User Rating: 8.2 | Galactic Civilizations PC
Earlier I reviewed MoO III, a game I really wanted to like, but could not because of the troublesome gameplay. GalCiv has excellent gameplay. One has to realize tho that it is purely a strategy game, there is no tactical combat nor ability to custom make ships. But the game never pretended otherwise (unlike MoO III's forgotten promises). So I was well informed of the lack of tactical combat. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoy the game. I have spent well over 40 hours with the game and continue to enjoy it. It has a lot of replay value. The graphics are reasonable altho not spectacular (not surprising for a TBS game, tho). The sound, well, I do not much like it. It is too repetitive and gets to be nerve-racking after a few hours. But that is my only complaint. Except I love tactical combat, but that was not promised so no fault there. The AI of the game is amazing and reportedly it does not cheat until it's highest level. And frankly even on lower levels the AI plays rather smartly. I love the challenge of the AI. Well done, Brad! If you enjoy highly challenging TBS AI I highly recommend this game with no reservation. I'm not particularly fond of the updating system but once you get accustomed to it's oddities, it works okay. The metaverse adds the possiblity that the AI will even improve. That is rather inspiring! Remember, this game has no multiplayer and is intended as a challenging single-player game. It does not pretend otherwise, unlike some games that purport multi but fail miserably as such. In summary, this is a challenging, refreshing, and entertaining single-player TBS game based in space and quite enjoyable. Elf 
