by Clint - January 31, 2005

Global domination is a thing of the past. Universal domination is at hand. Picture capturing entire solar systems, scouting this universe in search of habitable planets and resources to harvest, trading, allying with, and battling with intelligent alien species. Look no further than Galactic Civilizations: Altarian Prophecy.

Content Galore

Gameplay in Altarian Prophecy is nearly identical to the original game. What it does is add an impressive amount of content and new features. The campaign introduced in Altarian Prophecy explains the connection between the Human race and the Altarians, giving some depth to the universe. It also introduces two new races, the Korx and the Drath. The game plays in a traditional manner, set up your government and how it spends its money. Then you explore the galaxy, colonize planets, and harvest resources. During the game you are sometimes faced with moral choices, choosing a path will lead you to a more evil or good empire, and strongly effect how the game plays for you.

One of the biggest additions to the game are the editors, allowing custom missions, campaigns, and maps to be created.

Back to the 90s

Graphics in Galactic Civilizations: Altarian Prophecy are nothing to write home about. You can, however, rest assured that your eyes will not recoil in disgust at first sight of the game. The 2D Universe is populated with a multitude of interesting spacial phenomena such as planets, galaxies, nebulae, new ships, and space junk. What the Altarian Prophecy lacks in graphics, it makes up for in gameplay.

Sounds good enough

While the soundtrack to Altarian Prophecy isn't compelling, it is a nice touch. In game sounds are not very exciting, but they work. Weapon firing, contact with other species, and other event associated sounds are mediocre, but they are better than nothing.

Addicted

Altarian Prophecy is an exceptionally addicting game. Even after completing the campaign, there are more Metaverse scenarios to complete. With the editors and downloadable campaigns and scenarios available, you could potentially never play the same game twice.

Great content

This expansion added some excellent features to the original title. It concludes the back story to the original game. Most importantly it has exceptional replay value; introducing the map, campaign, and scenario editors.