Galactic Civilizations 2
 

Well I just started playing this game and I have to admit its addicting. It is essentially like Civilization 4, but in space. Every thing is great about it; the setting, the mechanics, all of it really.

http://www.galciv2.com/

So do any of you play it? Because I'm still new at it but it would be cool to hear from somebody with a bit more experience:D.

Yes, this is a really great game. I haven't finished the campaign yet. After that, there's still the expansion pack left.

Gal Civ2s ship customization ability is truly amazing, and the AI isn't that bad either.

As AFRIKAKORPS put it,this game is essentially like Civilization in space. Politics play a very important factor, as do Influence. You can even take over planets by just influencing them with your culture, you do this by expanding your planet's "Sphere of Influence". The type of government you choose; Dictatorship,republic e.t.c can give you production bonuses and they all have their weaknesses too.

An important thing is not to become too unpopular with your colonies, or else you'll lose the election, and the positives of your Government get turned into negatives, which means Production Boost becomes Production um..Un-Boost.

Hint for Beginners : Try to buy factories rather than build them on your starting planet, this will help you get an early production boost. Also, do the same for your first colony ship.

I liked it too, of all of the gather crap, build stuff, kill them before they kill you...it is creative and has some interesting points.

still not as addicting as AOE2 was at first, but a good diversion

Well, I don't know about AOE being more addictive, but it isn't proper to make a comparison between an RTS & TBS game :ping:

Yeah, I like constructing influence space stations near me neighbors territories and watch their colonies slowly revolt and join me. Its a lot more fun then just blasting everything you see.

to be fair, TBS v. RTS? I conceed there are obvious differences, but I was referring more to building an "empire" and for me, way back when AOE2 first appeared it was very entertaining.

again, it was personal preference and both are very enjoyable games