Imperium Galactica II
- January 19, 2017
- Digital Reality
- 14h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Apple Store"Imperium Galactica II" is a space-based real-time strategy game with empire-building elements. It features multiple playable species, a vast Sci-fi universe, and a variety of ways to achieve victory. The game includes three playable campaigns, custom scenarios, and massive battles. With updated high-res textures and vivid colors, players can relive the golden age of gaming and lead their species to ultimate domination.
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Reviews
- Imperium Galactica II is considered one of the best 4X space games ever made, offering a unique blend of real-time strategy and empire management.
- The game features engaging gameplay with multiple races, each having distinct strengths and weaknesses, along with a variety of mechanics such as espionage, diplomacy, and tactical battles.
- Despite its age, the game has aged well and still provides a satisfying experience, with many players expressing nostalgia and enjoyment from revisiting it.
- The game suffers from various bugs, including issues with saving, AI behavior, and multiplayer functionality, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Controls can feel clunky and outdated, with some players reporting difficulties in navigating the interface and using keyboard shortcuts effectively.
- The AI is often criticized for being predictable and sometimes cheating, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially on higher difficulty levels.
- graphics114 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reflecting its age, but they have been slightly reworked to improve visual appeal. While not as advanced as modern titles, many players find the graphics functional and nostalgic, with some noting that they hold up well compared to contemporary mobile games. Overall, the gameplay experience remains strong enough that the graphics do not detract significantly from enjoyment, making it a worthwhile play for fans of the genre.
“The graphics hold up quite well even 23 years after its release; the gameplay is stellar, the soundtrack is full of bangers, and the fact that it was produced by my people (made in Hungary) is just the icing on the cake.”
“This version has updated graphics, supports all modern HD resolutions, and with some nice force-applied anti-aliasing & anisotropic filtering, the game still looks pretty good after all these years.”
“With its expansive universe, challenging gameplay, and engaging visuals and sound, it is a must-play for any fan of the genre.”
“The game's graphics and sound are both a bit dated but on par with many modern mobile games.”
“I will say that by modern standards, the graphics and UI are pretty dated and might feel 'clunky' to modern gamers.”
“As of this review, the game graphics are such that no matter what resolution I set my PC to, I do not have access to controls needed to do things like attack, turn buildings on/off, destruct buildings, see planet populations, and such.”
- gameplay74 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is praised for its intuitive mechanics and engaging experience, with many reviewers noting its advanced functionality for its time and its ability to hold up against modern titles. While some aspects may feel dated, the core gameplay remains enjoyable and offers a solid challenge, particularly in higher difficulty settings. Overall, it is regarded as a standout in the 4X genre, with unique features and a well-crafted balance between simplicity and depth.
“The gameplay, the graphics, the mechanics, it's all so advanced and extremely functional for the time in which it was developed.”
“Brilliant game, excellent gameplay mechanics!”
“The gameplay is so good which makes the outdated graphics irrelevant.”
“As for the actual gameplay, while the various races are diverse and fun to play, diplomacy can be underwhelming.”
“Be aware that there are a few kinks to iron out though: graphics settings can be edited in a text file instead of an in-game menu, some gameplay settings seem to be ineffective, and keyboard shortcuts aren't all working (time speed change (except pause), zoom).”
“Sure, I could complain about a few annoyances here and there with respect to the gameplay and bugs, but honestly?”
- story54 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect features three distinct campaigns for different races, each with unique backstories and missions, complemented by a random events generator that adds variety and depth to the gameplay. While some players find the overall narrative and diplomacy to be less compelling compared to modern titles, the inclusion of cinematic cutscenes and engaging mission systems provides a solid foundation for storytelling. However, there are criticisms regarding the quality of certain scenarios and the need for an updated storyline to enhance immersion.
“A classic space strategy game that combines good storylines for each faction, city-building tycoon elements, and spaceships with separately upgradable modules. What else could you wish for?”
“You can play as three different races across three epic campaigns, with literally hours of cinematic videos spread across each story.”
“There is a campaign mode in which you can choose one of three races, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, design, and unique storyline.”
“Too many ridiculous scenario storylines that ruined my experience with the game.”
“The storyline in the campaign mode is not super compelling or original, but no problem to ignore.”
“Back in the day, the original Imperium Galactica was the best 4X game (obviously my opinion), then when Imperium Galactica 2 came out, it kind of missed its mark with less storytelling and less immersion with the removal of the bridge interface.”
- music24 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers calling the soundtrack "a banger" and highlighting its excellence, particularly the tracks associated with the solarian and human factions. The ambient music is noted for being both cool and relaxing, contributing significantly to the overall experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's standout features, setting a high bar for other titles in the genre.
“The graphics hold up quite well even 23 years after its release, the gameplay is stellar, the soundtrack is full of bangers, and the fact that it was produced by my people (made in Hungary) is just the icing on the cake.”
“The music is excellent too, with the Solarian and human tracks being among my favorite game music tracks ever.”
“It's some of the coolest and most relaxing space game music I've ever heard.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game boasts significant replayability through its three sandbox campaigns and a robust skirmish mode, allowing players to choose from three distinct races, each with unique campaigns and random elements that encourage varied gameplay styles. With a rich array of features including tactical combat, espionage, and diplomacy, players can expect a unique experience in every playthrough, ensuring that no two games are alike.
“There are 3 sandbox campaigns and a fully functioning skirmish mode for lots of replayability.”
“You are given a choice of 3 races, each one with a different emphasis and their own campaign, with random elements thrown in requiring a different style of play each time, providing great replayability.”
“The game itself had a lot to offer back in 1999, including tactical space and ground combat, espionage, diplomacy, empire management, multiplayer, and different races, offering huge replayability, with no two games ever the same.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game runs more stably than the CD version, with no significant mouse issues or crashes during gameplay. However, some players still experience occasional crashes and minor glitches, particularly during ground combat and on the colony screen in rainy conditions.
“I have played the original game (I still have the 1.0 English CDs, and still sometimes play it on my Win10 system patched for XP and running in XP SP3 compatibility settings), and aside from some random crashes during ground combat and a few other minor glitches, it still runs better than the Steam version right now.”
“I don't remember it being this buggy back in the day... it crashed a few times and I get a FPS hit on the colony screen when it's raining.”
“I have played the original game (I still have the 1.0 English CDs, and still sometimes play it on my Win10 system patched for XP and running in XP SP3 compatibility settings), and aside from some random crashes during ground combat and a few other minor glitches, it still runs better than the Steam version right now.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the availability of keyboard shortcuts that alleviate the tedium associated with grinding, making the experience more manageable. However, some still find the overall grinding process to be somewhat tedious despite these helpful features.
“There are fortunately the shortcuts on the keyboard that will definitely help here in cutting the tediousness of it all.”
“There are more choices like that, but it'd be a bit tedious to list them all.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the comedic interactions, particularly when playing as alien races, where the advisor's blunt commentary on revolting citizens adds a humorous touch. Additionally, the fast-spinning 3D models and animations on modern hardware contribute to the game's quirky charm, enhancing the overall comedic experience.
“It's hilarious when you play as one of the alien races and the advisor voice tells you the citizens on one of your planets are revolting... like, wow, you're telling me, they all look disgusting!”
“One funny thing is that with modern hardware, the 3D models and animations spin seriously fast on the start screen and on certain displays in-game.”
“It's a riot when the advisor voice comments on your citizens revolting, especially when they look so bizarre!”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its unique atmosphere, which enhances the enjoyment of interacting with aliens in a space setting, making the experience both engaging and entertaining.
“It has such a unique atmosphere, and messing about with aliens in space is still great fun.”
