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. TA
    Sep 9, 2008
    10
    For the initial release this game is amazing. Just remember its a PC game so massive patches creating more complex game play are coming. For its original concept and process it deserves a 10.
  2. JoelL.
    Sep 9, 2008
    9
    Great piece of software. Think along the lines of SimCity and it is great. Think along the lines of Civ or any other more traditional "game" and you'll be disappointed.
  3. LawrenceW.
    Sep 9, 2008
    9
    If you like games about evolution, modding, empire building and Sid Meires Pirates! ... get this! I'm very pleased with it. The problem at first was there was so much hype, and some aspects of the game seemed kind of crude. I enjoyed all the stages in the end but especially the galaxy stage because it reminds me of one of my favourite games: Sid Meires Pirates! Above all it's If you like games about evolution, modding, empire building and Sid Meires Pirates! ... get this! I'm very pleased with it. The problem at first was there was so much hype, and some aspects of the game seemed kind of crude. I enjoyed all the stages in the end but especially the galaxy stage because it reminds me of one of my favourite games: Sid Meires Pirates! Above all it's the a game about modding and player created content, it's highly original and has lots of charm.… Expand
  4. TylerM.
    Nov 13, 2008
    10
    This is one of the greatest games I have ever played. It lacks an in-depth storyline of any kind, but that doesn't bother me. Combined with different archetypes, the many editors, and the user-created content, this game is endlessly replayable. I give it a ten as the most unique gaming experience ever.
  5. Dustinlumpkin
    Oct 13, 2008
    9
    I really think this game is great, mainly because of the gameplay. it can be very challenging, which makes you strive for perfection. the fact that it gets very in depth, and that you can customize your character is great as well. the only one single problem is that its hard to adapt at first (on hard difficulty) due to the opponents having double the health as you.
  6. MichaelJ
    Oct 4, 2008
    7
    I felt that the game was overall a fun game, despite the glitches and repetetiveness(?). The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stages could of been longer though. And although large amounts of the game were either dumbed down (although I feel that the game was never to be marketed to a serious hard-core gamer) or not included (such as gas giant cities, "Encounters of the Third Kind" minigames, and I felt that the game was overall a fun game, despite the glitches and repetetiveness(?). The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stages could of been longer though. And although large amounts of the game were either dumbed down (although I feel that the game was never to be marketed to a serious hard-core gamer) or not included (such as gas giant cities, "Encounters of the Third Kind" minigames, and various editors), it's still something good to pull out on a rainy day. Additionally, expansion packs and patches are expected (The first patch recently came out), which over time may or may not improve the game's quality.… Expand
  7. JoshS.
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    Very creative and original. Yes, it might turn into a strategy game at the end but that's one reason why i like it.
  8. FiseD
    Sep 11, 2008
    9
    I had high expectations, and it met them. Downright fun game.
  9. DanL.
    Sep 10, 2008
    10
    The beginning of the game is charming but shallow. Just get to Space. Then you'll see how deep the rabbit hole goes.
  10. BF
    Sep 11, 2008
    8
    Okay, Securom DRM sucks, I can't argue with that, although at least it doesn't pollute your OS on Mac like it does on Windows. Yes, each of the types of gameplay in Spore is relatively shallow compared to games that specialize in a particular genre, although my only major issue with the space stage is that it's difficult to get back for homeworld emergency missions when Okay, Securom DRM sucks, I can't argue with that, although at least it doesn't pollute your OS on Mac like it does on Windows. Yes, each of the types of gameplay in Spore is relatively shallow compared to games that specialize in a particular genre, although my only major issue with the space stage is that it's difficult to get back for homeworld emergency missions when you're halfway to the galactic center. But! As a package deal, Spore appeals to the kind of gamer who enjoys Sim City and related games. It has a "cool" factor that is tough to quantify. It's about customization more than anything else. Maxis makes no bones about it -- all the stuff leading up to the space stage is basically a fun, brief, unlocking process. Space stage is the bulk of the game and if you don't enjoy space trading games, you will not enjoy Spore. Unless... you love creating, exploring, and sharing your creations with others. The online sharing of user generated content isn't really new, but it's a first for a game of this kind. You are "locked in" to whatever RTS and MMO games decide you should have, unless you want to shell out for expansion packs. Spore effectively lets you make the expansion packs. If you think you should be getting paid to do that... try getting a job as a game designer. :P If EA will enter the 21st century and get rid of the limited activations, which people will just crack anyway, maybe people will focus on the good qualities of the game itself instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water.… Expand
  11. CherylK.
    Sep 11, 2008
    9
    I think for those that got their hopes up that Spore would be anything like the initial preview way back when will be in for a sorry disappointment. Spore has turned out to be far simplistic than most expected. I say it suffers in that it's trying to engage two different kinds of player, the casual and the more "hardcore" variety. Unfortunately Spore itself can't quite make up I think for those that got their hopes up that Spore would be anything like the initial preview way back when will be in for a sorry disappointment. Spore has turned out to be far simplistic than most expected. I say it suffers in that it's trying to engage two different kinds of player, the casual and the more "hardcore" variety. Unfortunately Spore itself can't quite make up its own mind on how to play. It is neither Casual nor Hardcore but rather an in between that doesn't quite fulfill the criteria that these two types desire. I feel Spore in on itself has all the feelings of a prototype and with a bit more evolution it can become a shining jewel in any gamers collection. I will say wait for a sequel because it'll more than likely blow your mind but get this version still because for all it's short comings it's still a unique and fascinating game which everyone should play through if only once for the experience.… Expand
  12. DustinB.
    Sep 11, 2008
    9
    Spore is a great game it will most likely have me playing it for quite a long. Plus the adding of bonus future updates will give this game a nice life span. Now every good game has some faults, for instance the limited installs is quite a pain because for and instant at your own home if something goes wrong with you computer or you change the hardware that counts as an install. Although Spore is a great game it will most likely have me playing it for quite a long. Plus the adding of bonus future updates will give this game a nice life span. Now every good game has some faults, for instance the limited installs is quite a pain because for and instant at your own home if something goes wrong with you computer or you change the hardware that counts as an install. Although you can request more installs it is still a pain for most people. Even thought Spore has it's problems i still give it a 9 because its doing something that, although we will see a lot of this holiday season Spore is original. People will most likely say that it is just another sim game but it is more then that. When playing the game you get attached to your creation as you progress from a cell to a space worthy being.… Expand
  13. KenW.
    Sep 11, 2008
    10
    Hooray for DRM whining! The game is fantastic. The "TERRIBLE DRM" has done nothing to myself or my friends. Love the game. Could review it longer, but those that have played it either know they like or they don't.
  14. nates.
    Sep 10, 2008
    10
    SPORE IS AWSOME the game play is great and it also teaches much about lots of different apects of life
  15. KennethF.
    Sep 12, 2008
    9
    I thoroughly enjoyed this new product from Will Wright and his team. While once dubbed "Sim Everything", I would more accuratly discribe it as "Sim Space Exploration", as the 'real' game doesn't start until then. Casual players should not pass this game over, while the hardcore may be disappointed with the overall shallow depth of each stage of the game. 9/10, because while I thoroughly enjoyed this new product from Will Wright and his team. While once dubbed "Sim Everything", I would more accuratly discribe it as "Sim Space Exploration", as the 'real' game doesn't start until then. Casual players should not pass this game over, while the hardcore may be disappointed with the overall shallow depth of each stage of the game. 9/10, because while it may never become my primary game to play in my free time, but when… Expand
  16. Arthur
    Sep 12, 2008
    9
    Stop fussing over DRM, its pathetic you are rating a game over an anti pirating feature. The game is great itself, its not the best ever but it gets a 9/10 from me.
  17. CamilaD.
    Sep 12, 2008
    10
    This game has been the funnest and most fufilling game I have played in my life. It combined so many things together, it makes it's own category among all the games. It is the game we've all dreamed of--You can make your own creature and take over the galaxy. I will probably play the game over and over again because it's SUCH a good game.
  18. NykaraB.
    Sep 13, 2008
    10
    So far I have really enjoyed the spore game play. My favorite parts of the game is the creature stage and space. I have never once seen a simulator with as huge an area of space with as many planets to colonize as spore has. I love it I can see myself playing there for many more hours to come.
  19. AnonymousMC
    Sep 13, 2008
    8
    this is a great game and is very fun. The thing that bugs me the most is things like: the nagging by the game, in the creature stage there is like 4 attacks, and that once you beat it you are usually to lazy to start again bcasue its pretty much the same every time.
  20. EvangelineG
    Sep 14, 2008
    9
    I am surprised to see all the negative reviews! While certainly not perfect, this is a very ambitious, unique game. It does really rely on the creativity of the user...and maybe that's the problem. In an open ended game where your own choices construct your experience, you can end up with any number of flavours of games. I am having a lot of fun in mine! If you are a creative person, I am surprised to see all the negative reviews! While certainly not perfect, this is a very ambitious, unique game. It does really rely on the creativity of the user...and maybe that's the problem. In an open ended game where your own choices construct your experience, you can end up with any number of flavours of games. I am having a lot of fun in mine! If you are a creative person, don't be put off by all the bad reviews, you will probably really like Spore.… Expand
  21. JonE.
    Sep 14, 2008
    7
    Fun! But ultimately a bit shallow in terms of gameplay to keep me interested for more than a few weeks. Superbly presented and very cute, younger gamers will love this.
  22. 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.
  23. AdamD.
    Sep 15, 2008
    8
    great game. more of a casual play but a lot of fun none-the-less. a quick fix for the DRM 3 install issues... just back up your game data dummies.
  24. miked.
    Sep 15, 2008
    9
    such a fun game. just wish EA would get their heads out of their asses and put their games on steam and ditch that crappy ea download manager.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  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. 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.
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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".
    Read full review
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