Galactic Civilizations III

Release Date: May 14, 2015

Strategy, turn-based, 4X, sandbox, in space, grand strategy, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

8.3

OpenCritic

77%

Steam

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The third installment in the popular space 4X strategy game series which is the flagship franchise of Stardock Systems, previously known mainly for developing utility software. The action takes place several years after the events presented in the expansion to the game’s predecessor. Thanks to this, we can make use of all the previously featured races, factions, and technologies.

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Videos and Screens

[1:23] Galactic Civilizations III launch trailer

[1:39] Galactic Civilizations III gamescom 2014 - beta trailer

8.3

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 89% of Critics. There are 19 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

PC Gamer: 87 / 100 by Richard Cobbett

More of a refresh than expected, but still hands down the best modern way to conquer unknown space.

Full Review

Niche Gamer: 7 / 10 by Maciej Miszczyk

Galactic Civilizations 3 is a solid turn-based strategy with a great potential. Unfortunately, right now it just doesn't do enough to surpass its predecessors and distinguish itself from competitors. It's a good game, sure – but it does feel like an enhanced remake of Galactic Civilizations 2 rather than a full-fledged sequel.

Full Review

Game Informer: 8.8 / 10 by Daniel Tack

Different races, ship customization, and disparate methods of victory and progression make your choices meaningful, leading to an essential experience for strategy-game enthusiasts

Full Review

77%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mostly Positive (8,212)

STEAM

7.8

GAMERS Score

Average score from 118 votes. 71 players anticipated the game.

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Galactic Civilizations III is the third installment of the space 4X strategy game series for PC. It was developed by Stardock Systems. The series was born in 2003 with the release of a remake of a game of the same title that came out in the mid-90s for Mac computers. Both productions received a number of expansions and were well-received by fans of the genre.

Mechanics

The action takes place several years after those presented in Galactic Civilization II’s expansion entitled Twilight of the Arnor. Thanks to this, the developers could introduce completely new races, factions, and technologies. As for the gameplay mechanics, it is still an expansive turn-based space strategy game that allows us to forge a galactic empire from the bottom up. Depending on our playstyle, this can be done by aggressive conquest or diplomacy and trade. The most important change in comparison with the game’s predecessors is dividing maps into hexes which lets us apply completely different strategies. The gameplay’s tempo Is also influenced by black holes and mysterious relicts that are scattered around the map. The spaceship design system was completely revamped. The players now can make all decisions connected to constructing fleets. The same goes for managing resources and diplomacy.

Game modes

The long-time fans of the series will surely enjoy the extensive and fully functional multiplayer mode.

Technical aspects

Galactic Civilizations III for PC was developed solely with 64-bit operating systems in mind. It opened previously unavailable possibilities for the developers, letting them build bigger maps and increase the graphics which now are full of details and special effects.

Last updated on August 14, 2015