Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar (2007)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar is the first expansion pack to the critically acclaimed turn-based strategy game Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords. Released in 2007, Dark Avatar adds a wealth of new content and features to the base game, including:

  • Two new civilizations: the genocidal Drengin offshoot called the Korath and a enigmatic civilization called the Krynn.
  • A new campaign in which the player leads the Drengin Empire on a quest to conquer the galaxy.
  • The ability to create custom opponents, allowing players to tailor their own challenges.
  • An “environment” statistic to planets, which determines which civilizations can innately colonize them or what technologies are necessary for other civilizations to do so.
  • An enhanced role for espionage, with special “Agents” that can conduct various missions, such as sabotage or destabilization, on rival worlds, or act as counter-agents against rival agents attempting to conduct missions on the player’s worlds.
  • Asteroid fields on the space map, which players can mine for resources. Resources from asteroid fields are directed to planets where they increase manufacturing capacity.
  • A great deal of new ship hulls and technologies.
  • The extermination of two civilizations during the campaign – the two exterminated civilizations will still be available in “sandbox” mode, but will not appear in future releases of the game.

New Civilizations

The Korath are a genocidal offshoot of the Drengin, a race of reptilian humanoids. They are driven by a single-minded desire to conquer and destroy all other civilizations. The Korath are a powerful and aggressive civilization, with a strong military and a knack for espionage.

The Krynn are a mysterious and enigmatic civilization. They are said to be descended from the ancient Precursors, a race of beings who once ruled the galaxy. The Krynn are a peaceful and technologically advanced civilization, with a deep understanding of the universe.

New Campaign

The new campaign in Dark Avatar puts the player in control of the Drengin Empire. The player’s goal is to conquer the galaxy and become the dominant power in the universe. The campaign is challenging and rewarding, and it offers a unique perspective on the Galactic Civilizations II universe.

Custom Opponents

Dark Avatar allows players to create their own custom opponents. This is a great way to tailor the game to your own preferences. You can create opponents that are more or less challenging, and you can even create opponents that are based on your own friends or enemies.

Environment

The environment statistic is a new addition to Galactic Civilizations II. It represents the planet’s suitability for colonization by a particular civilization. Some civilizations are better adapted to certain environments than others. For example, the Drengin are well-suited to colonizing planets with high levels of radiation, while the Terrans are better suited to colonizing planets with Earth-like environments.

Espionage

Espionage plays a more important role in Dark Avatar. Players can now hire special “Agents” to conduct various missions on rival worlds. These missions can range from sabotage and destabilization to counter-espionage. Agents can also be used to gather intelligence on rival civilizations.

Asteroid Fields

Asteroid fields are a new addition to the space map in Dark Avatar. Players can mine asteroid fields for resources. Resources from asteroid fields are directed to planets where they increase manufacturing capacity.

New Ships and Technologies

Dark Avatar adds a great deal of new ship hulls and technologies to Galactic Civilizations II. These new ships and technologies give players more options for customizing their fleets and strategies.

Extermination of Civilizations

During the campaign, the player has the opportunity to exterminate two civilizations. This is a drastic measure, but it can be necessary to achieve victory. The two civilizations that can be exterminated are the Yor and the Silicoids.

Conclusion

Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar is a major expansion pack that adds a wealth of new content and features to the base game. The new civilizations, campaign, custom opponents, environment statistic, espionage, asteroid fields, ships, and technologies all add to the depth and replayability of Galactic Civilizations II. If you’re a fan of Galactic Civilizations II, then Dark Avatar is a must-have expansion.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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