Galactic Civilizations IV

There seems to be a trend in 4x games of devs adding layers of unrelated systems that all contribute to the ultimate 'number go up' that turns the whole game into spread sheets and math puzzles. I'll confess, heavy micromanagement isn't my thing but I also don't like setting everything to automate as the game tends to just disappear and turns into rattling the end turn button, and here it seems like micromanagement is most of the game. It feels a lot less like making interesting strategic decisions, and more like playing sudoku. Like 90% of the decisions, there IS a best choice, you just need to compute it. It's not an interesting choice, or even a stylistic choice, it's a numerical choice. The graphics don't help, they've been the same since GalCiv 2 if you have the map zoomed out to any functional level. The descriptions of events seem to be read out by some AI voice, but it doesn't say the same thing as the text says. This dissonance kind of sums up my whole game experience. Squinting at the screen like Fry from Futurama wondering why it is like this and when does it get fun? Playing this game makes me physically tired. I guess it's good if you want to go take …

The customization for the various alien races, the map randomization, your ability to design your own opponents.

really great turn based strategy game. I come back to it all the time when I am in the mood for click and wait. IV made some nice improvements from III. I hope V will give us a more realistic galactic scale and be even more 3d. I also hope they make it so you can design your own race and really make their appearance without just borrowing previous ones. I have struggled to know what I get out of the add-ons and I have not been able to get a mod to work, but that's likely user error. All that said, its a staple in my house....oh one more thing. Can we get a setting where I can truly use my PS5 controller? All the mouse clicking can cause injury and the controller is so much more immersive. Cheers!

doesn't play like you are not able to login after 3 days

Game has good potential but the upcoming $75 season pass for the next 2~ years is a bit worrying and will have to wait and see if the content matches the price range. Planet building is pretty fun and has similar mechanics to Humankind with bonuses. Galaxies are beautiful and vibrant, but core mid-late game tactics seem unpolished. The game has a strong foundation going for it, but needs more depth to make it more engaging, but the base game is worth a shot when it is on sale.

Some of the games aspects seem to be going backwards. research should be more diverse and allow the players more options in directions they want to go, Diplomacy should be more open when trade is involved. example when you trade with any race it is like you are behind power curve with them, but when they trade with you. you still behind the curve in the trade. should be a window to bring other nations together in trades. lets take to races fighting they come to you wanting you to join the fight. why not have a way to help them to come to peace agreement. give it more content. Space battles should have more to see. like have a choice to see it from command deck of a ship or from the view that is already in place. An more espionage play a part to mess with other nations. that is what i have for now. Still playing looking to see if i missed somehting. :)