Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack

I actually hesitated a minute before buying this, since for some reason Alien Crossfire wasn't included. After that I was quickly convinced however. I still have the original disks lying around somewhere, but being able to download and install this on every one of my pc's whenever I want was enough of an incentive for me.

This game is possibly the best computer game of all time. The graphics are very good despite there primitiveness, the AI is surprisingly good and can be competitive without cheating too badly, the story is compelling and the setting is amazing.

Why Fraxis et. al. continue churning out Civ games when Alpha Centauri was the pinnacle of perfection continues to boggle my mind. Ideological factions are much more compelling (and make more sense) and the vital role the living world of AC plays in the game is astounding. I could go on, but needless to say, if you love turn-based strategy games (like Civ) don't be a fool. Just get it!

Playing video games since 1983 and if there is one single game of which I want a remake it is definitely Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri! Gameplay-wise this gem outshines the much more popular Civilization series in every aspect. The story alone is absolutely enthralling and complex. The factions and their presentation is great, but the most important character is the planet itself. This is almost THE perfect game...

I bought this game thinking I'd play for an hour to remember the early days. But, I found myself playing it an entire day. I didn't even find the early Civilization games (I & 2) that addictive. can't put this game down. I find the game controversial, because the factions are very opinionated. I can't identify with any of them, and yet I still enjoy it. The game seems to have its own world, and sticks to it. Many of the advances are believable. Many of them are funny (e.g. organic super lube). Plus, the depth of the game is so deep, that even after winning it (and continuing play), it is still challenging. The advances and wonders seem to go on forever. This is the only classic game from an era of 20 years ago that still makes me want to play it on a daily basis.