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If you were a fan of the original game you’ll enjoy this expansion, especially if the idea of creating custom missions appeals to you.

The expansion to Galactic Civilizations, the best space strategy game since Master of Orion dropped the ball in 2003, has finally arrived. It offers a good combination of new content and modability.

The centerpiece of Altarian Prophecy is the new Altarian campaign, which addresses the mystery of why the Altarians look like humans. Along the way, you’ll encounter the expansion’s two new civilizations: the Dominion of the Korx and the Drath.

This campaign is fun, with a variety of mission objectives--some stressing combat, others requiring research, diplomacy, or economic skill. It’s also nice to have new galactic neighbors to fight (just don’t expect them to be radically different from those you’ve already met in the original).

Other provided goodies include four new ships, 10 new scenarios, and more events and Galactic Wonders.

The game’s interface has received a few tweaks as well. The United Planets screen has been improved, for example, and you can now handle diplomatic interactions with multiple civilizations from the same screen (a change I find particularly handy).

Probably the most praised addition to the game in the expansion isn’t the new content, though, but the tools to make your own. Altarian Prophecy comes with a full-featured suite of editors, including the Map Editor, Scenario Editor, and Campaign Editor.

With these welcome toys, you can easily create your own missions and share them online in the game’s “Metaverse.”

Though I would have liked the addition of another campaign or two, or to be able to play another race besides the humans, Altarian Prophecy is still a good value, and will give you plenty more hours of “just one more turn” addictive gameplay.

(If you’re looking to try out this expansion but don’t yet have the original Galactic Civilizations, look for the Galactic Civlizations Deluxe Edition, which includes both products bundled together. And keep watching for Galactic Civilizations 2, due out in early 2006)


Review by Keith A. Garrett.