Spore.

[George guy]

The space stage is definitely the highlight of the game. I guess it's a bit like a simplified form of Freelancer crossed with Civilization, with the addition of terraforming. The tribe and civilization stages are a bit weak, IMO. They're not exactly boring, but they're the least open-ended, in that there's really nothing worth doing once you have the option of advancing.

It does get somewhat challenging into the space game, since the only quick and unrisky way to appease hostile empires is to pay them off, and the minimum tribute for a major power is in the millions, which is not feasible if you've been investing in colony development, ship weapons, and terraforming tools.

Honestly, the most effective way to attack a well-defended enemy planet is to round up as many allies as you can, go there, wipe out the defending fleet, and then just steal the atmosphere rather than try to face the city defenses.

[mekender]

The tribe and civilization stages are a bit weak, IMO. They're not exactly boring, but they're the least open-ended, in that there's really nothing worth doing once you have the option of advancing.

I was thinking the same thing... i was actually pretty disappointed in those areas.

i cant wait to really delve into the space era though

[Mud_Dog]

Watch out for those guys: http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20080627

You have been warned!

[George guy]

Oddly enough, I haven't run across anything like that yet.