Ever wonder what happened to the explorers launched into space at the end of Civilization II? This game has the answer: they landed on a planet orbiting Alpha Centauri and quickly divided into feuding factions, each bent on molding the new world according to the group's particular philosophy or culture. But the human colonists are not alone. Alpha Centauri employs the same basic gameplay, rules, and concepts as Civilization II, but features enhanced diplomacy and a new, slicker interface. Players begin by assuming leadership of one of seven colony factions, establishing a base on the unexplored world. Conquering territory, developing technology, expanding the faction's population, and dealing with native life forms are critical priorities that must be correctly balanced for survival. If a faction's military output is low, it may be vulnerable to attacks by others or by dangerous mind worms that roam the landscape. On the other hand, building war machines at the expense of scientific research may result in having to manage a massive but obsolete war machine or a rebellious population.
Within the game, you can now automate tasks that--in the earlier game--were repetitive and dull. The factions also have a better mix of leaders: three of the seven factions are headed by women. The computer AI for the other groups does a good job of making decisions in accordance with each faction's particular philosophy and worldview, and will often surprise a human player with an offer of strategic alliance or a sudden double-cross.
This easy-to-learn and thoroughly absorbing game takes the best features of the original classic and sets them in a brave new world. --Alyx Dellamonica
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