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. StephenK.
    Sep 13, 2008
    0
    If i felt comfortable installing this, it would be a 6. The game is VERY dumbed down with your characters appearance and evolution having little efect on gameplay other than aesthetic. But with the DRM issue of 3 installs, this game becomes unplayable, hence a 0.
  2. BobJ.
    Sep 13, 2008
    2
    Game is shallow and has almost nothing to do with evoloution.
  3. AnneR
    Sep 13, 2008
    2
    I've been waiting for this a long time. Now I'm bored and annoyed just getting one creature to the civilization phase. The controls are not intuitive and change with every phase so you can't get used to them. Phases last a very short amount of time. Nothing evolves. You get to add parts, but there's no sense of true evolution. And after awhile you can't add parts I've been waiting for this a long time. Now I'm bored and annoyed just getting one creature to the civilization phase. The controls are not intuitive and change with every phase so you can't get used to them. Phases last a very short amount of time. Nothing evolves. You get to add parts, but there's no sense of true evolution. And after awhile you can't add parts anymore either. I loved the CIV games. I loved SimCity and the Sims. I had a great time with Caesar and Pharaoh and Age of Empires, Diablo and WoW but this had none of the joy of any of them. Being able to install it 3 times is 2 too many.… Expand
  4. ChristopherC.
    Sep 13, 2008
    1
    There is no gameplay to speak of,. just repetitive and unrewarding tasks. Such a terrible shame. If only some one in the testing department had tried playing it rather then making creatures. The creating components are good fun. but that
  5. DKK.
    Sep 13, 2008
    2
    I am an EA fan, a Will Wright fan, and I could give a crap about DRM. I was ready to love this. I don't. It's beautiful, but it's boring.
  6. JB.
    Sep 13, 2008
    1
    Biggest Disappointment of 2008. I followed Spore since I heard about it in '06. Seriously, WTF happened? Maxis had such a great game and then two years later I'm stuck with this buggy stripped down version. It feels like I am playing a kids game on a console. Spore had the most potential than any other game ever made but thanks to EA that opportunity is lost and Maxis/Will Biggest Disappointment of 2008. I followed Spore since I heard about it in '06. Seriously, WTF happened? Maxis had such a great game and then two years later I'm stuck with this buggy stripped down version. It feels like I am playing a kids game on a console. Spore had the most potential than any other game ever made but thanks to EA that opportunity is lost and Maxis/Will Wright is looking like a tool. Spore is an EPIC FAIL.… Expand
  7. Ben
    Sep 13, 2008
    3
    A real missed opportunity. I had been looking forward to this game for ages and am disappointed. Designing creatures/buildings/vehicles has little to no impact on how they perform in game - this being the case you may as well shut down the game and pick up some lego instead. The 5 stages seem completely disjointed, as performance in a previous stage has little to no impact on the next A real missed opportunity. I had been looking forward to this game for ages and am disappointed. Designing creatures/buildings/vehicles has little to no impact on how they perform in game - this being the case you may as well shut down the game and pick up some lego instead. The 5 stages seem completely disjointed, as performance in a previous stage has little to no impact on the next (you can also COMPLETELY redesign your creature whenever you like so there's no sense of progress either). All stages are far too simplistic and have some strange features - for example in the creature stage it makes no difference whether you add one spike or 50, your creature still has the same attack skill. Also I found the controls for the space stage atrocious - I seemed to spend the whole time scrolling in and out, which is as dull as it sounds. Its basically 5 slightly sub-average games rolled into one. I'd advise waiting until it comes down to £10 or so before buying, it's not worth more than that.… Expand
  8. williamv.
    Sep 13, 2008
    0
    all the stages of this game are boring and repetetive. the worst is all the micro management of the space stage. sure you're an all powerful alien space faring empire... but you can only make one ship at a time? you can't even make small ships to defend your planets? you have to micromanage stupid little details such as alien attacks or ecodisasters? seriously, c'mon, in all the stages of this game are boring and repetetive. the worst is all the micro management of the space stage. sure you're an all powerful alien space faring empire... but you can only make one ship at a time? you can't even make small ships to defend your planets? you have to micromanage stupid little details such as alien attacks or ecodisasters? seriously, c'mon, in much older RTS games it seems like you could make minions to carry out the tedious tasks. even in sim city you could build fire stations and police stations so you didn't have to do everything yourself. this becomes even more frustrating when other space faring groups attack your planets or when you attack theirs... they don't seem to have a "one space ship per empire" standard applied to them... just go to the center and talk to the gronk {think thats' their name}. they seem to have as many ships as they want and their development isn't bogged down by the minutiae of governance. and don't even get me started on the fact that you can't make ships to collect the spices from your colonies for you. seriously, i have to fly to each star system myself? when i could be exploring this massive universe you've given us? i own/inhabit over sixty star systems and if i want to keep them all and/or profit from them i have to continually watch over them and visit them like a super shepherd who can never, ever, leave his flock. the bottom line is that if you really want to explore and have fun with the game you're going to lose planets, star systems, or at least money because even though you're an all powerful space faring empire you can't seem to do anything except depend on one ship {piloted by the user} to do each and every little detail. other frustrations with the space age are the fact that trade routes give you no income. none. the only point of a trade route, it seems, is that eventually the star system in question becomes available to purchase. the second major frustration {outside of the paragraphs above} is the UI used when battling on a planet. the controls for the dog fights are atrocious and the camera angle, during the fighting, is unhelpful to say the least. there are so many little things that could have been changed to make the space age of spore truly glorious and truly fun. after a couple nights play on the game, {probably about 10 hours spent on the space age altogether}, i can honestly say that i'm completely sick of it. i was really looking forward to this game for the past year or so, but i've been nothing but letdown by the release {both gameplay and DRM are pretty crap}. i just can't believe they didn't fix or even seem to understand some of these issues during their beta testing. who do they have playing these games up at EA? maybe they'll fix some of these issues with patches, updates, etc. more than likely though anything that fixes or expands the game will be sold separately as an expansion pack. sorry EA, you won't be getting any more money from me or my friends in the spore franchise.… Expand
  9. dc
    Sep 14, 2008
    1
    Spore was said to be a great game with a way innovative game play that would allow user to make the universe their own way... This needless to say did not happen not even close, most of the time it is the same repetitive actions of go here do as your told type play... Total let down on the side of EA they had a great idea and totally burned it at the stake. too easy and this game HAS Spore was said to be a great game with a way innovative game play that would allow user to make the universe their own way... This needless to say did not happen not even close, most of the time it is the same repetitive actions of go here do as your told type play... Total let down on the side of EA they had a great idea and totally burned it at the stake. too easy and this game HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH EVOLUTION! ITS MORE LIKE A CREATIONIST GAME - everything is set out for you and you do the same things every time you play it - no matter which role you take. The game itself is alright… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. V.B.
    Sep 14, 2008
    0
    DRM is a dealbreaker anyway, but the game has been reduced to nothingness. The design of your creature couldn't matter less. No significant evolution, which was supposedly the point of the game. You can make creatures that would never survive do just fine, which means there's no payoff to taking the time to design a creature well. Stupid, stupid game, and incredible disappointment.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. ChrisB.
    Sep 14, 2008
    3
    This game could have been good but it never settles down. Its like spinning plates, just end up rushing around in an attempt to get nowhere. Really badly thought out and generally not enough content. Shame.
  16. JohnD.
    Sep 14, 2008
    1
    Aweful DRM, worse gameplay. The creators are great but the game is absolutely mind-numbingly dull.
  17. MargorieS
    Sep 14, 2008
    1
    I should have saved the $50. I heard this was the latest from the guy who made the Sims and I loved the Sims, but this is awful. The first 2 games are Ok, but not really fun, and then the 3rd game feels like I'm playing counterstrike or something. Bad game design, and stupid key commands. I can't get used to them (no invert mouse) and so it's really no fun to struggle along I should have saved the $50. I heard this was the latest from the guy who made the Sims and I loved the Sims, but this is awful. The first 2 games are Ok, but not really fun, and then the 3rd game feels like I'm playing counterstrike or something. Bad game design, and stupid key commands. I can't get used to them (no invert mouse) and so it's really no fun to struggle along trying to play. So many things wrong this stupid title.… Expand
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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!
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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?
  26. AliciaC.
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    This game is a rental not a purchase. Just wait for someone to crack it and get it free.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. 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.
  34. 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
  35. 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 $50 back.
  36. WilliamI.
    Sep 17, 2008
    1
    This is just a bunch of mini-games each of which have been done better dozens of times.
  37. jasonh.
    Sep 18, 2008
    3
    The game is broken into 5 stages. Stage one is a mini game like fl0w, but not as good. The second sections plays like pokemon, but not as good, the third section plays like an mmo/rts, but with no depth, the fourth section play like civilization but with no depth, and the 5th section, space, plays like a space based rts but with no people. I wasted so much money on this game to only be The game is broken into 5 stages. Stage one is a mini game like fl0w, but not as good. The second sections plays like pokemon, but not as good, the third section plays like an mmo/rts, but with no depth, the fourth section play like civilization but with no depth, and the 5th section, space, plays like a space based rts but with no people. I wasted so much money on this game to only be entertained for a few hours by the novelty of making your own creatures. i should have just bought creature creator and saved myself 40$ 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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. AnnoyingGame
    Sep 18, 2008
    0
    Totally disappointed , it sucks for gamers that have more qi then one child.
  41. 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.
  42. DavidL.
    Sep 19, 2008
    5
    Fun the first few times through, then gets very repetitive.
  43. JohnM
    Sep 19, 2008
    3
    The game has promise but completely fails to deliver. My 10 year old daughter loves it though.
  44. 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
  45. 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.
  46. 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.
  47. 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
  48. 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 !!!
  49. 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
  50. 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
  51. 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
  52. 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
  53. AngusHirst
    Sep 26, 2008
    6
    While at first it appears to have unlimited replayability, the reality is that the different phases quickly become repetitive. The Cell stage is probably the best executed, and it lasts just long enough for you to still have some interest in it. The creature stage is saved by the multitude of different ways your creature can be edited. The tribal and civilization stages are very boring andWhile at first it appears to have unlimited replayability, the reality is that the different phases quickly become repetitive. The Cell stage is probably the best executed, and it lasts just long enough for you to still have some interest in it. The creature stage is saved by the multitude of different ways your creature can be edited. The tribal and civilization stages are very boring and tedious, and if you ge tthrough them, you'll find th meat of the game in the space stage.

    The space stage initially appears amazingly good. Once the helpful tutorial ends, zoom out and see how damn big the galaxy really is. Unfortunately there really isn't many ways to progress. All strategies in the end involve conquering and setting up colonies. While this is fun for a while, the pointlessness of this soon fits in and the massive galaxy becomes a burden - not a gift. There are some very annoying moments, particularly fighting your way through an enemy planet, only to get the message that one of your far away allies ecosystems is in danger, and you'd better stop that battle and get to where the real priority is *cough*.

    Despite this nuisances and problems, Spore is not a bad game. Its just the whole concept while having magnificant potential is not carried out correctly.    … Expand
  54. 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
  55. jbean
    Sep 28, 2008
    2
    This game is ridiculous! First you can only install it three times, then of those three times they all have to be the same account! i don't know about you but i have 5 computers in our house. The gameplay is almost just as bad because the changes to your character are only cosmetic and don't even help you in the game.
  56. TomislavNebes
    Sep 28, 2008
    2
    The game, by itself is great. The composition, the idea, the graphics, but only one thing ruined it. It was too closely connected to the Sims.
    In a interview with one of the developers of Spore, they said that they would rather have the metascore of Sims, rather then have the Metascore of Half-Life 2.
    The only question is, why would the game have to look like another game? Why can't    The game, by itself is great. The composition, the idea, the graphics, but only one thing ruined it. It was too closely connected to the Sims.
    In a interview with one of the developers of Spore, they said that they would rather have the metascore of Sims, rather then have the Metascore of Half-Life 2.
    The only question is, why would the game have to look like another game? Why can't the game can't be unique? The second thing that bothers me, and shouldn't be a problem, is that most of the things mentioned at E2008 will not appear: Take for example: building culture underwater, having your creatures live in the sea, having your creatures be airborn... etc etc
    It is well known that EA and Maxis throw in a lot of expansions just to make money from average people. This is why this game doesn't deserve more than 2.    … Expand
  57. JimSmith
    Sep 28, 2008
    4
    Promised so much, delivered far less, and then was not "science" as suggested but just fluff.
    10yo and 12yo kids were gone after three days - off they went back to Civ4
    Cell stage is the best, then it falls away - bit sad as I bought it for the stages I-IV, not space, then find it is designed to get you to space asap!
  58. bignuinLot
    Sep 29, 2008
    2
    This game is a big disappointment. It's only like 5 minigames and a creature editor.
  59. DevinB.
    Sep 4, 2008
    3
    Totally fails to live up to the hype. Get it if you have a 10 year old, otherwise, avoid, avoid, avoid!
  60. SteveM
    Sep 6, 2008
    5
    It is good to know that a game can be released for PC these days and be bug free, an achievement in polish for sure. This game Is overly expensive, without reason. The lack of story is disappointing and doesn't make you want to launch the game. The creation and interaction is fun but it is missing reason. If this was Will Wrights first game, EA wouldn't be charging more, clearly It is good to know that a game can be released for PC these days and be bug free, an achievement in polish for sure. This game Is overly expensive, without reason. The lack of story is disappointing and doesn't make you want to launch the game. The creation and interaction is fun but it is missing reason. If this was Will Wrights first game, EA wouldn't be charging more, clearly a ripoff.… Expand
  61. JohnL.
    Sep 6, 2008
    4
    It is just so flawed. I can't believe even the negative reviews are giving over 80%! What the hell is wrong with reviewers today? If you are a young child, or you are someone who adored The Sims, then you might like this game. Otherwise, steer well clear.
  62. TreyG.
    Sep 6, 2008
    6
    It was a good idea, but Will Wright totally blew it on gameplay. I wish we could rewind the clock 2 years and give Will's excellent design tools to Sid Meier, and let him handle the gameplay and strategy.
  63. GaryP.
    Sep 7, 2008
    0
    Good game, but the DRM is a deal breaker. I ended up having to crack my legally brought copy in order to play it.
  64. BobG.
    Sep 8, 2008
    2
    This game has no gameplay. It is too easy, you finish it in less then 4 hours and there is no real replay. Its kiddy-proof and looks cute, but thats all that is positive. For a real gamer this is just another "once download then never play again" gaming title.
  65. DRMSUCKS
    Sep 8, 2008
    1
    This games DRM content is surprising especially since the bit torrent community has a Spore version already out there without the DRM code. I wonder if that version uninstalls? EA, I expected better ... I bought Spore yesterday from Fry's and installed it on a friends computer so we could check it our and see if he wanted to buy it ... now I'm down one computer install, and he This games DRM content is surprising especially since the bit torrent community has a Spore version already out there without the DRM code. I wonder if that version uninstalls? EA, I expected better ... I bought Spore yesterday from Fry's and installed it on a friends computer so we could check it our and see if he wanted to buy it ... now I'm down one computer install, and he decided he didn't like it and now he can't uninstall it from his computer. UGH! What a way to treat paying customers, next time I should get the better (DRM free) version from a torrent.… Expand
  66. DominicD.
    Sep 8, 2008
    1
    Spore was supposed to be a revolutionary experience, combining multiple genres while concentrating on evolution and genetics. Fast forward two years and here we have the finished product, ready to be installed on our hard drives. First of all, the game incorporates a draconian DRM system that requires you to activate over the internet, and limits you to a grand total of 3 activations. If Spore was supposed to be a revolutionary experience, combining multiple genres while concentrating on evolution and genetics. Fast forward two years and here we have the finished product, ready to be installed on our hard drives. First of all, the game incorporates a draconian DRM system that requires you to activate over the internet, and limits you to a grand total of 3 activations. If you reach that limit, then you'll have to call EA in order to add one extra activation. That's not as simple as it sounds, since when you reach that point EA will assume that you, the paying customer, are a filthy pirating thief. You will need to provide proof of purchase, reasons why the limit was reached, etc, etc (it has all happened before with another recent EA product, Mass Effect). EA, of course, is not obligated to grant you that extra activation or even provide that service. In a couple of years they might very well even shut down the general activation servers, because "it's not financially feasible" to keep them running. What you will be left with is a nice, colorful $50 coaster. And you will be required to pay for another copy/license if you want to continue playing. This basically means that you are actually RENTING the game, instead of owning it. The game WILL stop to function in the future. That's inevitable, because even if EA keeps the activation servers going, there IS going to be a time when EA will simply cease to exist because of financial issues or federal laws (like most business eventually do). Second, the game was dumbed down to oblivion. Evolution doesn't even matter anymore. You can add as many legs to a creature as you want, but it won't be any faster than a one legged creature with higher leg stats. "Creating" your creatures is pointless (cosmetic only, because everything is based on stats), and brings you about the same excitement as dressing up a plastic doll.… Expand
  67. DavidBacon
    Sep 8, 2008
    0
    I will not buy this game until they take out the useless DRM SecuROM. ANy doubts check Amazon and you ´ll understand.
  68. DiegoL.
    Sep 8, 2008
    0
    Stupid gameplay, linear and without any depth. Bad graphics and art direction. Surly all this game does is copy-paste VERY simplified versions of other series. I could gave it a 3 score, but I'm too disappointed.
  69. BrandonL.
    Sep 8, 2008
    3
    Overall spore is a fantastic idea with amazing scope and range of gameplay. The problem is, after I played it through once, I found I had no desire to do so again. Spore is essentially a huge ocean, with the depth of a kiddie pool.
  70. RealmR.
    Sep 8, 2008
    0
    The gameplay is alright especially the final Galatic Civ phase. However, I'm having problems with my computer crashing every since I installed and some of my anti-virus programs did not like the Spore install. I did some googling and saw that Spore used a DRM scheme caused SecuRom which basically runs admin like in the background of your computer. I didn't see a warning on the The gameplay is alright especially the final Galatic Civ phase. However, I'm having problems with my computer crashing every since I installed and some of my anti-virus programs did not like the Spore install. I did some googling and saw that Spore used a DRM scheme caused SecuRom which basically runs admin like in the background of your computer. I didn't see a warning on the box or anything. Very Unsatisfied.… Expand
  71. JohnW.
    Sep 8, 2008
    0
    Gameplay is good, but completely spoiled by overrestrictive DRM. I can't in good conscience give points to a game that actively prevents you from playing without jumping through hoops.
  72. RodericR.
    Sep 8, 2008
    0
    Anything with SECURom gets a 0. I don't care if its the best game ever made. I hope it gets pirated to hell and back in Asia to show them DO NOT PUNISH YOUR PAYING CUSTOMERS, YOU WILL LOSE. 3 installations is ridiculous. If you pay for it, you should get to install it nonstop till the day you die if you so choose. Again, SECURom games all get a 0. Its that simple. They lost 3 paying Anything with SECURom gets a 0. I don't care if its the best game ever made. I hope it gets pirated to hell and back in Asia to show them DO NOT PUNISH YOUR PAYING CUSTOMERS, YOU WILL LOSE. 3 installations is ridiculous. If you pay for it, you should get to install it nonstop till the day you die if you so choose. Again, SECURom games all get a 0. Its that simple. They lost 3 paying customers from my family. We would play a bootleg as punishment to them, but never pay for ANYTHING with SECURom.… Expand
  73. WillJ.
    Sep 8, 2008
    1
    Yet another sandbox game without a theme, without a heart, without any discernible reason to exist. And of course, because it's from Will Wright, the press is fauning all over it. This is not a game, nor is it even a very useful simulation. It's just the naked, brazen expression of a bored and obviously beyond-his-prime game designer who is apparently obsessed with himself and Yet another sandbox game without a theme, without a heart, without any discernible reason to exist. And of course, because it's from Will Wright, the press is fauning all over it. This is not a game, nor is it even a very useful simulation. It's just the naked, brazen expression of a bored and obviously beyond-his-prime game designer who is apparently obsessed with himself and tied to a company that seeks only to maximize their return on a huge outlay with the most obscene cart-before-the-horse marketing plan ever associated with a game. I can just imagine those EA folks slathering in their pre-launch meetings "this is going to be bigger than THE SIMS!" LOL. That said, there is no fun here. Lot of production values and shiny toys to play with. But nothing really to do. Too bad they missed the opportunity of multiplayer so that players could at least see each other's creations in real time, instead of the lame-ass shared creations plan they implemented. What a disappointment!… Expand
  74. CB.
    Sep 8, 2008
    1
    The big grudge with Spore is the tyrannical DRM -- and that's a valid grudge, since it doesn't accomplish anything except annoy legitimate customers -- but underneath the DRM fiasco, the game itself isn't anything close to what it should have been. For all the player created content gushing out of this game, the experience of playing it is surprisingly stingy: you'll The big grudge with Spore is the tyrannical DRM -- and that's a valid grudge, since it doesn't accomplish anything except annoy legitimate customers -- but underneath the DRM fiasco, the game itself isn't anything close to what it should have been. For all the player created content gushing out of this game, the experience of playing it is surprisingly stingy: you'll spend lots of time swimming around frustratingly slowly only to finish the first phase of the game without ever really feeling like you've accomplished much. The creature phase consists of doing the exact same thing (either beating on and killing, or socializing with, other creatures -- depending primarily on your choice between carnivore and herbivore) over and over again... until you move on to the tribal phase. Unfortunately, you'll be doing essentially the same thing there as well (attack or ... make music), only now you'll be doing it with a whole continent of creatures that look exactly like you. The civilization phase feels awkward and unpolished, and doesn't really add anything compelling (you get to make buildings here, but trust me when I say it isn't compelling). And finally the space phase is essentially a long series of slow zoom-in-zoom-out sessions punctuated by badly controlled combat, unclear diplomatic interactions, and profoundly repetitious missions. Even if the DRM issue is ever resolved, there's nearly 10 years of downward-spiral game design that would need to be erased before Spore was worth even half of the $50 price tag.… Expand
  75. AnthonyAnthony
    Sep 9, 2008
    4
    When it comes to visuals this game is amazing! The problem is that it starts and ends there. This game is in no way a good game, in fact as a game its pretty mediocre. The game play is just not there. I got maybe 16 hours of game play and not that was not even good. The first stage is everything I expected but nothing more. They actually do a decent job from keeping the first few stages When it comes to visuals this game is amazing! The problem is that it starts and ends there. This game is in no way a good game, in fact as a game its pretty mediocre. The game play is just not there. I got maybe 16 hours of game play and not that was not even good. The first stage is everything I expected but nothing more. They actually do a decent job from keeping the first few stages from getting to repetitive. Once you pass that though the game is boring. Its just the same actions over and over and over again. There is no depth to the game in anyways and really is only good to kill some time much like a flash game you would play at work. There is no reason to pay $60 for this game. Maybe spore two will be better.… Expand
  76. philg.
    Sep 9, 2008
    1
    This game installed a rootkit on my harddrive and i can't get rid of it, it only allows 3 installs so good luck to any gamer who regularly reinstalls their OS
  77. JamesKlagston
    Sep 9, 2008
    2
    Each stage of the game is boring.
  78. ThomasG.
    Sep 9, 2008
    1
    It looks nice but is only fun for small children - not what I was promised; many features missing.
  79. TristanH.
    Sep 9, 2008
    4
    I wanted to give this a good review, I really did. First two stages are good but dumbed down to insane levels, and every stage after is boring repetitive and extremely shallow. I am completely let down. I loved what i saw in previews and gameplay videos and this is what I'm left with. Also the ultra strict DRM if a filthy way to spy on customers and gives you a maximum of only three I wanted to give this a good review, I really did. First two stages are good but dumbed down to insane levels, and every stage after is boring repetitive and extremely shallow. I am completely let down. I loved what i saw in previews and gameplay videos and this is what I'm left with. Also the ultra strict DRM if a filthy way to spy on customers and gives you a maximum of only three installs, which is stupid considering how much people need to re-format etc. these days with crappy Vista breaking all the time. EA's greed has gone too far this time. Aside from the amazing creation system I struggle to see why the game took so long to be made. Both companies should be ashamed.… Expand
  80. JackR.
    Sep 9, 2008
    2
    I have to agree with the consensus. This game sucks. I can't believe the arrogance of releasing a PC game in 2008 with WASD controls that does NOT let you reconfigure the keys and does NOT provide an invert mouse option. The control scheme is horrible and I spent all my time just trying to unintuitively learn how to move while being killed. What a stupid, stupid game.
  81. BillyJ.
    Jan 11, 2009
    5
    The game could be summarized in a phrase: "More could have been done with it." That being said, is what little they did with it worth the purchase price? Not really. There are some features which have been left out that are quite frankly inexcusable. The first three phases of the game are well done. The cell phase is plagiarized from flOw. The creature phase is perhaps the only part of The game could be summarized in a phrase: "More could have been done with it." That being said, is what little they did with it worth the purchase price? Not really. There are some features which have been left out that are quite frankly inexcusable. The first three phases of the game are well done. The cell phase is plagiarized from flOw. The creature phase is perhaps the only part of the game that is original or unique. The tribal phase, despite claims, does not particularly play like an RTS. In fact, it plays almost the same as the civilization phase, except with no loose pieces of string hanging off it. In the last two phases of the game (civilization and space), it really begins to fall apart. You can tell these phases were only half-completed, and you can feel it when you play them. In the civilization phase, the "military" and "religious" routes play absolutely identically. The superweapons are a hasty afterthought, and I hardly ever found myself using them, needing them, or in a situation where I could justify their cost, particularly the more expensive ones. The devs took extra care to make sure that this phase plays through more or less exactly the same in every game (only they know why they thought this was a good idea). Most of the choices in the diplomacy screen (when you're actually talking to a rival nation) are completely pointless and do nothing. They're just there to fill out the menu. You can tell that this phase was originally more similar to Civ 2-4, but for whatever reason they removed most of the functionality. They might have been afraid of someone accidentally having fun. The space phase is the worst of the worst in the game, lacking essential functionality and being largely without direction and with no real reward for self-guided play. In fact, one could argue that self-guided play is penalized, since despite the vast size of the galaxy, neighbors will encroach on the player's empire very rapidly. Attacks and raids are too frequent to be reasonable. It is often very difficult to find one particular system you are looking for. There's no way for the player to search for systems, to 'mark' them so that they look different, to set waypoints or queues, or to collect income unless the player's empires ONE SINGLE SPACE SHIP CONTROLLED BY YOU actively goes around doing so. There is no way to get multiple fleets that can do more than thing at once, and frankly it's totally ridiculous that a space empire of a dozen or two solar systems still relies on a single ship to do all its grunt work. Eventually you end up being attacked by Grox every other minute, and if you try to get clever and take the fight to them, you discover that the Grox control approximately a thousand systems and effectively cannot be beaten. Thanks for that blatant kick in the balls, game developers. Most egregiously, the space phase of the game really should have been multiplayer. The phrase "massively single-player online game" doesn't actually mean anything, and is an oxymoron. It's a single-player game, plain and simple, and as such suffers from a lack of endgame. Given there is no plot structure, there is obviously no climax or denouement anywhere in the game. It just fizzles out and the player loses interest, turns it off, uninstalls it, and writes a review saying how mediocre it is. The game could have been much more, and basically the developers dropped the ball and ruined it. Future added content will not resolve this unless that content drastically rewrites the game to the point that it is some other game completely. If that happens, I'll write a second review for Spore 2, and this one will still apply to this game.… Expand
  82. Warwick
    Mar 16, 2009
    3
    So very... very boring. This is the proof that the official "Critics" play these games for 1 hour before reviewing. That's about all there is before it runs out of puff. Stop as soon as you're a tribe. Thereafter you Will lose the Will to live. Thanks Will. Yawn.
  83. LS
    Mar 20, 2009
    6
    As you should know, the creators which caused the massive pre-release hype are amazing. You can create anything from a one legged bear to an advanced tank on stilts, the high amount of customisation tools means that your imagination is the only limiting factor. However, the game goes at a perfect pace and grips you until you triumphantly send your creation into space... then nothing. As you should know, the creators which caused the massive pre-release hype are amazing. You can create anything from a one legged bear to an advanced tank on stilts, the high amount of customisation tools means that your imagination is the only limiting factor. However, the game goes at a perfect pace and grips you until you triumphantly send your creation into space... then nothing. Repetitive gameplay with no plotline.… Expand
  84. KevinM
    Mar 23, 2009
    2
    This game becomes incredibly repetative very quickly. Several of the stages of play resemble flash games you can play for free rather then any in depth kind of game play. The creature creator is neat but after that there is very little to do with your creations. I cant believe they are still charging full price for this game much less 20$ for a pack of new parts.
  85. ShaunW
    Mar 7, 2009
    4
    I'm sorry will wright but in trying to make this the ultimate god player. you orchestrated it's own destruction. On a design point the game can entertain you with his customisation but the game play leaves much to the imagination. I found the game enjoyable for the first 6 hours it took e to get to the space stage then on I could not stomach the game past that point. Every time I'm sorry will wright but in trying to make this the ultimate god player. you orchestrated it's own destruction. On a design point the game can entertain you with his customisation but the game play leaves much to the imagination. I found the game enjoyable for the first 6 hours it took e to get to the space stage then on I could not stomach the game past that point. Every time I would decide to settle down for some fun on a planet the game would force me to do it's bidding. It had nothing to do with anything I had done, it was insufferable getting a message that my planet was being destroyed every minute. I just wanted to make my own planets and then grow my master race but the game wouldn't let me have any fun.… Expand
  86. Hat
    Jun 29, 2009
    1
    Awful, just awful. The scientific aspects of Spore, which were so hyped by the games creators and marketing is non-existant. Creatures DONT evolve. Instead you FIND body parts. NOT HOW EVOLUTION WORKS AT ALL!!!!! Instead of the adaptive environments we were promised, Spore forces players to dance or kill all other creatures, before moving on to the woeful Civ/tribe phases which have no Awful, just awful. The scientific aspects of Spore, which were so hyped by the games creators and marketing is non-existant. Creatures DONT evolve. Instead you FIND body parts. NOT HOW EVOLUTION WORKS AT ALL!!!!! Instead of the adaptive environments we were promised, Spore forces players to dance or kill all other creatures, before moving on to the woeful Civ/tribe phases which have no depth. Instead of a wonderful game of evolution Spore nothing more than 5 terrible mini-games. Its only plus is its creators. But when used it doesnt matter where you put part X as it will always give the SAME bonus. NO intelligent design exists. It becomes pointless. Avoid spore at all costs. oh and not to mention SECU-ROM.… Expand
  87. JackM
    Aug 23, 2009
    0
    Ok, this game is so bad I'm not even going to give it a 1. It's just purely horrendous. There's almost no gameplay, and the gameplay that is there goes against everything the game was hyped for. It's extremely linear, almost no chances for it to be dynamic, and the creations you make are only asthetic, they don't actually serve any purpose! The only part I Ok, this game is so bad I'm not even going to give it a 1. It's just purely horrendous. There's almost no gameplay, and the gameplay that is there goes against everything the game was hyped for. It's extremely linear, almost no chances for it to be dynamic, and the creations you make are only asthetic, they don't actually serve any purpose! The only part I actually liked was the first stage and creating my creature. So thanks for a $50 minigame and creature creator, EA!… Expand
  88. MartinG.
    Oct 12, 2008
    3
    Spore had the potential to be so much, yet it turned into a linear, dull collection of uninteresting minigames tacked on to a marvellous creature editor. Still a fun game, at least until you've done everything once and it's just repetition, but at the end of the day, it's disappointment of the year 2008.
  89. JohnM
    Nov 22, 2008
    3
    This game had the potential to be good and revolutionary. Instead its a over hyped watered down version that quickly lost my interest. After a few hours of playing the game, I began to get a sick feeling in my stomach. I said to myself, "Dont worry, its going to get better." Problem was it didn't get better. Upon reaching the space age I was utterly disgusted with the game.This game had the potential to be good and revolutionary. Instead its a over hyped watered down version that quickly lost my interest. After a few hours of playing the game, I began to get a sick feeling in my stomach. I said to myself, "Dont worry, its going to get better." Problem was it didn't get better. Upon reaching the space age I was utterly disgusted with the game. Throw in the DRM that punishes the law abiding gamer and your left with one awful product. I thought about trying the game again a few months down the road, but thought better of it and promptly threw the game in the trash. I think this is the first game I've ever tossed in the garbage so soon after buying it. Avoid this game like the plaque.… Expand
  90. Charlie
    Nov 24, 2008
    3
    Its just bad versions of 5 mini games (only being better in the graphics, but that doesn't matter to me) and it quickly becomes boring and repetitive, and you'll never get an urge to go back on it, after a very short while. However, the creature and building creators are very interesting to play around with, and its for this reason that i'm going to give the game a 3.
  91. zimkafilippov
    Oct 13, 2008
    3
    a total let down. the game is way too short and at the same time is extremely boring. i don't know if its worth the money, since i never paid for it. but, really, it's simply not worth your time of effort.
    the game consists of several poorly designed mini-game-parodies-of-better-games. well, why pay for crap, when you can buy better original games?
  92. PLALYEDTHEGAME
    Oct 13, 2008
    4
    Played it for a few hours. Repetitive and boring. Designing a creature is pointless, it's more like upgrading your creature. Your design has little if any bearing on your success, just slap the highest level parts together and voila! Super easy. Very disappointed for such a long wait. And the DRM sucks! I want to play on a different account than my brother, does that make me aPlayed it for a few hours. Repetitive and boring. Designing a creature is pointless, it's more like upgrading your creature. Your design has little if any bearing on your success, just slap the highest level parts together and voila! Super easy. Very disappointed for such a long wait. And the DRM sucks! I want to play on a different account than my brother, does that make me a thief???

    Lame.    … Expand
  93. MarkW.
    Oct 17, 2008
    3
    After playing a couple hours, I got so bored of it I just could not continue. It certainly does not live up to the hype, and is not much of a game.
  94. NicA
    Oct 19, 2008
    4
    I wasn't tainted by the original Spore gameplay videos, but I got stuck with a game that is severely lacking depth. Each stage is a leapfrog version of its potential encyclopedia volume. The social aspects of the game have been reduced to forum members banning together to either suggest improvements, complain, or create your own idea of content to make the game interesting again. I I wasn't tainted by the original Spore gameplay videos, but I got stuck with a game that is severely lacking depth. Each stage is a leapfrog version of its potential encyclopedia volume. The social aspects of the game have been reduced to forum members banning together to either suggest improvements, complain, or create your own idea of content to make the game interesting again. I played roughly 50 hours of this game and it wasn't because it was hard. I just played through a few races from start to finish and got bored. Most of that time was spent collecting spice in space or using the creators(which are the only redeeming value it has). This amount of time may seem like a large number, but it is far lower than I have played many other games.… Expand
  95. TW.
    Oct 24, 2008
    3
    After kibitzing with the character creator, I had high hopes for this game. But it became quickly evident after playing the final release that the critic reviews had succumbed to the pre-release over-hyped media blitz and grossly over rated this game. The game play is shallow and becomes quickly redundant. The worlds are generally the same, making planet exploration more a chore than fun. After kibitzing with the character creator, I had high hopes for this game. But it became quickly evident after playing the final release that the critic reviews had succumbed to the pre-release over-hyped media blitz and grossly over rated this game. The game play is shallow and becomes quickly redundant. The worlds are generally the same, making planet exploration more a chore than fun. Even the characters begin to look alike. The … Expand
  96. TheJhereg
    Oct 26, 2008
    3
    Been waiting forever for this, then heard about the DRM. So figured I would hold off till they made it reasonable. Grew tired of waiting for that and played it at my friends house for four hours and some minutes....what can I say that has not been said. Mini Games! This was as disappointing to me as MOO3 was, only MOO3 actually attempted to deliver a deep game LOL! This is just drivel... Been waiting forever for this, then heard about the DRM. So figured I would hold off till they made it reasonable. Grew tired of waiting for that and played it at my friends house for four hours and some minutes....what can I say that has not been said. Mini Games! This was as disappointing to me as MOO3 was, only MOO3 actually attempted to deliver a deep game LOL! This is just drivel... as stated 10 and younger will enjoy it! Glad I did not spend a dime on this. For all those who say "you must be thick, irrational or a twitch gamer to not like this"...whatever; you need to go get some kool-aid from the nice man over there.… Expand
  97. RoryO.
    Sep 11, 2008
    6
    A great toy, and the creation tools are unparalleled. As a game, though, it falls flat. It seems to be aimed at the same audience that appreciates the open-ended nature of the Sims (turning off people who are looking for in-depth play and strategy) but requires the competitive and goal-oriented nature of other major games (turning off the people who just want to mess around with the A great toy, and the creation tools are unparalleled. As a game, though, it falls flat. It seems to be aimed at the same audience that appreciates the open-ended nature of the Sims (turning off people who are looking for in-depth play and strategy) but requires the competitive and goal-oriented nature of other major games (turning off the people who just want to mess around with the creator). If they had taking the time to make the gameplay more intuitive and FUN, this would have been a smash success. As it stands, though, in trying to do everything it does nothing all that well.… Expand
  98. ZimaF.
    Sep 11, 2008
    4
    Dull, repetitive, boring. no promised evolution. really disappointing.
  99. BS
    Sep 11, 2008
    0
    Terrible game after all the hype. Glad I pirated it first to check it out. Uninstalled after 3 hours.
  100. Menzel
    Sep 11, 2008
    4
    The creator parts are really cool, unfortunately this is quickly killed by a lack of any real game to use them in. Every phase of "evolution" is like a watered down, badly done version of some other genre. I give the creation portion a 10, the rest of the game gets a 3.
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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".
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