Question from the new guy

from Stardock Forums
First of all hi. Ive held off on picking up this game for quite awhile, because, well Im apparently a terrible strategist with little to know patience. That being said Ive heard so many positive reviews about this game that I thought I better pick it up to see what all the fuss is.

I picked up the deluxe edition which I guess has the original Galciv and the expansion "Altarian Prophecy". My question is, is there any reason that I should start with the first game and not the expansion? From what I could tell the expansion is the only one that has any type of campaign in it and Im assuming that it has everything that the original has. Please let me know as I wouldnt want to miss out on anything.

Second, it didnt come with an instruction book other than the little front cover one. I see there is quite a bit of information right here on this site but Im not real sure where to start other than starting on the instructions themselves.

In any case, thanks in advance to anyone willing to help this confused individual. Hope to hear from you all soon.
311 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Welcome Grinch2020

In the Encyclopedia you find some usefull stuff like the manual, a FAQ and some articles about the game mechanics.

There is some good information in the Strategies Forum. Just one example
http://www.galciv.com/forum.asp?BID=GS&id=185422

Don't miss the sticky thread from Frogboy (he's the boss of Stardock) about Morale.

Very helpfull is the side from JavaScout (check Fansites in the Encyclopedia).

I love GC, in fact it is my favorit game. But when you are "with little to know patience" you should know that GC is not a game with a lot of action.

Thus here is the special tip for you :-) Start a game (not in the campain) and switch to the options (ESC button). Switch on the Cheat keys. Return to the game and use CTRL+L. This get's you into action much faster.

Details about cheat keys can be found in the history file:
http://sdcentral.stardock.com/public/gc1/production/history.htm

Last but not least. It's just a click to join an empire. The empires basically sum up the points which their members have submitted to Metaverse http://www.galciv.com/metaverse_rules.htm . It's just some extra spice. The empire members are usually very helpfull when you need some assistance.

I joined The Jedi Republic http://www.galciv.com/metaverse/empires.asp?id=336 a view days ago but there are many other interesting empires as well. Just surf a bit in the Empire Forum and on the empire sites.
[Message Edited]
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
My question is, is there any reason that I should start with the first game and not the expansion?
End of quote


No start with the expansion.
Walldorf2000, gave you some good starts.

The game is easy to learn as you play.
Start11 - Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10/11.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
I'd start with the expansion and play one of the smaller maps at one of the lowest AI intelligence settings. Unlike most games, the AIs are quite good even at the lowest intelligence settings.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Thanks for the helpful replies. Ill start electronicly thumbing through the different articles Walldorf2000 mentioned and playing around with the game itself.
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
I'd also caution you about using the cheats. If you choose to use them, don't try to submit the score to the metaverse. Also, I think it is better to learn how to play without them (thereby you don't have to RELY on them in order to enjoy a game).

Most important is to have fun playing. If your confused, stuck, or just think your missing something, ask here, or join an empire and ask them. Either way you'll get plenty of response (as you can see!) ;)
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Ive never been real big on cheats unless I have beat a game and want to play around with it. Im not real clear on how empires work for this game. Im correct in that there is no multiplayer other than submitting your scores?
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
No, there is no multi-player. Think of the empires as a sub-community to the metaverse. The best advantage to joining an empire is the fun we have in our various forums. We also have strategy guides, seperate web sites, seperate forum sites, and friendly banter with the members of other empires.

Click on the empires tab on the left nav-bar and scan through some of the empire threads. Feel free to post questions about the empire etc. in any of the empire threads.
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
#5 by Citizen Chipperoo - 12/29/2004 5:30:29 PM
I'd also caution you about using the cheats. If you choose to use them, don't try to submit the score to the metaverse.
End of quote

Yes I forgot to mention that.

#6 by Citizen Grinch2020 - 12/30/2004 12:44:25 AM
Ive never been real big on cheats unless I have beat a game and want to play around with it.
End of quote


Accordint to Frogboy CTRL+L is not cheating. It's just a quick start. But it's still impossible to submit because it would not be comparable.
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
Not much else I could add! Ctrl+L I did not know about that one I over use the ctrl+N quite a bit to get a nice starting spot. Good to see more new players! You will love the game it is easy to play but is tough to master! :p

The best part about the game I feel is the Metaverse. Either create your own Empire or find one of the many great one to join that fits your interest and playing style. If your into Star Trek for example you may want to check out Star Fleet Empire! :HOT:

Hope to see you at NeoTech http://www.neotechgaming.com/portal.php?sid=2ecd9994d30f785aa7e8d22559148d68 a Starbase for Galciv fans - plus a lot more :D