This is how a CRPG should made. From great story, to unique and very fun combat system, great dialogue and lots of replayability, I think that this game is deserving of the prestigious GOTY award
Believe it or not, I just came across this 20-year old game last year, I am loving it! The graphics show their date, but the beautiful design, epic music, and hours of fun that I've gotten from this game make it worth every penny
Obviously the graphics are dated on this one since it came it at the turn of the century. But the gameplay is impeccable. It isn't just a continuation or improvement on Civ. It's a complete overhaul. The added dimensions to diplomacy, terraforming, customized unit creation, and the complication given to the player by the addition of the native life problem add richness and depth that make higher difficulties not something that's merely described as "tougher enemies" but more challenging internal (and planet) problems that cannot be ignored. But the reason why this game goes above and beyond is the story element. The faction profiles and introduction of the lore via gameplay elements (secret project, technologies and bases) pre-Dark Souls era interwine a story riddled with philosophy and questionable ethics. Repeal the UN charter on atrocities and start sending nuclear missiles against your enemies, gassing their cities, and "nerve stapling" your disobedient cities all the while operating under a police state building cloning factories and "punishment spheres." Or perhaps run a liberal democracy and green policies, planting trees, and "become one" with the planet. The option is yours.
