Stardock, the company behind such current PC strategy hits as Sins of a Solar Empire and Fallen Enchantress, turns twenty years old this year. In celebration of their two decade anniversary they sent out a press release today announcing the upcoming release of the third installment in one of their most beloved franchises. They published the original Galactic Civilizations back in 2003, and its sequel, Galactic Civilizations II arrived in 2006. The second game’s final expansion, Twilight of the Arnor, released in 2008, and the series fell quiet for half a decade. Now Galactic Civilizations III is on the way, and it promises to be just the rebirth this fantastic spacefaring 4X series needs.
Stardock did not announce a release date, but they did announce pricing for a Founder’s Edition and a Founder’s Elite Edition. Here’s the section of the press release that announces the new game:
Stardock announced the third installment of its award-winning PC strategy game series today as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary: Galactic Civilizations III, the long-awaited next chapter in one of the highest-rated strategy franchises of all time. Coming exclusively to 64-bit PCs, Galactic Civilizations III stays true to its core gameplay while adding new features including multiplayer, political intrigue, vastly improved visuals and much more.
“The move to 64-bit architecture heralds a new era of game development at Stardock,” said Derek Paxton, vice president of Stardock Entertainment. “The technology allows players to experience a level of graphical detail and on-screen activity unprecedented in large-scale strategy PC games. It dramatically increases the size and scope of the maps, and opens the door for modders to add a virtually unlimited amount of new content to the game.”
Galactic Civilizations casts the player as the all-powerful leader of a spacefaring civilization that must explore, expand and colonize new worlds across the galaxy. Dominating rival alien species through technological, economic, political and military prowess tests players’ cultural, ideological, and diplomatic skills as they pursue victory via peaceful or belligerent means.
Galactic Civilizations III gives players far more detail in the textures, models, and overall look of everything from the planets they colonize to the fleets they command. New interstellar terrain elements on the hex-based map like black holes and mysterious Precursor relics change the way players explore the galaxy. A completely overhauled ship builder puts nearly every element of starship design in players’ hands, while the new resource system creates fresh opportunities to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate.
Stardock is offering exceptional discounts, early access to the game, and more to fans who join the Founder’s program through the official website, available immediately. The $39.99 Founder’s Edition includes beta access, $10 off the regular price, and a special forum badge. The $99.99 Founder’s Elite Edition gives players all future DLC and expansions for free as they come out, alpha access, their name in the game’s credits, and the right to name a star to appear in-game.
You can check out the game’s official website at GalCiv3.com.
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