I felt compelled for some reason to express my appreciation of this game. It has been a LONG time since a game has enthralled me the way GalCiv2 does. It is hard to pin point exactly what part of the game stands out the best. I think if I were to be asked to pick just one reason why I like the game more than anything else, Well I think I would have to say the LONG list of choices that I am offered to choose from. I love the idea of being able to create a race from scratch. I get to pick their political alignment, the cultural interest, and with whom I wish to live with within the galaxy that is of my choosing. Then when I enter the game, I can customize my ships at the shipyard. The choices offered are truly remarkable. Will I make a specialized planet? Maybe a High Tech planet where all the eggheads work night and day to bring me the greatest and best new toys. Ahhh, But will I create a factory first so that it can help me build my laboratories? Quite possibly .. I think yes. Then of course all these people must have some kind of distraction from their labors. But I was gonna make a High Tech planet wasn't I? Hmm, Only have 5 tiles for the whole planet. Do I forgo the amenities and rule with an iron fist to keep my slaves in line? Ohh but remember when I was creating my cultural and political alignments? What happens if I had chosen a society that was democratic and peaceful? Oh man... Now my poll numbers are dropping and I have alien nations knocking on my door trying create an influence ring around me that will surely result in me being overthrown. Me overthrown? Hey! It's MY EMPIRE! the one I CREATED! and now I find myself on a small freighter sent to no mans land where I get to live out the rest of my existence in a 10 foot by 10 foot room with one window that faces a brick wall. Hmm ... What did I do wrong? hehe.. there are so many choices in this game that you could really out smart yourself if you aren't careful!
Seriously though, this game is truly masterful. Maybe if someone that is wondering about whether to get the game or not will read my post here and find it intriguing enough to make the leap and get the game