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> Results: Galactic Civilizations II: The Dread Lords
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Galactic Civilizations II (GalCivII) is a space conquering epic strategy game. A modest start with one planet and limited funds grows into a collection of worlds and space armadas as the player builds his empire. This is a well constructed piece of software delivering excellent gameplay, an addictive turn-based formula, and strong replay value. Numerous configuration options make it easy to adjust each GalCivII game to your preferences by modifying game size and complexity.
GalCivII is very challenging. The computer opponents are very capable and unforgiving, so becoming proficient will take considerable practice and learning. But playing hardly seems like a struggle with all the activities going on, players are constantly engaged. It's never a dull time in the world of GalCivII.  
GalCivII is rated E 10+, meaning that it's basically for everyone ages ten and up. I would agree with this from a content perspective and the game is largely free of objectionable content. The exception is the game's heavy use of fictional warfare, which isn't gory at all. But even if a player tries to focus on economic and political solutions to problems, it's hard to play a game of GalCivII that doesn't involve at least some military conflict. Still, I'm more concerned with the game's general complexities. Comparable to games like Civilization, GalCivII is a fun learning experience and a great mental challenge if you can get over the learning curve and immense details. That said, I have known ten-year-olds that have gotten thoroughly into strategies like Age of Empires and Master of Orion and loved playing them, so if your children are ready for an epic space conquest, let their brains chew on this one.
As most good strategy games do, GalCiv II makes players responsible for asking and answering tough questions. What is my empire like right now? What are my empire's needs? Should I emphasize diplomacy, economics, or military strength as a way to gain supremacy? What are the effects of trading with a particular race? How much effort should I put into scientific research that could earn me strategic or tactical advantages? How do I deal with my enemies? What are the costs of going to war? As a parent, you may not see your children openly thinking about such things as they play a game like GalCiv II, but certainly in some fashion they have to be considering some of these factors if they want to succeed. That's one of the things I have always appreciated about great strategy games. They'll make you think and for that reason, this is the type of game I think GamerParents will like. The questions the game makes players ask are the things young minds should learn to think about, and the things they may need to ask about as adults. This review edited by Andrew Bub Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Browse Amazon.com's selection of "galactic civilizations stardock" themed games Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Galactic Civilizations II: The Dread Lords |
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