Hey, I'm thinking of getting me a nice space sim. But I was wondering: should I choose Galactic Civilizations (2) or Space Rangers (2) ? I'm a huge RPG / Action fan (System Shock, Deus Ex, Mass Effect). I haven't played too many sims, but I do enjoy my Civilization IV, Age of Wonders and Spellforce. And of course, space battles are always cool. So, any recommendations? Which one did you like more? Or, if you didn't like them at all, why not?

Edit: Though I liked Spellforce, I'm not a big fan of RTS. I do like turn based though.

I didn't enjoy Galactic Civilizations 2 at all, but be aware that I seem to be the only person in the world to think so. Personally, I found it much too dry, repetitive and also a tiny bit shallow. If you want to check it out, consider getting the Gold edition or whatever it is called - the one that includes both expansions. They add a bit of flair. Gal Civ 2 is very similar to Civ 4, just not as good.

Space Rangers 2 is a very different beast, one of these exuberant Russian genre blenders. It's fun enough and quite unique, but the translation is iffy. It might appeal to you, cause it plays out a lot like an RPG, but with about half a dozen other genres thrown in.

My personal favourite is Alpha Centauri. It's very similar to the Civ games and it has a really awesome hard Sci-Fi atmosphere. The factions are distinguished not by race but by their philosophy, which is a nice twist. I have to add that it's quite hard to get into, though, and also not as streamlined as the modern Civ games. But you've already played Civ 4, so you should be fine.

Other games you might want to check out:

Master of Orion series
Sword of the Stars
Haegemonia
Homeworld series (which nails the space battles)
Ascendancy
Star Wars: Empire at War
Sins of a Solar Empire (again, cool space battles)

Edit: Also, Space Empires series.

I have GalCiv 1 and 2, they're OK, but I think Sins of a Solar Empire blows them away, it does everything they do and more. Way more.

Space Rangers 2 is really tempting me, though, it looks incredibly creative. Only $5 on Impulse today, too.

I might also vote for Star Wars Empire at War, that's more RTS but it leans a little towards the larger scale galactic-tactics as well. Super fun.

I haven't played Space Rangers, but GalCiv2 is pretty good if you like Civ4.

Sins of a Solar Empire is cool, too, if you like real time strategy, and the space battles are great in that one.

If you prefer RPG/Action, Space Rangers 2 is a MUCH better choice, hands down. Galactic Civilizations 2 is a pretty good strategy game, but it lacks some "soul". I think you'll probably enjoy Space Rangers 2 more.

GalCiv2 expanded the gameplay a lot, but they're right Sins of a Solar Empire is far better. The problem is the re-playability magic that existed in MoO2 just doesn't seem to be there.