An understated, thoughtful game that is highly replayable and continually challening - the sort of game that will still be on your hard drive when all the other games you are playing right now are gathering dust on a shelf. [June 2003, p.78]

Definitely not flashy in the presentation department, Gal Civ more than makes up for it with excellent gameplay that is updated with new tweaks, bug fixes, and content very often.

The A.I. in this game is capable of some remarkably human-like behavior. [June 2003, p.99]

Gamers looking for twitch action or a strategy game with a strong emphasis on combat might be disappointed, but gamers who prefer to meticulously oversee things rather than execute them directly have something to look forward to.

What makes Wardell's game stand out from other recent 4X space empire games is a blend of simplicity and depth.

A nicely streamlined space 4X game, which hits the right balance between strategy and micro-management.

Easily the best 4X game right now and the best that we’ll see for years to come. The AI of this spectacular title alone will keep gamers talking long after its moment in the spotlight is over.

The game's enemy AI is very good, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that it apparently doesn't cheat -- it plays the same game you do.

Enthralling, humorous, and a real must for all "Civilization" fans.

Galactic Civilizations' strong AI, robust diplomacy, and variety of strategic options make it an outstanding turn-based strategy game.

Whatever it attempts, it generally does well, and where AI is concerned, moves to the head of the class. It lacks innovative imagination, but provides a solid gaming experience and a challenge that never fails.

Addictive, solid, and smarter than all of its competition combined. [June 2003, p.82]

If you can get past the terrible documentation and very steep learning curve, Galactic Civilizations will be not only enjoyable but also addictive.

It's "Civilization" set in space, and the result is an enjoyable strategy game but one that does not fully realize its potential.

If you are a serious strategy nut, then try and beat this AI. It seems that they spent most of their energies on that, and it paid off.

No matter what you prefer, war, political or economic influence, or diplomacy, it's all there to assure you'll have a variety of ways to prosper and triumph over other races.

Despite being a little too difficult, even on the easy setting, and having all the break-neck speed of a run away yak in a snowdrift Galactic Civilizations is actually an enjoyable experience.

An extremely approachable game that has a strong foundation for those who are willing to stick with it for the long haul, despite the fact that it tends to wear a bit thin at present due to the vagaries of its random events and a difficulty level that tends to be too easy or too hard, with very little middle ground for experienced players.