"As our players submitted suggestions for new features, we realized that we didn't want to have to wait until some future sequel to implement these awesome ideas," said Brad Wardell, Product Manager of Galactic Civilizations II. "So you could say that this expansion— while not quite a sequel — goes far beyond what a usual expansion pack would provide.

Galactic Civilizations II is a space-based strategy game set in the 23rd century. Players must build an interstellar civilization through military power, economic strength, technological might and political savvy. Since its release earlier this year, the game has received many Editor's Choice Awards and sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide.

The expansion pack, Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar, was originally designed to add new units, new maps, a new story-based campaign, user-created opponents, an epic generator, espionage agents, asteroid fields, new diplomatic treaties, unique planet environments and much more. However, Stardock decided to expand on the already impressive feature set based on fan feedback and suggestions.

The expansion also introduces resource-rich asteroid belts, unique planets requiring advanced technology to colonize, spies to assist or prevent destabilization and sabotage, an Epic Generator that creates a unique story from each game played, advanced diplomatic treaties, new ship components, improved AI options and much more.

In addition to the original concept, new features now include a streamlined technology tree, Mega Events, super abilities that are unique to each civilization, a visual makeover, more advanced opponent-design features and more.

For players who are interested in getting their hands on the expansion pack before Christmas, Stardock has announced that it will be opening a beta program for users who pre-order the expansion pack, which will start in mid-November.

Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar will be available exclusively from GalCiv2.com (powered by TotalGaming.net). However, Stardock will also be releasing Galactic Civilizations II: Gold Edition simultaneously at retail, which will include the original game (Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords) and the expansion pack in February 2007.