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Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar
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Let’s not forget that somehow, they improved the graphics in this game. The effects seem more pronounced, and every detail seems cranked up even further than before. That’s what an expansion pack should do. The developers learn new tricks with an engine over time, and these guys passed those tricks on to the loyal consumer.

Every strategy game should have AI like that in GC-II. In the expansion pack, this is tweaked even better than before, and the computer enemies make logical decisions, some of which you’d be hard-pressed to find from a human. It’s not unrealistically difficult, it is just super-realistic. I defy someone to say, on the hardest level, that this game is easy to beat.

In all, this is what an expansion pack should be. It isn’t the usual additional missions or extra area to explore, which would have been acceptable, by the way. You’ve got two new species, better graphics, tweaks to the gameplay, and an overall package that is certainly worth the retail price. If you like this sort of game, buy this, now.

Highs
Improves on gameplay, depth, and graphics of the original. Call it Galactic Civilizations 2.5.

Lows
Um, wait, let me think... the CD case will take up extra space on your shelf?

Final Verdict
If you bought the Galactic Civilizations II game, just go buy this. It improves the game with enhanced graphics, deeper gameplay, more challenging enemies, and customizations up the wazoo. If you haven’t, there should be a bundled version including the original and expansion pack. This is what every expansion pack should be. Nothing seems arbitrary, and you feel like the folks at Stardock really get what 4X gamers want.

95%

Mar 20, 2007

Review by John Misak.