Bommando

So, a quick summary before I write a longer review:

Multiplayer is very limited at the moment. Well, there is none. All you do is load other people's creatures into your worlds, but you don't interact with anyone directly. They definitely need to improve interaction to give the game longevity.

The first three phases are fairly basic. Still fun, but they feel a little like a grind to prep you for the space phase. Luckily, if you get bored of starting at the beginning, you can always skip to the space phase once you've done the others.

I have to say, I was a bit sceptical about the simplicity of the game in the early stages and the building aspect and customisation weren't all that exciting to me initially. As the game went on and especially once you get to the space phase, it opens right up. This isn't unlike other sims like Civ, where the early game can be a little bit of a grind on autopilot until you reach the endgame. I am really enjoying the endgame and the look and feel of the setting. Where the game was a little shallow early, it more than makes up for it here, where you hit a comparative Mariana Trench of content.

The endgame isn't so much that it is overwhelming, but you can play it as deep or as simple as you like. If you're not into micro-managing, you can easily just trudge around doing missions to reach the end. But, if you're like me, you'll soon find ways to fast-track your economy by finding the best sell price for your trade goods and making allies to fight your enemies for the most fertile solar systems.

While a couple of days ago, I was "meh" about the game, I now have a renewed vigour and can see myself playing through at least a few times. Maybe not nearly as much as Civ, but it's a pretty interesting and fresh approach.

So far, I'm happy with the purchase and can see myself getting value for money out of the game. My advice is: don't judge it too early. The late game really makes up for any early boredom.

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Zoopy

That's funny since my friend said the exact opposite, that the first two stages were fun and after that it is boring.

Bommando

Considering the microbe stage consists entirely of swimming around and pointing your mouse at food, I would have to assume your friend is either a goldfish or himself a unicellular organism.

I wouldn't recommend you buy this game Zoopy. You'd only end up creating your own planets and concluding each time that "this map sucks", therefore landing you in an endless loop of nihilism.

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Zoopy

Oh probably.

CitizenSnips

I'm really liking it so far, don't believe the reviews. Its very fun. Although I will admit the Tribal stage and Civ stage were fun but extremely short. I thought they would be much longer. The Space stage is where the real game is at though. I'm about a good 3 to 4 hours into the Space Stage and it still seems like an endless supply of things to do. Especially with Wars going on everywhere.

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Golden Salmon

I've been impressed with all of the different stages so far. Ive enjoyed the cell and space stages in particular. I was a little let down by the creature stage. The way they have each species basically separated and they stay right next to their nest seems a little dull. I went into that stage thinking it wouldnt be much different then an actual ecosystems with lots of animals moving about, and doing a bit more interacting with one another. oh well, just one small gripe about what ive found to be a pretty solid game.

Seancho

for me the Space part is a let down. My warrior race spends too much time TALKING to other races and not enough zappofyin their faces off.

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Ikonic

My friends laughed at me when i picked this up. They now call me up from time to time to see if I am playing "The sperm game" just to fuck with me. If they had steady girlfriends then I could make a relevant joke regarding this, but alas, they are idiots and probably couldn't score with a rock.

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Ikonic

For anyone playing -- here is my Spore Creation RSS

http://www.spore.com/atom/buddy/ikonic/assets

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Jonan

I beat the civilization stage but then decided that my creatures looked dumb and the game play to easy. So I started a new race on another planet with the difficulty on hard. Now my creature still sucks but at least it is a little more challenging. I will have to hurry up and get to the space phase since it seems like I am missing out on the most fun part. The civilization stage is fun. It kind of reminds me of command and conquer.

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