I won't compare this game to MoO or MoO2 because....well, I won't. What I will say is that, at one point or another, GalCIv or GalCiv 2 have been on every single one of my computers since I got into the Space-based 4X genre about 6-7 years ago. From the beginning (and perhaps this was just my active imagination) you're thrust into the universe as the commander in charge your empire's reach out to the stars and nothing takes you out of that role, even for a second. Send scouts on 5 year long voyages to explore far off planets or survey asteroids for mining. Risk sending a defenseless colony ship out into unexplored territory in the hopes of finding that elusive "second earth". These are things that are offered in other games but never seem to draw the interest or emotion as they do in GalCiv. This is the one 4X game where I could be completely satisfied with only development and exploration where in other games I tend to get bored and try to wipe out everyone else. I can't really write much more at the moment but I'm sure others will tell you, you're wasting time you could be spending planting flags in alien worlds, researching more efficient fuel technologies, or, if it suits you, making powerful weapons to conquer the galaxy.
I sat down for a quick session with my new game just to try it out and see if I hadn't just wasted my money. Two hours and 100 encounters later, I knew I found a new, great game. I'll be playing this for a while. While seemingly simple, there are limitless possibilities in your escape from the Rebels. Fly through dangerous nebula to put some serious distance between you and your pursuers, fly through friendly sectors to restock on supplies, or take on Rebel systems to put a hurtin' on your enemies; it's all up to you. This may be on the higher end of the prices on GOG.com, but it has been well worth it so far and I can't wait to put some more time in.
I played this game for HOURS when I was a kid. I have to admit I didn't fully appreciate the scope of this game but just the other day I was wondering if I could find it to play again. THANK YOU GOG FOR DOING THE WORK FOR ME! You MUST get this game. MUST. Heres to hoping GOG will bring me Armada and Strike Commander as well
