Lack of 4X Strategy Games Makes GalCiv2 Buyable
First was the extreme headache getting the game. The download option enticed him further: he could play the game NOW without leaving home. He started downloading the game, thinking he was getting all he needed. The file downloaded then started to install--error. He clicked install again. No download began; the installer loaded--error. After half an hour, he found out he had to delete the downloaded file because it was corrupt, but there is no way to do that with Stardock's installer. After some directory spelunking, the offender was located and recycled. More waiting and finally a good install. Then the beleaguered hero noticed three other files to download. He began those only to have the same thing happen again. This time the files were in a different hidden spot. But they were ferreted out. This happened two more times. Finally, after four hours, the game launches.
Once the game runs, it begins to fulfill the 4X need. The graphics aren't Empire at War awesome, but they're good enough to please the eye. The sound is similarly adequate--nothing to merit any technical achievement awards. The music is downright annoying. Say buh-bye. The cinematics are actually neat though. Maybe not worth the 2.5 hours downloading and redownloading however.
The gameplay is what matters in these games. As long as the game plays solid and is entertaining, most 4X gamers will overlook par or sub-par graphics and sound. GalCiv2 delivers in this respect but offers little new to the genre. The ability to completely design the actual ships themselves is very impressive. One can add all the necessary parts--engines, weapons, defences, modules--nothing new there. However one can actually add on structure pieces to the base hull to personalise the look of the ship. For instance, engine pylons, antenna, habitation rings, lights, and a myriad of other details to consume a few joyful hours. This reviewer hasn't seen that in a game before.
Beyond that, GalCiv2 doesn't break any new ground. The gameplay is exactly what one expects from a 4X. It's enough to make a few hours breeze by in an enjoyable time. The AI is pretty good. Players can choose how hard of a game they want with the AI really only being handicapped by a lesser or greater tax revenue depending on the skill level chosen. This reviewer is learning the game on "Cakewalk."
The actual campaign seems dull at the beginning. Hopefully, it picks up in intensity as the storyline progresses.
In all, this reviewer doesn't exactly regret his decision to buy GalCiv2, but he wishes he'd waited for a price drop, even though that would have been quite awhile from now. But the decided lack of new 4X games gives little choice if one needs a strategy fix.