4x Newbie Seeking Enlightenment

from Stardock Forums
Hey all, first off I will say that I have been really intrigued by Galactic Civilizations for some time now. I couldn't tell you why, as it just isn't the type of game I normally play. But, I am also pretty tight with my cash, so I come here seeking enlightenment from fans, veterans, any and all here.

I understand this is purely speculative, but that is exactly what I am asking, for you to speculate for me. I had never played a 4x game before in my life (though I have been playing RTS and some fantasy TBS for years) until I recently stumbled across Alpha Centauri used at an EB games. Needless to say, though I was intimidated at first, I am thoroughly enjoying it and am fascinated by the idea. I have also been lurking here for a while and am really impressed at Stardock's responsiveness to their customers, as well as their efforts to support their products. In my opinion these are the hallmarks of truly great software devs.

So, I am asking you folks to speculate for me. Since I am entirely addicted to Alpha Centauri, do you think I would enjoy Galactic Civlizations in a similar manner? I know there are plans for a demo, but am honestly hungry enough for another good strategy game that I may decide to get the game before I have a chance to try the demo (that is where you all come in).

Anyway, thanks for any and all future responses.
266 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
If you liked Alpha Centari, you'll probably like Galactic Civilizations. GC doesn't allow you to design your own craft like AC does, but other than that and the setting, the two are very similar. Several people here have called GC the best 4x TBS since AC, and they consider that high praise.

I enjoyed AC too, FWIW, though I haven't played it in a long time (replaced my game machine and never got around to reinstalling, as I was primarily focused on other games at the time).

The one thing you'll notice is that the AI is better in GC, in that the AI makes fewer silly decisions and feels more like a person than an AI. The AI still isn't perfect, but I think it's better (but not by a huge amount, which I'd have to say about some of the other AIs I've played).
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Hmm, I'd forgotten that AC allowed customization. That would be a nice touch if we could have it in GalCiv.
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
If you liked AC or any turn based game you will most likely like this one. Since you've already said you have played some turn based games there is no need to tell you of the major differences between real time "strategy" and turn based "strategy." You know that already.
I dont think this game is as intimidating as AC. At least you can find out what each tech does in this game. (Not that I am dissing AC as I love it.)
Gal Civ just a little easier to get into. And you cant beat this board for help and info. Ask anything and you'll get help.
I suggest you read the many reviews on this game as well as more of the posts these boards. That should give you a good idea of what GalCiv is all about.
Cheers.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
//Several people here have called GC the best 4x TBS since AC, and they consider that high praise.//

I was one of them.

If you like builder style - a lot of formers, cities, great techs then SMAC is better IMHO.
If you like singleplayer competition, good AI that plays more like *real* galaxy civilization than like AI written by human for a strategy game (Civ3), then GalCiv is better IMHO.

But even better to have both of them and play one of them depending on that style of game you want to play now.

~SDC~
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
Here is one better anology of if you like this game you will like GC. If you like strategy games, example chess, and/or enjoy the TBS genre in general like the excellent civ series that stumbled with civ3. SMAC and SMACX are my all time favorite Sid game. They are very close in theme, but the big difference is the AI. The AI are basically dumb in all the other games I mentioned (aside from chess of course). In GC the AI are probably the most intelligent of any game to date. They have the ability (or soon will) to download saved high scores along with your playing style. I understand they use the top players of the Metaverse for this. This should be enough information for you to determine this game is something you are looking for. I recommend to buy it, with the games you like I can almost promise you this game will not let you down. Most of all, this company will not let you down. That is what turned me on, they actually listen to problems that we mention to them. :)

~SDC~