I am a great fan of Gal Civ 1 and could not wait for this one. This is a great follow up, but you have to give a chance.
User Rating: 9.2 | Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords PC
The first Gal Civ was a tremendous game. The constant upgrades by the developer was greatly appreciated. I was concerned that this would be all flash and no substance with the graphics improvements and I was concerned that the changes that force you to specialize would cramp my style. The first game you play is not that great because you need to learn what is really happening. After that is is a very deep game.
I would rate right there with Civ 4 which I consider one of the greatest. The difference is that Gal Civ 2 is actually a bit simpler, but somehow seems deeper. Besides, you can get to build the biggest baddest mother honking ship and blow the anti matter out the alien scum who do not bow down to ytou as a god and lick your boots. 
