Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack

I'm with the others that say this 4X turn-based strategy game beats all the Civilization variants hands-down - in spite of its rather aged and simple graphics and small-screen appearance - because of the slightly wacky, factional-centric story line and science-fictiony alien planet discovery elements as well as the easy game-play (after a learning curve). If you haven't played it before, you will have some surprises and lots of challenges! Plus, unlike the Civilization games, you can stack unlimited different units on the same tile at a strong-point, meaning you do not run out of places to put your units and can capitalize on terrain advantages.

As man traverses into the realm of space, the epitomey of man's faults is fully revealed as the leaders of several colonies wage an endless war for resources. Alpha Centauri is not just a strategy game, but an actual study of mankind's true philosophical and ideological depth. The game begins with the Unity's disasterous voyage to Chiron or "Planet." Several of the U.N. leaders are split into colonies that begin terraforming parts of "Planet" and creating empires from scratch. The game is very fast-paced as, contrary to the Civilization series, the attacker usually has the upper-hand. You have to build, research, and terraform faster than your opponent. Other than the combat, the best thing about this game is the voice acting. The creators of the game hired top-notch actors with incredible voices. One major con of the game is the huge learning curve. I would recommend just playing the game and getting adjusted to everything instead of trying to memorize everything. Other than that, this game is beyond excellent, and it ranks as one, if not the greatest, strategy game of all time.

I found this game in the dusty computer room of my grandpa, just the disk without cover or manual. After I installed it I played it for days, I didn't understand a lot of it at first but the game has a very detailed in-game manual, so it didn't take long before I understood how everything worked. I think the thing that most gripped me was the mystery surrounding this planet, and the very different factions each having their own structure and morals, something that makes diplomacy an interesting and necessary aspect of the game. Unlike most games I played, diplomacy and technology is much more important than all out war. I really liked how each of the faction leaders behave different, having their own quotes about new technology gives them a real personality. some of them are peaceful, some are openly hostile, some are just about business and then there are the treacherous self-righteous kind that has a masters degree in gunboat diplomacy. ( yes I'm talking about you, sister miriam). A very Interesting game, with many different ways to victory, or death.

It doesn't matter what games they come out with. I play everything from sole RPG's to FPS MMO's and I love them all. However, on weeks when I'm just down and absolutely nothing sounds good and I'm just moping around the house after work (Depression Sucks) I always find myself playing Alpha Centauri and it cheers me right up. I mean, after 8 or so hours of intense turn based game play. It is by far the most complex game I've found while still being relaxing once you've learned it. I'm so glad it's available for purchase so my kids can get it on they're PC's. :) THANK YOU

Whilst the Civilization games are fantastic games with great mechanics and gameplay, Alpha Centauri is superior in so many ways. With huge customization choices, unique factions and a fascinating world in which to build and conquer, it's a difficult game to criticize. Buy it. You will not regret it.