I can play this game endless times. And because of its 2D graphics and smooth running on average computers, it is the best of the gal civ series and recieve 10 from me. It is sad that the latest versions become somehow a luxury to play. I'm so excited by the game, that I keep a blog with screenshots during the years I played it. I do it for every game I like, and Galactic Civilization is one of them.
So I definately recomend it for every turn based strategy fans out there.
If it seems too difficult, there are some tips that helped me: Expand fast until planet with ship quality bonus is found. Make one big ship there and keep it alive. All this must be done before rival civs become agressive. Keep the planet at all cost. Create early constructor ship and claim a resource bonus.