Gameplay in Galactic Civilizations III revolves around conquest on the galactic level. The game has heavy science fiction influences from many different works, but gameplay in the title is truly unique. Players can choose what type of diplomacy to use in the game from benevolent to merciless, and each of the three major play styles will reward players with skills from different skill trees. This feature will no doubt have players soaking up many hours in the beta alone just to see which new skills are available across the different play styles. Throw in different races with unique technologies and completed randomized maps of all sizes, and many gamers might as well forget they have a social life of any sort.
Galactic Civilizations III has made several improvements and adjustments from its aged predecessor. The biggest new change for the game will be the hexagon based areas that replace the square areas seen earlier in the series. This forces players to be even more strategic in the placement of new buildings and colonies to ensure the best bonuses are given to each section. Some other new features for Galactic Civilizations III include a revamped ship designer that allows players to customize everything in their ship from the weapons it packs to minor designs of the ships such as lighting and paint colors.
Galactic Civilizations III is still only available in beta on Steam Early Access, but Stardock Entertainment has already announced some upcoming features for the game that is sure to make it even more accessible to a wider range of gamers. For starters, the title will eventually include both a single player campaign and online multiplayer for up to four players for the first time in franchise history. Additional game modes and ways to win will be added to the game later, since the beta only supports victory by galactic domination at the moment. The game also has plenty of new resources, skill trees, technologies, skills and other items that players will need to uncover for themselves.
Galactic Civilizations III impresses visually with enhanced graphics that truly captures what it means to be a game in the current generation of the industry. Ships in the game look impressive with fully animated weapons and other moving parts as well as plenty of customizable options for players to make a ship truly their own in both play style and aesthetically. The game also features immersive environments to explore and planets brimming with wildlife, ancient ruins and other fun items to interact with. Only time will tell if Galactic Civilizations III lives up to the same success as the rest of the series, but the game's beta offers a promising glimpse into what the final product could be and has us very excited to see what is next for the game.
Galactic Civilizations III is now available exclusively on Steam Early Access and can be purchased for $44.99. For more information on the game, check out the official Galactic Civilizations III website.
Game Features:
- Online Multiplayer 1-4
- Early Access Content
- Randomized Maps and Class Specific Technologies
- Single Player Campaign Coming Soon
- Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Stardock Entertainment
Available exclusively for PC (previewed)
Release Date: August 14, 2014 (beta)