But it also looks like a string of shallow minigames to me. I'll buy the game and try it out, and probably get ten hours out of it. I suspect its major draw (for me, at least) is its novelty. I also expect EA is already planning a billion expansions for it, none of which will be worth the asking price.

fatshodan

Half true, half wrong. There is going to be a constant stream of stuff going to your comp as long as you are on-line, as SPORE takes most stuff from server. And there is hardly something to expand in what appears to be final version of game. (the one that ships)

I'm kind of apprehensive about Spore, because I know they are going to probably release a dozen expansion packs for it like they do with The Sims, and I don't feel like getting sucked into all of that.

Not only that, but I'm inclined to wonder if there is actually any challenge to the game, or, like The Sims (which I admit was fun for a while) it won't really be a game so much per se as it is something to do.

SpaceMoose

1. Team sad that spore is getting less expansions, and those are going to be actual expansions (like underwater world, new, cool parts to get, that kind of stuff.).

2. SPORE is a game of EVOLUTION. The challenge of the game is to become from cell to space-conquering empire. YES there is wide game-play and it switches often enough to not get you bored.

3! Why doesn't anyone read SPORE forums, but are asking questions of game. GET A BRAIN! GO READ ACTUAL INFO IN HOMEPAGE! Then ask about what you don't understand.

sorry for screaming.

Err... Stealing it IS the best way. There is NO need to put disc in drive, as SPORE uses on-line authorization, so no Internet - no SPORE. That is you have the copy but without possibility to install it on comp connected to Internet it is just a peace of paper and plastic. Honestly.

It truly seems that there are guys here who thinks that Gamespot forums is the big thing. NO. If YOU want info about upcoming game - seek at source (spore.com)

I would advise box, as it "would" be more sturdy than download, but it is OFFICIAL that SPORE box will have a 3-install limit. Well it is sad that a UN-install would return one install, but it doesn't work for me, as my comp has bad trait to freeze at important moments , so those 3 installs can go pretty fast, but since its cost is some 50 bucks (don't know how much in my country) it is like a very expensive rent. For me doesn't work the call for more installs, as in E-Europe it will be more than buying another copy. Honestly - if those 3 installs go flying then I just get a no-DVD crack and play for as long as I want.

Read SPORE forums for more data.