Galactic Civilizations II

[Stormy]

This is my first post, let alone my first thread, in the VG forum. I thought I'd like to see if anyone here plays the computer TBS game Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords (or the Dark Avatar expansion).

For those of you who don't know what this game is, its a massive turn based strategy game set in space. It allows a relatively deep level of control over your empire, which starts out with one planet and can expand to dozens of star systems. I've personally had an empire of over 110 planets. The game includes an easy to learn shipyard, which lets you create custom ship designs with various parts attached to a basic hull. Nearly every aspect of the game can be modified by editing simple(ish) xml files. You can create entire technology trees quite easily, and you don't need to have a great deal of xml knowledge either.

You can learn more by visiting the homepage here.

So, do I have any fellow galciv2 players here on the pav? And what do you none players think of it so far?

[JPS]

Re: Galactic Civilizations II

Sounds like a game I'd be really interested in

if you purchase the Dark Avatar Expansion for $30 does it include the root game with it? Or do I have to shell out $50 for the game and the expansion? My guess is probably the latter, which is kind of a ripoff I dont think any expansion should be more then the actual game...

If thats the case I'll probably end up getting just the basic game if its worth it (let me know SW) and get the expansions when I get my tax return.

Windows XP or later
Pentium 4 1.8 GHz or equivalent processor
512 MB RAM
128 MB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card
2 GB hard disk space

It'll be close for me on the RAM, Vista tends to eat memory like crazy, I really need to get it upgraded to 2GB so I dont have to worry about it anymore

Windows Vista
Pentium 4 3.0 GHz
512 MB RAM
ATI Radeon 1100 Series Video Card
180 GB hard disk space

[marcus]

Re: Galactic Civilizations II

Gala Civ's requirements are incredibly exaggerated. The game can be played at low settings on half those requirements. If you ask me, I think there's some sort of chart or formula that basically tells developers to increase their requirements way passed what they should be so people buy better computers.

Anyways, this game is phenomenal and I've been playing since the original (which was essentially the same but with crappier graphics). It filled in the hole that Master of Orion left and I play it when I need a Civilization esque game with a sci-fi fix. My only chief complaint is the same with every other 4X game; starting up. I much rather start the game with a pre-built empire because going through the motions of acquiring power for the 300th time gets really tedious and I often have to force myself to try new strategies.

if you purchase the Dark Avatar Expansion for $30 does it include the root game with it?

I honestly don't think they sell the expansion or original game alone anymore. Everywhere I go you can get the Gold edition which contains both versions for 30 bux.

[hitogoroshi]

Re: Galactic Civilizations II

I love this game. Although on very easy, if you have the Majesty upgrade you can give them 100 credits in exchange for 150 credits. A bit game-breaking, that is. xD
I hate military managment when I have 20+ planets, but other than that this game rocks.

[Stormy]

Re: Galactic Civilizations II

Like Marcus said, buy the Gold Edition and you get both for $30. Pre-order the Twilight of the Arnor expansion and you'll get access to the beta versions of TA.

I'm glad there are others here who enjoy GC2.

@Marcus: Startup is always a pain, thats why I like the Accelerated Start scenario, you get a bunch of the early techs to get you off on the right foot. I've even seen a modified version of the Accelerated Start that lets you play as your Custom Civ somewhere in the Library.

@Hitogoroshi: I too prefer smaller empires, anything approaching 60+ planets and it just gets overwhelming and tedius. Thats why I prefer medium sized galaxies, on average you have an empire of about 30 planets, until you start dominating...

[Jeroak Nelave]

Re: Galactic Civilizations II

I play it as well, just finished the first campaign about 2 weeks ago.

I will buy the TA expansion as well.

[H2SO4]

Re: Galactic Civilizations II

I'm interested in this game, but there's no mac version, which is understandable. Whenever I upgrade to a intel chip I'm going to buy this game, it looks phenominal, I love Civ, and have always wanted a space-esque version.