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. TerceroB.
    Sep 12, 2008
    1
    A decent game is completely crippled by DRM issues. I initially installed it on a system that met the requirments, however the game would not play on it. When it didn't work, I reinstalled it, still to no avail. When I finally installed it on my laptop it worked, but I am now unable to install the game on my desktop PC because of their arcane DRM scheme. This is completely A decent game is completely crippled by DRM issues. I initially installed it on a system that met the requirments, however the game would not play on it. When it didn't work, I reinstalled it, still to no avail. When I finally installed it on my laptop it worked, but I am now unable to install the game on my desktop PC because of their arcane DRM scheme. This is completely unacceptable, and punishes legitimate customers who actually purchased the game, while allowing those who pirate it to have a more functional copy of the game. This DRM is wholly unacceptable.… Expand
  2. LJ
    Sep 13, 2008
    0
    The lack of depth + drm issues makes me wish I had pirated this game.
  3. DenebKaitos
    Sep 13, 2008
    0
    This game simply does not live up to the hype. For serious gamers Spore just does not deliver. Each of the mini secions feels shallow and incomplete. This would have been forgivable because it is important to bring new gamers into the genre. The DRM however only punishes legitamate copies of the game. Save yourself the hassle and download a liberated version.
  4. CraigS.
    Sep 14, 2008
    0
    I can't express more disappointment. Not only is the game over priced. It is terrible as well.
  5. AnonymousMC
    Sep 14, 2008
    1
    I was really anticipating this game, and I went out and bought it, before realizing the way overboard restrictions EA put on it. Caps on activation, it's locked to your computer hardware, only one master account through EA, and lastly, I've just about had it with SecuROM crap being installed on my box. Be warned, you are not buying this game, you are renting it. One day, itI was really anticipating this game, and I went out and bought it, before realizing the way overboard restrictions EA put on it. Caps on activation, it's locked to your computer hardware, only one master account through EA, and lastly, I've just about had it with SecuROM crap being installed on my box. Be warned, you are not buying this game, you are renting it. One day, it will cease to work.

    Suppose you bought the board game Monopoly and you opened it in the kitchen when you got home, only to discover a gadget attached to the board that would from them on only allow you to play the game in the kitchen. And if you tried to play in the living room, or play with more than 4 people, or bring it over to a friends house, or play variations on the set rules, the game would somehow not let you play it. Or if you moved to a different house, you would have to call Parker Brothers and get them to unlock the game before you could play it in your new house. People wouldn't stand for that, so why do people stand for this.
    I've had sort of a philosophical awakening based on my experience with Spore, and I've pretty much resolved to not buy any games with SecurROM and maybe not EA in general, as tough as that will be.
    Anyway, the game itself (once I got it running) was alright. I think they removed some things from it, because it didn't seem as in-depth as even the presentation Will Wright did on it. I love the idea, the execution is ok, but the DRM and installation is way over the top.    … Expand
  6. JimG.
    Sep 14, 2008
    3
    Constant attacking by pirates, micro management in space (spice pick up/delivery), useless allies, watered down version of game. Definately wait till a serious patch comes out!
  7. Vagabond
    Sep 14, 2008
    3
    So much they could have done, so little they actually accomplished. The very first stage is probably the only one that actually works. Creature stage is O.K nothing exceedingly good but no game killers either. Tribal stage is just akward, like a poorly programmed RTS game. Civilization phase has a few game killers for me. Namelly that you can't modify cars to be different. As soon as So much they could have done, so little they actually accomplished. The very first stage is probably the only one that actually works. Creature stage is O.K nothing exceedingly good but no game killers either. Tribal stage is just akward, like a poorly programmed RTS game. Civilization phase has a few game killers for me. Namelly that you can't modify cars to be different. As soon as you modify one they all change. No recon or tank vehicles unless you want ALL of them that way. Space is so full of bugs and poorly designed game elements that it hurts just thinking about it. Who honestly thought giving your civilization 1 ship period while all your enemies seem to have 20 at their disposal at any given time was a good idea. Having to zoom in to talk to people gets very tedius. Overall I think the second version of this game will be excellent. This feels too much like a failed beta… Expand
  8. LloydB.
    Sep 14, 2008
    2
    Very simplistic, not nearly the level of detail I was hoping for, game play is linear, no complexity at all to the game.
  9. BobF
    Sep 14, 2008
    1
    The visuals were nice, that's the only positive thing I can say. The DRM restrictions, in my opinion, should be illegal. I returned my copy for a refund immediately upon learning of this. I upgrade my gaming PC 2 or more times a year including a fresh Windows install, 3 installs gives me an 18-month rental? I think not. I downloaded Spore for free off of Usenet. Is that any less The visuals were nice, that's the only positive thing I can say. The DRM restrictions, in my opinion, should be illegal. I returned my copy for a refund immediately upon learning of this. I upgrade my gaming PC 2 or more times a year including a fresh Windows install, 3 installs gives me an 18-month rental? I think not. I downloaded Spore for free off of Usenet. Is that any less illegal than what EA is doing? I think not. After an hour of play my opinion is the game play is very underwhelming, the game does not live up to its hype, and I've since deleted my free copy.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. PaulT.
    Sep 5, 2008
    0
    SecuROM DRM uses unlawful practices to hide on your computer system and limit the game to 3 activations. Product labeling fails to make this clear. Consumers are being cheated.
  13. 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
  14. MutzP
    Aug 8, 2009
    2
    This is waste played until final stage and it's rinse and repeat...No depth at all just rinse and repeat. Too much marketing is spend ont this they better spended it on the game itself. HYPED
  15. AAG
    Oct 23, 2008
    2
    Brain dead. Only recommended if you're 10 year old, and not very bright. Good potential wasted. Cell stage : click on food bits untils you grow. Repeat for 10 minutes to evolve. (just a parody of freeware flOw, which was actually entertaining) Creature stage : click on neighbour. Smash keys 1-4 to kill / befriend them. Repeat for 20 minutes to evolve.("evolution" is limited to Brain dead. Only recommended if you're 10 year old, and not very bright. Good potential wasted. Cell stage : click on food bits untils you grow. Repeat for 10 minutes to evolve. (just a parody of freeware flOw, which was actually entertaining) Creature stage : click on neighbour. Smash keys 1-4 to kill / befriend them. Repeat for 20 minutes to evolve.("evolution" is limited to picking up shiny things - body parts - randomly scattered in the lanscape) Tribal stage : click on neighbour. Smash keys 1-3 to kill / ally them. Repeat for 30 minutes to evolve.(diplomacy ? strategy ? alliances ? nope, just a bad joke) Civ stage : build 5-10 vehicles then send them to attack /trade /convert nearest city. Repeat 10 times to evolve. (don't waste time making a pretty model, they function the same no matter what you choose in the designer, and you can't really see them anyway from up there) Space stage : click on planet to explore...no oops.. they need you back home...repeat endlessly, coz' this is where "evolution", fortunately, stops.… Expand
  16. 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
  17. 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-
  18. Q8eZy
    Oct 15, 2010
    1
    Sickly cute, diabetic coma inducing Disney graphics suitable only for children 12 and under...not an evolution game at all...belongs on the wii. Maybe one day we will get a god game that deserves the title.
  19. damp
    Jun 13, 2012
    0
    Given all the hype surrounding Spore it was always going to struggle to live up to expectations, there is a difference between failing to meet expectations and missing them entirely however.

    As a game it is really nothing more than a collection of simple mini games with very little tying them together, for the most part choices in one game have little to no actual impact in subsequent    Given all the hype surrounding Spore it was always going to struggle to live up to expectations, there is a difference between failing to meet expectations and missing them entirely however.

    As a game it is really nothing more than a collection of simple mini games with very little tying them together, for the most part choices in one game have little to no actual impact in subsequent games other than aesthetic (and even that isn't always maintained).

    The initial cell game is quite entertaining and shows promise (although there are free flash games that pre-date spore that do it better), unfortunately this is probably the highpoint of the entire game.

    The creature stage was initially entertaining as you wander around however it quickly becomes repetitive. Evolution is no more than finding upgrades, the higher the number the better the upgrade; there is no downside to any of them, no trade offs or limitations - better numbers = better creature = quite dull really. The actual design of the creature - size, number and position of limbs etc has absolutely no impact whatsoever. Survival at this stage is a choice between the two well know evolutionary choices - kill opponents or dance and sing.

    The tribal stage is a very mediocre RTS game, the "opponents" never really put up a fight and are soon defeated, not much else to say about this stage.

    The Civ stage gives you a city and you build units that are either military, religious or economic and you send these to other cities to conquer them. Regardless of the units the result is pretty much the same. Best described as another very mediocre RTS.

    The previous four stages lead up to the Galactic stage. You have a planet and a spaceship and as such you can travel to other planets to terraform them or trade. The main problem with this stage is hidden in the previous sentence - *YOU* have a spaceship, nobody else on your starting planet does, no planet you claim ever gets them. This means you spend your entire time responding to every single tiny detail or alert or attack or request or discovery or trade opportunity yourself. The larger the mapped area is, the more time you spend not exploring but constantly dealing with mundane trivia. To add insult to injury when you make allies who *do* posses spaceships they not only don't give you help but then expect you to drop anything and everything when *they* have any problem at all! I know you are fighting a war to defend your planets on the far reaches of the galaxy and also trying to single handedly ferry spice everywhere but we have knocked over a glass of milk and it is imperative that you, and only you in the entirety of creation, rush to our aid right now!

    Overall a very disappointing and mediocre game.    … Expand
  20. sonicsword
    Nov 24, 2011
    6
    It's a fun game to spend time. But the game has a very clear goal and if you want a bit of a challenge you will not find in this game. The graphics are pretty feeble but the character animations are good. It's a pretty average game.
  21. thelastlol
    Jan 2, 2013
    9
    Spores a great game worth trying. I played 40 hours of it and loved it. It lost a mark because the expansion packs were horrible. The evolution idea was brilliant
  22. egn
    Mar 12, 2013
    7
    People were expecting a lot form this title; and it didn't quite match up with that Will Wright demo from 2005, no... but It's a damn fine game nonetheless, with hours of highly-replayable entertainment that is really good for lots of different ages, tastes, and play styles. This would be a great game for younger children, but adults will enjoy it just as much.
  23. CaptainCupboard
    Mar 21, 2013
    9
    I got spore a long time ago when I was about 11. I simply adored it. But is this just because I was young? No. I played it for a while, making more advanced creatures, houses, cars and spaceships as I developed my creativity. The gameplay itself I enjoyed considerably less but it was still enjoyable, I found some of the stages repetitive and tedious but otherwise it was a very amusing andI got spore a long time ago when I was about 11. I simply adored it. But is this just because I was young? No. I played it for a while, making more advanced creatures, houses, cars and spaceships as I developed my creativity. The gameplay itself I enjoyed considerably less but it was still enjoyable, I found some of the stages repetitive and tedious but otherwise it was a very amusing and fun game. I personally loved playing all sorts of different creatures, I loved it how you could customize virtually everything and how your....creature progressed through evolutionary stages. Its simply amazing that you can conquer the entire universe (I think you can.) There are so many different options you can take to change your creature and it really feels like you're the one who's doing it. The combat itself I found....a bit too simple but for a game aimed at kiddywinkles I think its fair to say there won't be any kind of mutilation .Shame. With so many things you can do in the game, so many things you can create I would strongly recommend it.… Expand
  24. GamerQuinn
    Jul 24, 2013
    9
    Recommended: Get this at Target. I bought this game 6 months ago. I was totally entertained. From worst stages to best:

    Creature

    Cell

    Tribe

    Civilization

    SPAAAACE!

    But the reason why i gave this a 9 is because sims 3 is better.
  25. MacGamer
    Oct 19, 2013
    10
    Spore is one of the most innovative games that EA has released. It remains my favorite game of all time due to its decision making and realism. Many people say the gameplay is bad but if you give it a chance, it really is a very fun game.
  26. FlynnHuman
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    Fun game for a while, could never push myself to continue far into the Space stage. It became a bore, yet the extent and detail of the scenery and game play must have been thought strongly into, and became a large sit-down part of the run. I enjoy this game, and would recommend it.
  27. RegenaldS
    Dec 15, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. SPORE™ is an amazing game that blends creativity and strategy to create this wonderful adventure. Starting as a single celled organism, you learn, evolve, and create the ultimate being.

    SPORE™ includes in-game achievements, a creating mode where all of your creations are built, a Sporepedia of all your own creations plus over a thousand pre-made ones by Maxis, a wonderful campaign, and a very interesting saved profile setup.

    In each stage of your evolution there are three classes; aggressive, peaceful, and neutral, which are chosen upon your actions. Eating meat and killing other species counts towards aggressive. Eating plants and friending other species count towards peaceful. A mix of aggressive actions and peaceful actions will put you in the neutral class. There are special abilities for each class, aggressive class gives you aggressive abilities, peaceful gives peaceful abilities, and neutral gives you an ability that could either help with peace or war.

    Cell Stage:
    Basically the tutorial of the game, lasting 10-15 minutes and only having 15 parts, but it IS the defining point of your species.
    Eating meat, plants, or a combination of both affects your class.

    Creature Stage:
    So you've evolved legs and moved onto land, huh? Now is where the true action begins, will you kill off the other packs of animals, or will you make them your allies... why not both? Doing either of those actions causes your creature to evolve, increasing your attack and allowing you to add more animals to your own personal pack. Creation becomes more complex as over 200+ parts are added, so your creature can become fully developed. Oh yeah, one more thing, there are creatures known as "Epics"... huge beings focused only on one thing... killing you and your pack.

    Tribal Stage:
    You've gotten smarter, and it’s shown. Your species has evolved to the point that they have started building tribes, weapons, musical instruments, and other items. But you’re not the only ones that have become smart, other tribes will appear, will you make war with them? Peace? Heck, kill the weaklings and ally with the strong if you want. Your creatures now have begun to create clothing and armor, so make them look good. Just a warning, those pesky epics are still around.

    Civilization Stage:
    Wow, Still going? Okay then. Now you start building taller, more modern buildings (they've finally caught up to us). Now you can start building cars, planes, and boats. You use them to race for control over spice vents, improve how other cities feel about you, or lay siege to them. City planning also is important, if done right the populace will love you so they produce more money, if done wrong they will stop the increase of wealth. I guess your fashion has evolved to, because now you get top hats!

    Space Stage:
    One small step for alien, one giant leap for alien kind... SSSSPPAACCEEE TRAAAVVEEELLL!!!!! The space stage is like a game in itself. It has quests, even more complex diplomacy, an economy, exploration of THOUSANDS of planets, terraforming, colonizing, war (Ever blow up a whole planet before? Fun stuff...), and wonderful combat, you control a single ship, arm it with lasers, rockets and nukes, and prepare for pirate attacks! And I can’t forget to mention the cool space armor you get.

    But, this game is far from perfect. Character models are a bit drab and look like clay. More features and parts could have been added to the creation mode, and gameplay does get boring after a few playthroughs, but there is allot of replayability.
    And just a warning, SPORE™ is one of the most problematic games there is... full of crashes, errors and glitches.

    Overall, this game is pretty fun, especially space stage.
    But even with all that the price is still pretty hefty, I would suggest you wait for it to go on sale.

    The reason I have so few hours of play time recorded is because I played SPORE™ Creepy & Cute Parts Pack instead. It’s the same game, but with extra parts added to create with. So if you do decide to get this check out my SPORE™ Creepy & Cute Parts Pack review.

    Pros:
    Massive replayability.
    Ability to create your own creatures, vehicles, buildings.
    Can choose which separate stage to play, or do them in order.
    You get ability’s depending on the morale’s of your actions.
    Complex economy (Space Stage).
    Awesome terraforming system (Space Stage).
    Amazing looking planets.

    Cons:
    Full of glitches (characters bugging out, game failing to start, missing directories, etc.).
    Creature models look like clay.
    Creator feature is option lacking.
    Campaign is linear in the Tribal and Civilization stages.

    Rate: 5/10 with glitches, 7/10 without glitches

    If this review was the deciding point of you getting this game feel free to leave a comment telling me so!    … Expand
  28. ThePandaBlaster
    Dec 22, 2013
    5
    I enjoyed this game in the beginning with the evolution-stages, but it soon became extremely boring. I liked the space-age part when I built an empire using the species I nurtured but it just became too difficult to maintain it. When I was on one side of the galaxy, one of my colonies would be attacked on the complete other side, and the only way I could keep it is if I went ALL the wayI enjoyed this game in the beginning with the evolution-stages, but it soon became extremely boring. I liked the space-age part when I built an empire using the species I nurtured but it just became too difficult to maintain it. When I was on one side of the galaxy, one of my colonies would be attacked on the complete other side, and the only way I could keep it is if I went ALL the way over there and stopped it.

    Not worth the $20 I spent on it because it massacred the concept I believed Spore to be, which was a god-game of complete creation and control of the outcome of the galaxy and your creature.

    Instead, I got repetitive game-play and soon regretted buying it.    … Expand
  29. Msioux01
    Dec 29, 2013
    5
    Okay, okay, the game was no masterpiece, but I did actually enjoy playing it. I didn't like how simplified it seemed, when evolving your creature, it seemed more about the looks than for actual evolutionary advantages.
    I did NOT like the way the camera worked during the Tribal Stage. It was very confusing and hard to navigate, and this proved annoying when I was in the middle of defending    Okay, okay, the game was no masterpiece, but I did actually enjoy playing it. I didn't like how simplified it seemed, when evolving your creature, it seemed more about the looks than for actual evolutionary advantages.
    I did NOT like the way the camera worked during the Tribal Stage. It was very confusing and hard to navigate, and this proved annoying when I was in the middle of defending my tribe from raiders.
    Also-the creature stage was very repetitive and annoying, and I spent the whole time really just hoping I could move on.
    All of that being said, I really didn't hate the game. I liked seeing my creature evolve (seriously, what a cool idea for a game!) and I enjoyed building my own civilization. Overall, I think this game had a good idea-but it was poorly executed. It's a fun game and I'd recommend giving it a try, but don't expect too much, it's not winning any game of the year award.    … Expand
  30. IcecreamSnowman
    Mar 11, 2014
    6
    I had fun making an animal and seeing it evolve into some kind space faring dinosaur thing. Then I got really annoyed that once you're an ally of a race, who were presumably getting along just fine without you, they stop defending themselves from pirates, stop preventing eco-disasters and just sponge of the player. A whole galaxy to explore but you have to go home every five minutesI had fun making an animal and seeing it evolve into some kind space faring dinosaur thing. Then I got really annoyed that once you're an ally of a race, who were presumably getting along just fine without you, they stop defending themselves from pirates, stop preventing eco-disasters and just sponge of the player. A whole galaxy to explore but you have to go home every five minutes because somebody is destroying your might civilization with a toy tricycle.… Expand
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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]
    Read full review
  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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