1. Ecclesiastes

   10

   The gameplay from the Civilization series is adapted for an engaging sci-fi experience. The real genius of the game, and what ensures its immortality, is the compelling and dynamic world it creates through a series of excellently voice-acted quotes. Each will have you thinking, and feeling, and longing for more.… Expand

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2. GarrettM.

   10

   This is, without question, the best game I have ever played bar none. The gameplay is smooth and balanced, the subject matter is throught provoking, and the sheer artistry and consideration that went into the technology tree is nothing short of astounding. Incredibly addictive and rewarding without fail, it sets itself apart from the Civ series by being so rich and unique, sometimes I would find myself just sitting and thinking about the personalities, the technologies, the well selected quotes and the themes they address. This has spoiled strategy gaming for me, because I've never found one that could hold a candle to Alpha Centauri.… Expand

   • Helpful? 2 of 2 users said Yes.
3. Iron_Duke

   10

   Simply the best turn based strategy I've ever played. It's been almost 14 years the game hit the shelves, yet I still play it from time to time. This is what I expect from a masterpiece TBS game, replayability. In every new game, you still find something to keep you playing in my case, it was the stories I made up myself while playing through ).
   The story: Mankind had just finished the race for space and launched its first colonization craft to the nearest habitable star system, before it fails as a race and destroys both itself and almost the planet. The 80.000 colonists have it tough for years until they reach their objective. Then the captain of the ship was murdered, and it didn't take long for the colonists to unite between factions representing ideals, a new bitter conflict had started...
   Factions: You play as one of the seven factions, Peacekeepers( Similar to the UN Spartans( Militarists, survival of the fittest Hive( Strength in Unity, brutal police state Gaians( Nature's attendants, ecologists (My all time favorite)), Morganites( Free market economists, money is power), Believers( Fundamentalists University( Science before everything else). Each faction has their distinct modifiers, ups and downs but not as much as limiting their playstyle to a single viable option. For example, Gaians can capture and use mind worms( the planets native life form) in combat while spartans gain +2 morale(experience) upgrade. It is clear that each faction is worked on and been given life beautifully.
   Gameplay: Not so different from Civilization2, although somewhat more detailed and diversified. You still found bases( cities build city improvements, wonders and units, do research, engage in politics( politics aspect is far better compared to any of its predecessor), terraform the planet, engage in social engineering( instead of governments and so on. There are several ways to victory, almost all factions possess a route better suited for them compared to others. Units gain experience as they fight and survive, improving their combat prowess, and another beautiful aspect of the game, can be created for specific needs, with the unit editor. You need to combat mind worms? Add empath song to the unit. Unit support is becoming a problem? Add clean reactor. So many options are available and it's a blast to experiment with unit types. The wonder cutscenes are gorgeous, way ahead of anything when they were created(in 99). Research tree is immense, always a plus for me. In addition to all that, the game world is so rich that you stand in awe. Brian Reynolds( The game's lead designer, despite the fact that it's branded as a Sid Meier game) had a dual degree in Software Engineering/Philosophy, and the philosophy is masterfully integrated in the game as research descriptions, diplomatic responses and faction profiles. They are too rich and beautiful to ignore. I can find only a single thing to criticize, even in the TRANSCEND difficulty, the game is too easy with certain factions. Iron Man option( Save/Load restricted) adds some challenge though. My last game was an Iron Man Transcend with Believers( The weakest faction in my opinion, maybe my playstyle is not suited for believers) was a good run.
   Audio/Visuals: While the only thing that may have kept me from giving this game a solid 10 would be the audio, the visuals are good. Granted, visual perfection and eye candy couldn't hurt, the current level is more than enough for what I seek in a solid TBS game. Audio is meh, the music is somewhat irritating at times, though it has its moments. The sound effects are adequate.
   Multiplayer: An option, but a pain to play multiplayer. Not that it's the game's fault, on large and huge maps with several factions, the amount of time needed is too much. It couldn't have been any other way though.
   Overall: Best TBS I've ever played( Maybe Dominions 3 would come close It's 2013 now and there's a reason I still install and play Alpha Centauri and its expansion SMACX( Alien Crossfire because no other game could gave me such satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment, in the following years since SMAC had been launched.
   Brian Reynolds is my favorite game designer, sad to see him working for Zynga now, but I can't bring myself to accuse him( Man's gotta eat, and pc strategy gaming hasn't been rewarding as far as I can tell but it would be my dream come true if Reynolds said this what the hell am I doing here? I should be doing master strategy games! and announces a sequel to Alpha Centauri.
   
   Final words: If you're into strategy gaming. This game is a must. You can get it without a second thought.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
4. plinq

   6

   Fun, but broken six ways from side-ways. compared to Civ II-IV, this was an ambitious but ultimately failed attempt at a strategic game. Worth exploring to find all the ways you can break it at least...… Collapse

   • Helpful? 1 of 9 users said Yes.

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