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. AnonymousMC
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    Absolutely greatest letdown in gaming history. A mile wide but an inch deep. user content system dosn't save it game it makes you want it to be something it isn't; a compelling and fun game. space phase is absolutely frustrating and not open ended in the least. forced to be a slave to greater empires who spring up immediately and some who hate you instanly for no reason and wontAbsolutely greatest letdown in gaming history. A mile wide but an inch deep. user content system dosn't save it game it makes you want it to be something it isn't; a compelling and fun game. space phase is absolutely frustrating and not open ended in the least. forced to be a slave to greater empires who spring up immediately and some who hate you instanly for no reason and wont let you do "diplomacy" with them. Add in the terrible DRM called SECUROM and you've got yourself a totally disappointing game the likes of which i've never seen before.… Expand
  2. PauloP.
    Sep 15, 2008
    2
    A bland game that falls quite short of its huge tall order. It would deserve a modest 5. Why do I give it 2? Because the protection scheme is just a disrespect for buyers.
  3. DaveB.
    Sep 15, 2008
    5
    Spore is an interesting program, but it's a terrible game. The creator elements, where players can sculpt creatures, buildings, and vehicles are very novel and pretty well done, but the actual gameplay is all five stages is unbelievably shallow. I understand that the game is supposed to be accessible, but the game doesn't start simple and gradually allow you to go deeper; it Spore is an interesting program, but it's a terrible game. The creator elements, where players can sculpt creatures, buildings, and vehicles are very novel and pretty well done, but the actual gameplay is all five stages is unbelievably shallow. I understand that the game is supposed to be accessible, but the game doesn't start simple and gradually allow you to go deeper; it starts simple and just gets boring. Unlike previous Maxis projects, the game - which doesn't take very long to get through - has virtually no replay value despite the available customization because there's no real challenge and most of the choices you make don't really matter. The creator modes are indeed very cool, but the game they support is totally just tacked on.… Expand
  4. FredS.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    DRM is all I can say. Game seemed ok, but I'm forced to return it to the store.
  5. SamM.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    Disappointing, not revolutionary and DRM is stupid. That's all I need to say.
  6. ES
    Sep 15, 2008
    2
    This game is horribly oversimplified. The creature creator is good, but none of the choices you make actually matter in the end. Yawn.
  7. BrandonS
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    I'm not a crook, so don't treat me like a crook, this is not the way to treat your customers EA.
  8. JohnL
    Sep 15, 2008
    9
    Pros: Ability for creativity is nearly unlimited. Creators/Editors are fantastic. What you do in all the stages before Space stage drastically effect how you play the Space stage. Cons: UI is a bit oversimplified. Tribe and Civ stage are a tad boring - not enough room for creativity. Not quite what we were all hoping for. Summary: Worth $50, but not much more.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. BenjaminW.
    Sep 15, 2008
    10
    the most original game in a long time. A compleatly diffrent experience than iv ever had with a game. i loved it 10++++
  12. AliciaC.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    This game is a rental not a purchase. Just wait for someone to crack it and get it free.
  13. TammyO.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    This game sucks the big one, and you KNOW which big one I mean. 5 different games that are no fun and hard to control (no modifiable controls and no invert mouse) and wassup with this DRM? Ugh! Gag me with the big one, I'm spitting this one out. Shame on you Maxis. Lost my faith.
  14. BenT.
    Sep 15, 2008
    10
    this game is absolutely amazing in a very random way i played for 7 hours continuosly after purchasing it well worth buying. once you get to the later stages is very complex.
  15. JackB.
    Sep 15, 2008
    1
    Worst pos I've ever purchased. Last time I buy something on the strength of its author. I thought this guy did the Sims?
  16. KenM.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    DRM need i say more? oh and the game is nothing like Will showed us 2 years ago.
  17. JeffreyC.
    Sep 15, 2008
    9
    This is a game that's like no other. The originality of the game and the broadness of the game makes it a great game worth playing. The game stages run through many genres. The only issue is its ambition is more than the practicality of the gameplay.
  18. AnneL.
    Sep 15, 2008
    3
    I've played flash games that are better than this disappointment, seriously. The game is lacking in all aspects.
  19. Peter.P.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    Damn, I already used up all my 3 activation as I used an USB flash stick. Aparently any hardware change, including adding/removing hard drives will use up an activation. And to the PC, a USB stick is a hard drive. Was a little fun while it lated, I only got to the tribal stage but it seemed a bit dumbed down. Beware of USB flash sticks if you plan to play this or any future EA products.
  20. madlep
    Sep 14, 2008
    0
    This game and it's SecureROM virus kicked me in the nuts and stole my baby, then set my computer on fire. Say no to invasive DRM!
  21. 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
  22. intervaljones
    Sep 14, 2008
    0
    Bad DRM plus lies in the manual regarding the number of online accounts a game can have plus watered down gaming action = lowest possible score. Ignore the glowing reviews, they are obviously EA shills.
  23. BoP.
    Sep 14, 2008
    5
    Could have been more. Great Idea! Crap implementation. Now after 2 days of playing I'm gonna leave Spore in its corner and hope for some free addons and updates to come out so its fun to play again.
  24. ArvinS.
    Sep 14, 2008
    6
    Each stage feels rushed with an artificial ending; as someone said its like playing a bad version of five different games. The game really does lack depth and substance and is a huge disappointment.
  25. JaredL.
    Sep 14, 2008
    9
    the game turned out great... it can be a little quick to get through, but thats just me, racing to the end, but theres lots to explore. but i definatly think that Panzer S. is wrong in saying that you have to pay to stay out of war or run away to protect yourself... if you get attacked you go down to a planet and KICK BUTT!.. but thats also part of the problem.. you cant fight while in the game turned out great... it can be a little quick to get through, but thats just me, racing to the end, but theres lots to explore. but i definatly think that Panzer S. is wrong in saying that you have to pay to stay out of war or run away to protect yourself... if you get attacked you go down to a planet and KICK BUTT!.. but thats also part of the problem.. you cant fight while in the galactic view.… Expand
  26. BrendanD
    Sep 14, 2008
    10
    Anyone bored or disappointed by this game is interested more in games that tell them what to do and how to do it than in creativity. Despite what some reviewers seem to think, this is *not* dumbed-down. Instead, this is probably one of the most intriguing games that has yet come out of EA; and it certainly is the most interesting sim game yet. What is confusing so many on here is that Anyone bored or disappointed by this game is interested more in games that tell them what to do and how to do it than in creativity. Despite what some reviewers seem to think, this is *not* dumbed-down. Instead, this is probably one of the most intriguing games that has yet come out of EA; and it certainly is the most interesting sim game yet. What is confusing so many on here is that they assume the game should tell them what to do, where to go, what end goals should be, etc. This is not a game like Knights of the Old Republic or Halo or any of the other myriad FPSs and RPGs on the market. It's not even as limitedly defined as The Sims or SimCity. Instead, its only limit is the bounds of one's imagination. Unfortunately, it seems many of the fans reviewing this game have lost that sense of adventure and wonder, preferring to let programmers do all the work so they can use as little of their brains as possible. If you're a gamer like that, go back to WoW or Halo, the games that truly are for the masters. This is a game for those of us who still have a little bit of childlike imagination left.… Expand
  27. ColinB
    Sep 14, 2008
    2
    A bitter disappointment. Yes, the world is very pretty to look at, and the creature creator is a nifty little toy...but the game play is abysmal. The game shifts between different genres, hopelessly attempting to provide a unique and deep experience, but every stage is just becomes a boring, simplified genre exercise without any sense of adventure, fun, or immersion. It's like I A bitter disappointment. Yes, the world is very pretty to look at, and the creature creator is a nifty little toy...but the game play is abysmal. The game shifts between different genres, hopelessly attempting to provide a unique and deep experience, but every stage is just becomes a boring, simplified genre exercise without any sense of adventure, fun, or immersion. It's like I asked for a heaping bowl of thick, delicious chocolate ice cream that would take me a long time to completely savor, but instead I receive a small bowl of low-fat frozen yogurt in assorted flavors that is presented nicely but tastes like a loathsome combination of five kinds of Gerber's baby mush. And don't worry, I despise the DRM as much as the next man, but that did not affect my opinion of Spore. It is simply one of the greatest gaming failures in history. Will Wright's yacht has capsized...time to hop aboard the FAILBOAT!… Expand
  28. JonathanS.
    Sep 14, 2008
    0
    I've been looking forward to playing Spore for a very long time. I would've given it a 10, but I actually played it, and then I found out about the DRM restrictions. I really thought this would be a game for the players, but I guess money is more important. Good luck with the sales. I'm telling my friends to download it instead.
  29. GucioG.
    Sep 14, 2008
    2
    DRM and a lot of wasted potential. Overhyped, overdumbed, lacking in every aspect. After the initial "wow" factor is gone, there is pretty much nothing left. Simply not enough game in this game.
  30. DanyR
    Sep 14, 2008
    4
    So much potential crippled by so many bugs and incomplete, repetitive and downright annoying gameplay. I had great hopes in Spore, but I was Spwned by EA and it's miserable DRM, QA and lousy technical support staff. I don't blame Maxis though, EA is responsible for Spore's lack of real appeal for real gamers.
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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

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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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