Galactic Civilizations III v2.0 Review

Introduction:

Originally released in 2015, Galactic Civilizations III is still getting updates from developer/publisher Stardock Entertainment, with the most recent significant release being the v2.0 patch, while the Crusade expansion has gotten a release window of this Spring. With all of these updates, it seems like a good time to dive into this 4X game.

Explore, expand, exploit, exterminate are the four characteristics that define the sub-genre of strategy GalCiv 3 occupies, where players are tasked with building a space-based civilization that can out compete all others, in one way or another. The classic strategy is of course to conquer your enemies with military force, but technology and economy should not be neglected. By properly leveraging these as well as your influence, you can come to control the game without a standing military, though you will probably need a few fleets eventually. Some of the alien civilizations will almost demand to be conquered, so be ready for a fight or to be creative in how you avoid one.

Being a turn-based strategy game, video does not adequately capture the gameplay experience, which is why I am not including any. Screenshots also seem lacking, but I have taken several, when I remember to do so. (I can very much fall prey to one-more-turn, forgetting to do anything but finish this turn and advance to the next.) The game does not have an ESRB rating currently, but its predecessor Galactic Civilizations II has an E10+ for language and mild fantasy violence. I think it is safe to say GalCiv 3 would fall into this same category.

With all of that covered, time to get to actually reviewing!