The research and production aspect of the game is very similar to Civilization strategy game series in the sense that you will have to allocate rates for military production, research and social spending. This is one of just a few comparisons that can be made with Civilization IV. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing but Gal Civ 2 has enough unique features and aspects of game play that separates it from Civilization and in some regards makes it a better overall gaming experience.
Combat in Galactic Civilizations II is significantly enhanced over the original. There are three different types of weapons, with varying strengths depending on research level, as well as three ship defenses that counter each type of weapon. Missile weapons for example are countered by point defenses, shields counter beam weapons and so on. This makes for an added element of strategy when it comes to combat between ships, it's pointless to go into battle with beam weapons when the enemy is well defended by shields.
AI & Graphics
Although it may be planned for a future update patch or expansion, Galactic Civilizations II does not include any multiplayer capability. Stardock however has developed an AI that can rival any and keep the best strategy game players challenged every time they play. The AI for Gal Civ 2 clearly stands head and shoulders above other strategy games. Computer opponents make conscious decisions based on your actions, computer controlled opponent's actions and their motives which are determined by the civilization's attributes and abilities. AI controlled civs also treat all rival civilizations equally, reacting no different to a player than they would to another computer controlled civilization.
The numerous victory conditions also play a role in the game's overall AI. One civilization's build up of it's cultural influence, for example, may prompt different reactions or a shift in attitude to any or all civilizations in a game. Civilizations allied with you may up and change allegiance if they see a change in your diplomatic, domestic, or military decisions. With all that said the 12 difficulty settings give enough variations in the AI’s ability for you to find and enjoyable challenge fro your ability.
The game play and interface may have all the bells and whistles that make it a great strategy game, but does it have the graphics to make it look fun and appealing. The answer is a resounding yes. GalCiv2 sports and entirely new 3D engine that brings the galaxy to life, the galaxy map has detailed 3D stars, planets and detailed units. The management screens are also nicely designed with a very clean layout.
From the perspective of a first time player of Gal Civ 2, the most impressive aspect of the graphics is ship construction. There are dozens of pre-made ships that can be built, but Gal Civ 2 gives you the added bonus of being able to create ships of your own design. As you research more technology, ship parts become available and enable you to create your own unique fully 3D ships. The ship designs can then be used during game play, shared with other players, and posted online.
Bottom Line
There's bound to be comparisions made with this and other top tier strategy games, but Galactic Civilizations II stands tall both on it's own and in comparison with any turn based strategy game. Yet, there's so much more to say about Galactic Civilizations II, much more than can be said in any two page review, the game is truly impressive. The shear amount of detail is mind boggling; civilizaiton management, AI, and the addicting nature of game play make Galactic Civilizations II a true gem to play.
