Newb says hello, and a few ??

Hello, I just bought GalCiv a few hours ago ($19.99 at my local Gamestop store) after seeing it listed in the top 10 games of 2003 in Computer Games magazine. That's a great honor for a small publisher, I'd imagine.

They say, in part, "it gets better the more you play. Its an understated, thoughtful game that is highly replayable and continually challenging." I'm looking forward to delving in.

I apologize if the answers to these questions could be found by searching, but I had no luck. These are very general questions:

1) I read on a retailer's site "The BonusPak will be available via Stardock Central. Every GalCiv CD comes with a serial number that can be entered into Stardock Central. Once that is done, the player has an account on Stardock.net which enables them to get updates to Galactic Civilizations which includes updates to the game, the BonusPak, a windowed version, and more."

So once I install the game, I should download the patch and a seperate bonus pack? Or it all in one download?

2) Do folks here have suggestions for alternate music that is appropriate to the game? Are there playlists available for download?

3) Is each game on a randomly-generated map, or do you choose from various maps? Is there a compendium of mods that have been created?

4) I see a strategy guide available for download. Is it helpful? Are there others (I'm sure this forum is the best guide)?

5) I take it Stardock is planning an expansion. Is there a link with details? Will it be a stand-alone expansion?

I'm sure I'll have more. I still haven't installed the game, since I'm stuck at work. Can't wait to get home

:D :D .
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Reply #1 Top
1) I read on a retailer's site "The BonusPak will be available via Stardock Central. Every GalCiv CD comes with a serial number that can be entered into Stardock Central. Once that is done, the player has an account on Stardock.net which enables them to get updates to Galactic Civilizations which includes updates to the game, the BonusPak, a windowed version, and more."So once I install the game, I should download the patch and a seperate bonus pack? Or it all in one download?2) Do folks here have suggestions for alternate music that is appropriate to the game? Are there playlists available for download?3) Is each game on a randomly-generated map, or do you choose from various maps? Is there a compendium of mods that have been created?4) I see a strategy guide available for download. Is it helpful? Are there others (I'm sure this forum is the best guide)?5) I take it Stardock is planning an expansion. Is there a link with details? Will it be a stand-alone expansion?
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1. They're two different downloads.

3. It's random.

5. Yes the expansion is out in beta, but to play the beta you need to pay extra for a Drengin.net subsciption

~SDC~
Reply #2 Top
Welcome to the Metaverse, tylertoo! And congratulations on your purchase of one of the greatest games ever created!

1.) You'll need to download Stardock Central and the patches from this site. Go to the Downloads tab on the left side of the screen. There is a new update coming out this week (ver. 1.2)!

2.) There aren't any playlists available here, but you can use any music in the game as long as it's in the correct format. I don't change any of the music myself, so someone else will need to help you on how to do it.

3.) Every game in Galactic Civilizations is a random map, but the Altarian Prophecy expansion (coming soon - you can preorder by clicking on the Purchase tab on your left) will have scenarios and several editors.

4.) Get as much strategy help as you can. Trust me, this game isn't as easy as you might think. Don't get discouraged, just ask questions in the Strategy forum (again, click the Strategy tab on your left!) We're all happy to help!

5.) See above. The Altarian Propecy is much anticipated.

Reply #4 Top
Try reading through this http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72311

It is the best walk through I have seen.

Welcome - say good-bye to your free time LOL
Reply #6 Top
g'DAY mATE iF yA lIKE bEER & rUN + HALF NAKED wOMEN tHEN cHECK oUT dA aNZAC'S

http://www.galciv.com/metaverse/empires.asp?id=604

hOPE dIS hELP jUST a lITTLE ;)
Reply #7 Top
Try reading through this LinkIt is the best walk through I have seen.Welcome - say good-bye to your free time
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Thanks for the link to the walkthrough; I will read through it. Its now past 11pm, I need to get to bed, but I installed the game, patched it, and and going to give it a quick try.

Free time? Hah. I have a 3-year old and a 4-month old, so my free time is maybe an hour a night after everyone has gone to bed. Oh well.

Glad to be here, tho, I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions.
Reply #8 Top
Free time? Hah. I have a 3-year old and a 4-month old, so my free time is maybe an hour a night after everyone has gone to bed. Oh well.
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LOL. Almost a clone--3 yr old and 7 month old here. I sacrifice sleep for gaming. Welcome to GalCiv--the game is great and this community is also great!

- Bam-Bam
Reply #9 Top
About mods, check the modding forum or the 'library' link on this site.
There are no mods in the sense of existing map + scenarios, that should come with the paying expansion pack. There are mods, however, which add techs, ships, and events.
Reply #10 Top
my free time is maybe an hour a night after everyone has gone to bed. Oh well.
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The cool thing about the game is you can play a couple of turns, save, and comeback to it; play a couple of turns...etc.
You are going to have a blast with this game! Maybe you can even use the game music to sooth the tot! LOL
Reply #11 Top
Maybe you can even use the game music to sooth the tot!
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Yeah! You've got to love that Drengin lullaby!! LOL
Reply #12 Top
I sacrifice sleep for gaming.
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Sleep? Sorry, not familiar with that term.

Welcome to GalCiv--the game is great and this community is also great!
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Part of my interest in the game is that this community is still going very strong many months after its release. That proves the game has staying power.

The cool thing about the game is you can play a couple of turns, save, and comeback to it...
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This is exactly what I'm looking for. I love CRPGs but its hard to play them for just a short time every few days... you lose track.

Also, is there a link to a press release or announcement about the expansion pack? Just curious as to what is expected in it (MP? ;) )
Reply #13 Top
Also, is there a link to a press release or announcement about the expansion pack? Just curious as to what is expected in it (MP? )
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Nevermind, I found it.

It looks awesome.
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