the final nail in the coffin.

    Even space stage seems cold and lifeless, the creature you lovingly created all but disappears after the creature stage.    … Expand
  23. sporedisappointed
    Sep 21, 2008
    2
    Worst gameplay ever. Maybe those who said that you have to use your imagination to enjoy this project of a game are right: you have to imagine that it is fun and challenging. Stay away from this release, because it intends to be a 5 in 1 experience but turned out to be five epic fails in one expensive and intrusive package.
  24. AndrewW
    Sep 21, 2008
    8
    I give this game an 8 out of 10. Jumping into the game through the cell stage was a fun way of giving you a very basic idea of what you're gonna be doing for the rest of the game. Creature is a decent explore game. Tribal is by far the worst part of the game, horribly designed, and that's what gives this game an 8 for me. Civilization is a lot more redeeming when you can designI give this game an 8 out of 10. Jumping into the game through the cell stage was a fun way of giving you a very basic idea of what you're gonna be doing for the rest of the game. Creature is a decent explore game. Tribal is by far the worst part of the game, horribly designed, and that's what gives this game an 8 for me. Civilization is a lot more redeeming when you can design your own buildings and vehicles. Space stage is the most fun for me, huge and fast and full of surprises.… Expand
  25. DavidBuePedersen
    Sep 21, 2008
    0
    The aggressive DRM restrictions to this game, that'll allow you to only activate the came 3 times means that I guess I'm done buying EA titles.
    Take this scenario:
    Say I want to deinstall the game to get some more free space, then a while later I reinstall the game. Half a year later I could get a virus that force me to reinstall my OS. Now I install spore again... ...For    The aggressive DRM restrictions to this game, that'll allow you to only activate the came 3 times means that I guess I'm done buying EA titles.
    Take this scenario:

    Say I want to deinstall the game to get some more free space, then a while later I reinstall the game. Half a year later I could get a virus that force me to reinstall my OS. Now I install spore again... ...For the LAST time, as all my activations has been used!

    Come on EA! How many gamers dosen't reinstall their OS at least once a year?    … Expand
  26. RedAvatar
    Sep 21, 2008
    4
    7/10 for the game itself (and I'm being generous here - it's really more a 6/10) but -3 because it uses draconian DRM making it unbuyable. I collect games but one thing I really can't do, is buy a game that will turn out to no longer work in 5 years.
  27. HarryBarton
    Sep 21, 2008
    1
    game does not work. You get to the tribe stage then it keeps crashing! No piont buying - Huge disapointment. even if it did work it wouldnt be much fun. The way your creature is made dosnt really matter. All that matters is the parts you put on so if all the parts are in rediculous places it is still a good creature. also 2 leggs is no slower than 4
  28. DaveSmith
    Sep 20, 2008
    0
    I refuse to rent this game! I still have old PC games (Command and Conquer, Secret of Monkey Island) that I play to this day. They've probably been reinstalled at least 15 times each due to new PCs, reformatting to fix the innumerable problems with Windows, etc.) I refuse to buy a game I can't play years down the road due to the excessive greed of a megacorp. They've lostI refuse to rent this game! I still have old PC games (Command and Conquer, Secret of Monkey Island) that I play to this day. They've probably been reinstalled at least 15 times each due to new PCs, reformatting to fix the innumerable problems with Windows, etc.) I refuse to buy a game I can't play years down the road due to the excessive greed of a megacorp. They've lost yet another customer. Red Alert 3 and The Sims 3 were sure buys for me as well, but I won't buy them with this ridiculous malware attached to them.… Expand
  29. MatthewHoesterey
    Sep 19, 2008
    7
    An amazing toy. Anytime your creating creatures or buildings the "game" is fun. The problem is that once you've created something there isn't anything to do thats actually fun. The game minus the creation part is one of the worst I've played.
    Great Toy Concept now they just need to add the game part.
  30. JohnM
    Sep 19, 2008
    3
    The game has promise but completely fails to deliver. My 10 year old daughter loves it though.
  31. JaysonL.
    Sep 19, 2008
    6
    Spore started out as a very fun game and very interesting. The game begins as a little cell, then you grow into an organism, then into a tribe, then into a civilization, then into an empire to conquer space. The real question is this: Do you love the game the sims? If yes, this game is for you. If not, stay away. This game is , in essence, the Sims with a build mode, and instead of emotes Spore started out as a very fun game and very interesting. The game begins as a little cell, then you grow into an organism, then into a tribe, then into a civilization, then into an empire to conquer space. The real question is this: Do you love the game the sims? If yes, this game is for you. If not, stay away. This game is , in essence, the Sims with a build mode, and instead of emotes they replaced it with a combat system. Now you don't need to fight, you can "negotiate" and become good friends. The problem is that the game is linear. I Had tons of fun building the characters etc, but after awhile the game is just plain boring. This game had a lot of potential, lets just say the Super Nintendo game Evo: search for eden beats it about 9,001 times over. I have a hard time believing that games on this level are still being produced. This is a game ill be just lending out to friends to play, as its only fun for about 10 hours of gameplay.… Expand
  32. CraigN.
    Sep 19, 2008
    2
    I was going to buy this game no matter what after i saw the hour long presentations over 3 years ago. Now it seems like the game is actually less fun than the version that will wright was playing when showing off what it could do. Frankly the game is barely a full game. Its 5 mini games like you might find in one of those 2 dollar packs of games in the bargain bins at electronic stores. I was going to buy this game no matter what after i saw the hour long presentations over 3 years ago. Now it seems like the game is actually less fun than the version that will wright was playing when showing off what it could do. Frankly the game is barely a full game. Its 5 mini games like you might find in one of those 2 dollar packs of games in the bargain bins at electronic stores. The only thing that warrants any kind of praise is the creature creator. This aspect of design does seem unique and fun to play with, but in the end even it is not as good as promised.… Expand
  33. AnonymousMC
    Sep 19, 2008
    0
    This game, though novel, contains a draconian form of DRM that is insulting to game buyers. It does nothing to prevent the unauthorized distribution of the software, and punishes honest gamers by installing ridiculous malware/spyware equivalents just to play. Top that off to limiting the game to only three lifetime installations, and you soon realize you aren't buying the game, youThis game, though novel, contains a draconian form of DRM that is insulting to game buyers. It does nothing to prevent the unauthorized distribution of the software, and punishes honest gamers by installing ridiculous malware/spyware equivalents just to play. Top that off to limiting the game to only three lifetime installations, and you soon realize you aren't buying the game, you are buying the right to play the game in a very limited framework. No thanks, I'll pass. I don't support the idea that I'm guilty until proven innocent (without even an opportunity to prove innocence). Shame on EA for destroying this game.… Expand
  34. SofiaS.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    The Space level is where this game really hits it for me. It really opens up and you can fly from planet to planet. Seeing stuff I made earlier in the game on these planets is really cool.
  35. DavidL.
    Sep 19, 2008
    5
    Fun the first few times through, then gets very repetitive.
  36. AllyS.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    I loved making my own creatures and playing the creature game. The Epics are awesome. Get in their way and they'll grab you and throw you.
  37. CharlesA.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    I continue to be amazed at what has been accomplished with this game. The scope is staggering, the creation tools are deep and easy for anyone to use, and the lure of having your creations spread throughout the internet is strong.
  38. DavidC.
    Sep 19, 2008
    0
    I had a lot of problems with the game and now it is worthless because of the 3 install limit. Waste of money, I have a expensive coaster now, thanks EA.... you suck!!!!
  39. JohnS.
    Sep 19, 2008
    9
    A great game that requires you to set your own goals and pursue them how you choose. Think of it like playing with a box of Legos.
  40. GaryTyson
    Sep 19, 2008
    0
    The game s INFECTED WITH DRM SECUROM i NOT interested in it any more these big corporations take the pis
    STAND UP PEOPLE DONT BUY THIS DRM
    SH@T FROM EA
    VOTE WITH YOUR WALLET
    DONT BUT EA GAMES TILL THEY DITCH DRACOIN DRM
    AND THIS GAME IS NOTHING LIKE GOOD ITS BORIING THEY HAVE MESSED IT UP SO BAD
  41. ChristopherG.
    Sep 19, 2008
    4
    This is basically a rehash of many of the reviews given already. - Game is like 5 mini games, loosely tied together. - Low replay-ablility, just not that engaging gameplay. - Sure it's interesting to put together creatures, but beyond that, there's not much to hold your interest. - This game is perhaps better for the under 12 crowd. Graphic and game play sophistications are This is basically a rehash of many of the reviews given already. - Game is like 5 mini games, loosely tied together. - Low replay-ablility, just not that engaging gameplay. - Sure it's interesting to put together creatures, but beyond that, there's not much to hold your interest. - This game is perhaps better for the under 12 crowd. Graphic and game play sophistications are simple. - I tried to get a refund after 4 days of play, couldn't get one. - Way over hyped, don't fall for it! Last EA game I'll ever purchase. Just not worth the money when there's so much other stuff out there.… Expand
  42. AnubisG
    Sep 18, 2008
    10
    If you have no imagination / are a little nubcake kid / are a casual gamer idiot / are stupid - This game will suck to you, I'm sorry, but you lack the intelligence to play it. Anyone who rates this game less than 8 is a freaking idiot, or has no creativity. This game is the most innovative game I've played in a WHILE. In a game market dominated by garbage games released to If you have no imagination / are a little nubcake kid / are a casual gamer idiot / are stupid - This game will suck to you, I'm sorry, but you lack the intelligence to play it. Anyone who rates this game less than 8 is a freaking idiot, or has no creativity. This game is the most innovative game I've played in a WHILE. In a game market dominated by garbage games released to please casual gamers, this game was a welcome change with its ROBUST customization of EVERYTHING, very detailed and realistic environments, and all around fun-factor involved in a game that doesn't hold your hand and wash your b_lls for you as you play.… Expand
  43. JonB.
    Sep 18, 2008
    10
    This game is for everyone but the short tempered, hardcore shoot'em'up gamers. Anyone who has a sense of humor/ joy would love this game to no end. If you like blood, not the game for you. Note you idiots, it's E 10+ meaning little boys are allowed to play it, and the creatures won't squirt blood out of their neck, spraying your screen with blue alien blood. . This game is for everyone but the short tempered, hardcore shoot'em'up gamers. Anyone who has a sense of humor/ joy would love this game to no end. If you like blood, not the game for you. Note you idiots, it's E 10+ meaning little boys are allowed to play it, and the creatures won't squirt blood out of their neck, spraying your screen with blue alien blood. . Furthermore, this game is the type of game for someone who likes to invest time into a game. If you think it's too cutesy you have to consider the fact there are alot, and I mean ALOT of coincedental run ins with i.e. tiny little teddybears that scream their tiny little heads off as they are chased by a giant brown meatball creature (Surprisingly similar to the marshmellow man off of ghostbusters) that undecisevely rips their little cute heads off and munches on their brains :)! This game has incredible A.I. where as when you start the game you will literally see spaceships zooming overhead whilst your gangly little creature roams the planet.and for anyone who enjoys the following games: Elder Scrolls, MMORPGs, Mass Effect, The Sims, will enjoy this game to no end, being a hardcore gamer myself, I enjoy every now and then stopping the violent rampages of Ninja Gaiden II, walk over to my PC, and play a nice quiet, productive game of spore. I proudly give this game a 10 out of 10,… Expand
  44. J
    Sep 18, 2008
    6
    The game has its ups and downs. Firstly this is a game that allows you to customize every small bit of your civilization, from your peoples to your buildings which is great. The game really lacks in its actual gameplay. The Cell stage was quite fun and was what I expected. The creature stage could have been longer, with more intricate hunting and evolutionary stages in development as well The game has its ups and downs. Firstly this is a game that allows you to customize every small bit of your civilization, from your peoples to your buildings which is great. The game really lacks in its actual gameplay. The Cell stage was quite fun and was what I expected. The creature stage could have been longer, with more intricate hunting and evolutionary stages in development as well as more then just socializing and attacking. However, this is where the game basically stops. The Tribal Stage, Civilization Stage both lack any complexity whatsoever. The words point and click to kill come to mind as a pathetic attempt at RTS strategy is created. Really both stages could have been massively longer and had potential to be fun long stages of the game. Not 30 minutes of boredom. The Space stage has more qualms, with the constant attacks, the unreliability of your alies and the constant war as well as a difficulty curve thats as jagged as a crystal. The game is innovative and really more draws you to the creature, building creators rather then the Grox infested Universe. With so much hype on this game EA has taken something which should have been amazing and garbaged it. However, the new approach to gaming in this way gives it a few extra points.… Expand
  45. MP
    Sep 18, 2008
    4
    I really enjoy the graphic interface in every stage of the game, such as how at the beginning you can see huge creatures out of focus when your small and also in each stage of the game the camera zooms out so you can see more of the planet. The way every element is put together visually is really awesome and attractive. The game play however is not that great, I really enjoyed the Cell I really enjoy the graphic interface in every stage of the game, such as how at the beginning you can see huge creatures out of focus when your small and also in each stage of the game the camera zooms out so you can see more of the planet. The way every element is put together visually is really awesome and attractive. The game play however is not that great, I really enjoyed the Cell phase which is over in 15-20 minutes game time. I also enjoyed the creature stage and the pack stage very much but it was over within an hour or so. The tribal stage felt a lot like chore, like I had to go trough this boring part with mildly clunky controls to get to a good part. The civilization stage isn't too terrible, but it's either Pay money to gain an ally or roll tanks into his city. The space age so far is fun, it allows you to have more freedom within the game but when you first get to the stage they hold your hand for about two hours of game play with tutorials when most of it seemed self explanatory to me. However the larger I make my empire the more micro management I feel I'm doing to prevent it from falling onto itself, and the attacks and bio-disasters are starting to seem repetitive and easy making me wonder why I can't just have something else do that nagging, easy work so I can focus on other things. I have this sense of foreboding that I'm beginning to get to the end of the content in the space stage and I've only played it for four hours; How can I win this game I wonder? Can you win this game? The creativity is a refreshing step into the right direction but I'm not sure if the creative aspect can make up for how the creative element can be used in the game. I find it also a bit disappointing that the way you made your creature evolve has no bearing on the game play after the tribal stage, I would think that a race that evolved as carnivores and conquerors would have an innate ability to understand things that destroy and have a problem with diplomacy, but that isn't so. I haven't had any issues with the DRM as of yet, but I'm sure I will as time goes on. This game is mediocre and having a limited number of installs just makes it's value questionable… Expand
  46. jasonh.
    Sep 18, 2008
    3
    The game is broken into 5 stages. Stage one is a mini game like fl0w, but not as good. The second sections plays like pokemon, but not as good, the third section plays like an mmo/rts, but with no depth, the fourth section play like civilization but with no depth, and the 5th section, space, plays like a space based rts but with no people. I wasted so much money on this game to only be The game is broken into 5 stages. Stage one is a mini game like fl0w, but not as good. The second sections plays like pokemon, but not as good, the third section plays like an mmo/rts, but with no depth, the fourth section play like civilization but with no depth, and the 5th section, space, plays like a space based rts but with no people. I wasted so much money on this game to only be entertained for a few hours by the novelty of making your own creatures. i should have just bought creature creator and saved myself 40$ because ive already played better versions of all these sections. This game is not new or innovative its a huge step back in every genre it encompasses with a nifty customization tool tacked on.… Expand
  47. MichaelN.
    Sep 18, 2008
    3
    So dumbed down, there's nothing to this game but the editors, and little to do with them until EA opens the faucet on the inevitable dribble of $30 expansion packs.
  48. ZebloonT.
    Sep 18, 2008
    0
    Wow. I can't believe this thing. And the critics gave this favorable reviews? Come on. You look at the stuff said in the interviews, look at all the material before the game came out - and now look. If I could take it back, I would. Unfortunately I have bought a partially complete, if not totally stripped game. Like, what the you know what? Seriously? Were these game critics given Wow. I can't believe this thing. And the critics gave this favorable reviews? Come on. You look at the stuff said in the interviews, look at all the material before the game came out - and now look. If I could take it back, I would. Unfortunately I have bought a partially complete, if not totally stripped game. Like, what the you know what? Seriously? Were these game critics given different games? This is a sham and a scam, because if they do plan on releasing more stuff - its going to be 40 dollar expansion packs for a game that was called 'so expansive it wont need expansions'. I paid 83 dollars on this thinking I was getting the real deal, the version talked about. I pre-ordered, so, of course I had no idea. Now I know to NEVER PRE ORDER ANY GAME. Wait a week or two for the reviews. My god, what have they done?… Expand
  49. JonathanH.
    Sep 18, 2008
    5
    Some nice ideas, but it's over simplified and offers nothing for long term appeal.
  50. Pp
    Sep 18, 2008
    4
    BORING, WASTE OF TIME Nothing that really hooks you about this game, played for about 10 hours, got to space and then got really bored. Do not bother wasting your money on this game (especially buying the creature creator) it will be $1.99 in the bargain bin in 2 years time and you can waste your two bucks on it then.
  51. AnnoyingGame
    Sep 18, 2008
    0
    Totally disappointed , it sucks for gamers that have more qi then one child.
  52. WeezV
    Sep 18, 2008
    9
    What a breath of fresh air - no more need for downloading custom content - every tool is there, in the game, the options are mindboggling. Still needs a bit of work, but overall, just plain fun and entertainment. It's The Sims x Warcraft/Starcraft x Settlers x Pacman x Dune...wicked.
  53. SteveW.
    Sep 17, 2008
    2
    Boring, repetitive, like a collection of mini-games. There's no gameplay depth here, editing shit is totally pointless to the gameplay, it's like an introductory RTS for girls. And the questionable copy protection rewards the people that pirate instead of paying for the game. This was pretty much the most overhyped piece of crap ever.
  54. ChrisV
    Sep 17, 2008
    1
    From the sinister DRM, to the dummed down gameplay, it just sucks. It had so much potential but turned out as a paper doll like simulator.
  55. KentV
    Sep 17, 2008
    3
    Fun: NO Innovative: NO Challenging: NO Attractive: YES Hype: YES The worst game I have bought in years. I loved the creature creator, and was looking forward to bringing my creations to life once the full Spore game came out. But the game (or whatever you want to call it) is not fun. Substandard AI, shallow gameplay, etc. You can design great looking creatures, but it is all just Fun: NO Innovative: NO Challenging: NO Attractive: YES Hype: YES The worst game I have bought in years. I loved the creature creator, and was looking forward to bringing my creations to life once the full Spore game came out. But the game (or whatever you want to call it) is not fun. Substandard AI, shallow gameplay, etc. You can design great looking creatures, but it is all just cosmetic. I liked the cell stage, as an introduction. It was attractive and although this type of thing has been done before, it is done very well in Spore. But nothing you do in the cell stage really has any long term consequences. The next couple of stages were boring. Graphically they were just okay, but the gameply boiled down to either attacking other creatures or making friends by copying their singing/dancing. Next up you get to build buildings, vehicles, boats, planes, and cities. But I found the design tools not much fun at all compared to the creature creator, and since you play the game zoomed out anyway everything you created might as well be simple bricks for all the detail you notice. The space stage? I can't even work up enough interest in this game to give it a try. I really cannot understand how anyone can give this game a positive review. Innovative concept? I agree the creature creator is great and perhaps one day someone will make a game that will allow the creatures to really come to life. The concept of an evolution type game is not real - I remember back in the 80's some local guys came up with an idea for a game they called Evolution, though nothing ever came of it. To say Spore simulates evolution is a great exageration - being able to plop a 6 foor horn on your creatures head in one generation and then in the next totally removing it and adding a third eyeball cannot really be considered evolution. I could have bought 5 or more bargain bin games for the same price as Spore, and had a lot more fun.… Expand
  56. SBurdock
    Sep 17, 2008
    4
    Ehat is Spore
  57. MarkC.
    Sep 17, 2008
    3
    Fun and interesting--for about 4 hours. After the initial "wow, look at all the customization!" phase, the rest of the game is shallow and repetitive. As cool a it is to build your own unique little organism, the much-hyped "evolution" aspect of the game is little more than a joke. A creature with 4 long, athletic legs runs just as fast as a creature with a single, chubby stump. It all Fun and interesting--for about 4 hours. After the initial "wow, look at all the customization!" phase, the rest of the game is shallow and repetitive. As cool a it is to build your own unique little organism, the much-hyped "evolution" aspect of the game is little more than a joke. A creature with 4 long, athletic legs runs just as fast as a creature with a single, chubby stump. It all just depends on the predetermined stats of the appendage. The different stages of the game seem incredibly disjointed too, like they should all actually be their own game, but they got accidentally thrown into the same trash compactor. In any case, don't waste $50 on a game that's going to disappoint you and that you'll lose interest in very quickly. Play it at a friend's house, or see if you can score a copy off someone else who is already bored with it.… Expand
  58. donnyv.
    Sep 17, 2008
    3
    WOW I was REALLY hoping for more from the most freaking hyped game of the century. The only fun part of the game is the creature creator...the rest is just not at all interesting. And in a world of multiplayer/mmo etc, this has almost zero to offer social gamers, not a deal killer, but it really could have been incorporated. Did this REALLY take that long to make? ugh. I want my $50 back.
  59. AJ
    Sep 17, 2008
    1
    The game grows progressively worse as you move through the stages, with the bonus that you'll find your efforts and choices through the game become entirely meaningless by the space age. Of particular note is the complete lack of content and tedium that makes up the Space Age in its entirety. I'd go so far as to say this was less a game than a beta demo of a toy. Incomplete and The game grows progressively worse as you move through the stages, with the bonus that you'll find your efforts and choices through the game become entirely meaningless by the space age. Of particular note is the complete lack of content and tedium that makes up the Space Age in its entirety. I'd go so far as to say this was less a game than a beta demo of a toy. Incomplete and waiting for another year's worth of work to fill it out. This "game" is garbage. Avoid.… Expand
  60. WilliamI.
    Sep 17, 2008
    1
    This is just a bunch of mini-games each of which have been done better dozens of times.
  61. JeffK.
    Sep 17, 2008
    7
    It's a pretty innovative game, I'll give it that. Unfortunately, it's just not all that fun. Based on the fun factor alone, I'd give it a 5, which to me isn't bad, just very average, bland. But I had to give it a few extra points because it is an innovative game.
  62. DanielA.
    Sep 17, 2008
    1
    $40 to RENT a game? That seems a bit steep, and with the malware they ship with it too. Yeah, right, I'll just pay you $40 for that keylogger and willingly install it.
  63. Jean-LucPicard
    Sep 16, 2008
    0
    As much as I really hate EA for making this game DRM and fail.......it's so fun to watch them ruin themselves completely. It's the most pirated game out there. And that's saying something since Stardock doesn't use any protection on their games at all. I purchased sins of a solar empire and I am glad I did. I will not be purchasing spore. :P
  64. LukeM.
    Sep 16, 2008
    2
    Sorry Maxis, your marketing appealed to me. So much that I went out and bought the game. After two nights of playing I feel as though I am finished. Where is the gameplay? This game is so simple it plays as if it was designed for 6-10 year olds. What makes matters worse is that I cannot sell the game now on the second hand market because it is locked to me. The game lacks depth with very Sorry Maxis, your marketing appealed to me. So much that I went out and bought the game. After two nights of playing I feel as though I am finished. Where is the gameplay? This game is so simple it plays as if it was designed for 6-10 year olds. What makes matters worse is that I cannot sell the game now on the second hand market because it is locked to me. The game lacks depth with very little options to choose. The game is basically minigames badly strung together that you would never play on their own as they are so bad. I believe the game feels like this as a lot of content was probbaly cut to be included in an expansion pack at a later date. How these game review sites are giving it 9/10 is beyond me. I would give it a max 4/10 but with the 3 installs only it drops to a 2. An expensive mistake, stay away from spore if you are having any dobts. Spore good for a 6 year old or if you know anyone who has the mental age of a 6 year old.… Expand
  65. RandyM.
    Sep 16, 2008
    8
    While not quite as revolutionary or deep as I had hoped, Spore still manages to take endless replay value to the next level, and while most of the phases may not completely work on their own, together, they create a solid title.
  66. JohnN.
    Sep 16, 2008
    1
    The game itself is a good toy, but not much else. It reminds me a bit of playing with LEGOs: you have fun constructing your stuff, but once it's built the interest fades away rapidly. Each stage is simplistic to the extreme: you can't even set groups for your armies in the Tribe or Civ stages! The editors are powerful (although I'd say the vehicle and building editors feel The game itself is a good toy, but not much else. It reminds me a bit of playing with LEGOs: you have fun constructing your stuff, but once it's built the interest fades away rapidly. Each stage is simplistic to the extreme: you can't even set groups for your armies in the Tribe or Civ stages! The editors are powerful (although I'd say the vehicle and building editors feel less fleshed out and more restrictive), but the stages lack replayability... Cell is basically an arcade-like game where you must collect "food" (read: power-ups) to level up. Creature is an RPG simplified (you have 1 attack and 3 or 4 special attack moves, plus 3 or 4 special pacific moves to win over allies), with little incentive besides hunting for more parts for your creature. Tribe tasks you with making a very simple village (all the buildings can only be created on a few slots, ala BFME1) and then allying or destroying the other villages. Civ is just like Tribe, except you use vehicles instead of little guys and you can also be an economic nation (and you have a slight building placement puzzle to maximize their effiency, whereas Tribe's building were disconnected). Space feels like Creature, but expanded. The terraforming and terrapainting tools sound like fun, but the fact you have to run errands or dig through hundreds of solar systems to find them all, it feels like you need to do a chore to get to the real fun. Errands are repetitive and sometimes just stop working because the target or sender planet was captured/destroyed in-between. There are also a few "disasters" (mostly pirates or ecosystem issues) which will require you to run back to the other side of your empire just to shoot down a few infected animals or a few pirate ships. You can create colonies, but I find the fact you need to select the vehicles for EACH and put down the buildings for EACH is a huge chore... I wouldn't want to have 100 colonies to build. You also lose all the cash and cash sources you had in Civ stage, so making money is painfully long. Run boring errands, scan planets for rare artifacts to sell for some bucks or collect spice from your planets, that's all you can do. No base income for you, despite the fact you probably churned in at least 20 000 bucks per 10 seconds in Civ by the very end. There are some redeeming features, though... The art style is cute and fresh, the dialogue and text is pretty funny and often has references to other things, the planet remodelling tools are a treat to toy with, same with the terraforming stuff (making lava/ice planets is fun) and each stage, while feeling dumbed down, still aren't exasperating and are made well enough on their own. Lastly, I'm downing my critic from a 4 to a 1 because of the DRM. 3 installs? Are you kidding me!? No way I ever buy something from EA again if this stays. And don't poke me in the face with that 5 installs "compromise" in RA3. Too bad, Mirror's Edge sounded neat.… Expand
  67. Jax
    Sep 16, 2008
    0
    Crippling, Draconian DRM that must be stopped, and it seems the only way to get Publishers to listen is by giving them poor reviews for it.
  68. RawrR.
    Sep 16, 2008
    3
    They bet everything on originality, and it hasn't paid off. It's a terribly designed game, full of flaws, bugs and not much else. I wouldn't be surprised if all they have done for the last 3 and a half years is play with their own editor. Not to mention EA screwed it up.
  69. Ondore
    Sep 16, 2008
    10
    I must say chaps, this is the greatest game in all the world and Ivalice
  70. RyanP.
    Sep 16, 2008
    0
    I refused to buy into the hype, so I think I'm reviewing this game pretty objectively. It is garbage. The gameplay is incredibly simplistic, basically amounting to 2 actions in each stage, which is repeated over and over and over. How your creature "evolves" is based on which action you take, but this has almost NO impact on your creature in the next stage. UI is annoying, especially I refused to buy into the hype, so I think I'm reviewing this game pretty objectively. It is garbage. The gameplay is incredibly simplistic, basically amounting to 2 actions in each stage, which is repeated over and over and over. How your creature "evolves" is based on which action you take, but this has almost NO impact on your creature in the next stage. UI is annoying, especially the camera, and the minimap seems needlessly confusing... a surprising detail considering that minimaps have been more or less adaquate since Warcraft II. Its one redeaming quality is the extremely powerful unit, building and vehicle editors. However, you could make your creature a flat streak on the ground or a giant column and it would have absolutely NO effect on how your creature fights or moves. A truly horrible game.… Expand
  71. BarrettG.
    Sep 16, 2008
    1
    Draconian DRM. Don't make me activate. Don't check what other software I have on my machine, that simply stupid. Loads of people are pirating this game right now. I will not be doing so, but I won't be buying it either.
  72. PatrickA
    Sep 16, 2008
    2
    Failed to meet the hype. The stages zoom past, and really don't contain anything of value to pull over from stage to stage. Don't waste the $50. :-/
  73. VincentO'.
    Sep 16, 2008
    3
    Professional reviewers appear to have been overawed by the marketing rather than the game play. In reality, it appears to be possible to experience the entire depth of the game in a single day's paying. All of the five mini games that make up this package are very heavily predirected with the no great mental engaugement required other than clicking as directed for as long as directed.
  74. GregoryU.
    Sep 16, 2008
    0
    Didnt know it contained DRM when the game was installed. DRM is like giving a car dealer the keys to your house when you buy their car. This Is why i uninstalled the game and tossed it in the fire.
  75. AndréL.
    Sep 16, 2008
    10
    The game did what they promised, the people who are complaining and putting 0 and 1 are those who expect the impossible, the game IS good and have so many functions, what a shame that has so many bad ass players to say that is bad.
  76. KevinS.
    Sep 16, 2008
    8
    Spore is a decent game. Thinking back, it doesn't seem like it should have taken five years to give us the product we have today, nonetheless, no other game offers the kind of scope Spore does. Honestly, some things in the Space Phase were more monetarily bound than I would have hoped, and the other phases wouldn't be worth their average cost of 10 USD each, but no one can argue Spore is a decent game. Thinking back, it doesn't seem like it should have taken five years to give us the product we have today, nonetheless, no other game offers the kind of scope Spore does. Honestly, some things in the Space Phase were more monetarily bound than I would have hoped, and the other phases wouldn't be worth their average cost of 10 USD each, but no one can argue with the overwhelming numbers of different creations that stock my galaxy. Spore isn't the best at everything it does, but as a whole, it does everything alot better than anyone else, if you know what I mean.… Expand
  77. DennisC.
    Sep 16, 2008
    8
    It is a fun game and up till the end with the nagging of save US!!! WAaaaHhh!!!!! Gets old when you are 1 Person and they call you every 5 seconds. Wheres my battle fleet of ships? Other than that the game is great and I hope a patch could fix these little things that spoil the game.
  78. TimS.
    Sep 16, 2008
    2
    Medocre game, disappointing. That's before you even get to the DRM. Severly Overhyped would be the apropriate description of this game.
  79. PhilP.B.
    Sep 16, 2008
    6
    EA really created a strong belief that this game would be a gaming revolution. Unfortunately for them, the simple fact that they created such a big expectation made certain that they couldn't reach it. It's a good game, altough I wouldn't have paid so much for it having known how it is, but many factors such as the contrast between the complicated space stage and the simple EA really created a strong belief that this game would be a gaming revolution. Unfortunately for them, the simple fact that they created such a big expectation made certain that they couldn't reach it. It's a good game, altough I wouldn't have paid so much for it having known how it is, but many factors such as the contrast between the complicated space stage and the simple previous stages, as well as repetitive gameplay make it a bit less than what it could've been. EA sure made a bunch of money with it, as Wright said that's what they were aiming for, but I'm afraid that this game will not make history as was intended originally. Once you played through the game once (roughly in one evening for the first four stages), playing through it again doesn't feel nearly as exciting as the first time, and nothing new is offered. Though I'm eager to see an eventual expansion to the game, I probably won't play it again for a while - The thrill was, indeed, short-lived. I'll go play SimCity 4 or AOEII when I'll be in need of startegy/simulation.… Expand
  80. stevenl.
    Sep 16, 2008
    1
    Worst.Game.Ever. Bad DRM, bad install, bad gameplay, bad controls, bad continuity between mini-games, bad karma all around. Save your money.
  81. rong.
    Sep 16, 2008
    1
    Wow, I've never posted here before about a game, but this game sucks so bad I had to say somethiing. especially the way they are marketing around it, like it's the 2nd coming of christ or something. Personally I found it boring, buggy, and very hard to control. and you can't change the controls, so I'm stuck with the controls. a bunch of stupid mini games, like some Wow, I've never posted here before about a game, but this game sucks so bad I had to say somethiing. especially the way they are marketing around it, like it's the 2nd coming of christ or something. Personally I found it boring, buggy, and very hard to control. and you can't change the controls, so I'm stuck with the controls. a bunch of stupid mini games, like some kind of lame-ass mario party game, except no fun, and single player party games lol. Man, what a loser of a way to spend $50. And I can't take it back!… Expand
  82. JohnT.
    Sep 16, 2008
    0
    Boring, Boring, Boring. Its B&W again - over hyped, no gameplay or fun and full of DRM. Give this a miss.
  83. LiesAlllies
    Sep 16, 2008
    5
    They dumbed it down. It's not the game you saw in 2005. The only good parts remaining are the Arcade parts and the creature creator. Thing is you can get a much better arcade game for less or no money and without the INSANE protection. The creature creator is truly great but that's the single thing that is and after you try it out a couple of times it gets quite boring. I belive They dumbed it down. It's not the game you saw in 2005. The only good parts remaining are the Arcade parts and the creature creator. Thing is you can get a much better arcade game for less or no money and without the INSANE protection. The creature creator is truly great but that's the single thing that is and after you try it out a couple of times it gets quite boring. I belive that they with intention put the copy protection there because they knew nobody would be arsed to install it 3 times anyway as the game lacks any replayability due to its gameflaws and over-simplistic gameplay. It was also put there since they knew that while many "pirates" first pirate a game and then buy it if they like it they would've never done this with Spore. Do not buy this game. The game is an average game but with the to simple gameplay and the crappy game protection it looses value to rapidly and is not worth more than 15.00 USD.… Expand
  84. BrianW.
    Sep 16, 2008
    0
    Very disappointing gameplay. Creature design is purely cosmetically and has no effect on the game. The different stages feel like each of them was developed by a completely different team and the teams had no idea what the other teams were doing. The game feels like a compilation of five disappointing minigames, each of them gets boring after 10 minutes. I don
  85. MattH.
    Sep 16, 2008
    0
    DRM is horrible, however this is easily fixed do to the fact that it is so boring and you probably won't play it more than 2 or 3 times.
  86. KyleG
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    When you compare the final product to the 2005 demo video which sparked so much interest, Spore is a massive let-down. It has been dumbed down and cartooned up to the point where body parts in creature stage have no stacking effect and weapons in vehicle and ship design produce the same effect in game. One spike is the same as 1,000 and rockets, lasers, and guns all appear to be slow When you compare the final product to the 2005 demo video which sparked so much interest, Spore is a massive let-down. It has been dumbed down and cartooned up to the point where body parts in creature stage have no stacking effect and weapons in vehicle and ship design produce the same effect in game. One spike is the same as 1,000 and rockets, lasers, and guns all appear to be slow moving ugly tracers. Just one of the myriad of examples. The stages are boring and repetitive, zero replay value. The editors are the only fun part, yet the lack of real, substantive impact on your design decisions on the gameplay gives the game an empty feeling. After eagerly waiting for Spore, i'm sad to suggest you save your money, its not worth the purchase.… Expand
  87. LindaC.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    I'm not sure why eveyone hates this game so much but I know why i do and I wanted to warn people. be careful, I couldn't install this until I replaced my cdrom drive. they're cheap now only cost $20 but boy was i disappointed when i finally got it working lol. Nvm
  88. JerryS.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    Wow, could the reaction to this game get any worse? I thought Black & White sucked, but this takes the new record for best POS from an overrated and singularly lucky designer: Congratulations!
  89. AnthonyR.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    Ok enough of the random attacks designed to simply lower the user score. Herewith a summary of what is wrong with this game: 1) Disjointed game play between 5 unrelated and un-fun mini games; 2) Draconian DRM scheme from hell 3) No configurable controls for movement. Our way or the highway; 4) No invert mouse; 5) No real evolution. You can add body parts but they have no effect. Ok enough of the random attacks designed to simply lower the user score. Herewith a summary of what is wrong with this game: 1) Disjointed game play between 5 unrelated and un-fun mini games; 2) Draconian DRM scheme from hell 3) No configurable controls for movement. Our way or the highway; 4) No invert mouse; 5) No real evolution. You can add body parts but they have no effect. You're just dressing up the same capabilitiy creatures; 6) Bass ackwards marketing that assumes we will be so enamored of the game that we will want to buy Spore Sanitary Napkins and Spore lawn seed. Guys: First get the game right. 7) No FUN in sight. The one thing they forgot to add. So there you have it. The reason this POS deserves the ass-kicking it's getting on the word-of-mouth circuit.… Expand
  90. gordonw.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    The DRM policy is unacceptable. EA has been dishonest about the reason. The real reason is to prevent used game sales. No one will have time to stay on hold while calling in for additional activations. So this becomes rental software. No way can you expect to be able to install the game again several years later on a whim.
  91. Denver
    Sep 15, 2008
    5
    The cell stage was fun, but needs alot of improvement. Tribal and creature stage is silly like hell. Civ stage is the most dumb down RTS i ever played, hell those flash tower defense RTS has more depth than it. Haven try space age, since after i play it 3 times i stopped playing.
  92. TinaD.
    Sep 15, 2008
    10
    This game is very interesting, personally, when I saw the making of this game on Discovery Channel, I instantly wanted to just buy it. I recommend this game to young boys and girls who are into science.
  93. ZachO.
    Sep 15, 2008
    6
    It's alright for a weekend, but gets boring pretty quick due to it's extreme simplicity. I was hoping for much more actually, I'm pretty dissapointed.
  94. AnonymousMC
    Sep 15, 2008
    5
    You spend about 5 hours advancing and evolving your species and then you get to space and it's terrible. Space travel is done by clicking on a bunch of dots that are supposed to be star systems and forget trying to find a specific planet after you've done a lot of traveling. I think the developers put so much time into the beginning of the game that they half-a$$ed the end.
  95. LouisG.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    this "game" is more of a toybox than actual game...it is basically a mash-up of 5 free flash games being sold in one box for an exorbitant price
  96. FirionaV.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    You've got to be kidding me. People are giving this game more than a 1 score?? It sucks unbelievably and offers nothing unique. 5 unrelated POS mini-games with no cohesion, no multiplayer, lousy controls and camera. BARF!
  97. RatamaA.
    Sep 15, 2008
    2
    Basically a watered down series of flash games, barely connected by your creature. There is little interconnectivity between them, every choice is mostly pointless come the next "game" in Spore. Ultimately kiddy-pool shallow, over hyped, over produced, but goddamn if it isn't gorgeous on a decent setup.
  98. AndreR.
    Sep 15, 2008
    3
    Potential great game, tested it on a friends house and loved it, but DRM ruined it.
  99. JohnHumphrey
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    Well, I'm one of the people who preordered this game before I found out about the DRM. After finding out about the DRM, and what it does, I just went ahead and reformatted the computer, downloaded the pirated version, and now play that. I own the retail copy of Spore, but it just sits in its box on my shelf while I have the pirated version on my computer to play. So, the retail copyWell, I'm one of the people who preordered this game before I found out about the DRM. After finding out about the DRM, and what it does, I just went ahead and reformatted the computer, downloaded the pirated version, and now play that. I own the retail copy of Spore, but it just sits in its box on my shelf while I have the pirated version on my computer to play. So, the retail copy of the game gets a big fat 0, and the pirated version gets a 6.5/10. Game is okay, not what I thought it would be though. Too dumbed down for my liking. I can't recommend buying this game until the DRM is removed and the price is lowered to around $20.… Expand
  100. LeoK.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    My Spore Review Or
Page:

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PC Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 75
  3. Negative: 0 out of 75
  1. Play (Poland)
    90
    How to design a game that spans from swimming in a drop of water to ruling the galaxy? Will Wright knows how: as simple as possible. Spore deserves success on "The Sims" scale. [Sept 2008]
  2. PC Gamer UK
    91
    Spore's triumph is painfully ironic. By setting out to instill a sense of wonderment at creation and the majesty of the universe, it's shown us that it's actually a lot more interesting to sit here at our computers and explore the contents of each other's brains. [October 2008, p.64]
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  3. PTGamers
    100
    Spore manages quite some feats – it's accessible for casual gamers, but at the same time so real and dynamic, able to offer hardcore gamers a demanding experience and, obviously, a more appealing one than in "The Sims".
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