addictive, but tedious
User Rating: 8.1 | Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords PC
Galactic Civilizations 2 is a huge and very entertaining strategy game for those civilization fans looking for a change of scene. In fact, the the game could be considered a tribute to civilization, as it functions much in the same way. The gameplay is a very addictive and fun mix of economics, research, diplomacy, and conquest, all based off of a lush strategy map made of 3d worlds and other solar bodies. Realism is completely sacrificed for fun and balance, but when playing, you really dont care. Graphics are as expected for a strategy game, good from far away. Get close and youll notice a lack fo detail you dont need to see. Not a big deal. The sound is mediocre at best. As far as I could tell, there were about five songs: the title, and one for a good, evil, and nuetral civilization, plus one more, as filler. you essentially hear the same thing again and again. I understand that gameplay, not flash and flare, are what strategy games are about, so this doesnt mean that much, but dont expect the sound effects to be anything amazing. The value rating is very good, because of the incredible amount of content and replayabily, due the endlessly customizable gameplay enviornment. Overall, strategy fans will LOVE it, but it will win few FPS converts.
