I played through the game entirely when it first released on PC. Despite a lot of the criticism, I still thoroughly enjoyed my entire playthrough with minimal problems. I picked it up again for the first time this past summer (2025), and it is like an entirely different game, with a much better feel overall. This has become one of my all time favourite games.
I found this game to be thoroughly enjoyable. The characters are well written and voiced, the colour palette is extremely warm and satisfying, combat is varied and satisfying, and the story covers many sentimental themes and emotions, and the soundtrack is absolutely perfect. I would recommend staying away from the Spacer's Choice Edition. Although it is supposed to be a remaster of this version that was released 3 years later, it has many technical difficulties that this original version doesn't. I bought it and requested a refund almost immediately.
Nothing else needs to be said.
Still my favorite RTS game ever made.
This "upgrade" is hot garbage that should have never been released. Just enjoy the original, as it is a much superior product, and your saves won't transfer over anyways.
First part of this review is my objective take, second part will be why I will not be buying THIS release of the game: I love the direction IO took this series. The entire new trilogy is outstanding. Gameplay mechanics handle very well, there are many creative ways to accomplish your objectives and assassinations, and the one liners are beautiful. The purists will always find aspects of the game they won't accept or admit to anyways, but the entire trilogy is a really enjoyable experience if you havne't played it. If you are new, buy it and love it. I will not be buying the GOG release, not because I have any issue with the game itself, and I'm even willing to "forgive" GOG for having a title with DRM. The issue is simply that I already purchased the trilogy, and because the GOG version has DRM there is no reason for me to repurchase it on the same PC that I already have the games on. I've bought many duplicates of games on GOG because of their DRM policy, and if my internet is down (spotty area at times) I can still play my games fully, but there's no real reason for myself to rebuy a game that functions the same as my other purchase. As I said in the first part, if you are new then buy it and hopefully the rest of the trilogy also releases on GOG for you in the future.
