Galactic Civilizations III is the definitive 4X space strategy game, coming exclusively to 64-bit PCs. Galactic Civilizations III stays true to the core mechanics while adding more depth and options for players to create their own immortal legacy as rulers of the galaxy. As an absolute ruler in Galactic Civilizations III, the choices you make shape your empire as it inevitably enters into cultural, trade, diplomatic, ideological, and military conflicts with your neighbors. Every empire has multiple paths of victory to pursue. Forging an empire so culturally influential that rival worlds defect to your cause is perfectly viable, so long as you can keep their dropships from landing on your core worlds through literal defenses or soft-power diplomatic maneuvers.

Galactic Civilizations III puts players in charge of one of several fantastical sci-fi races (including 23rd-century humans) about to begin interstellar colonization. Spreading your empire throughout the galaxy, unlocking the secrets of creation through radical scientific research, and building massive fleets of starships to defend your way of life is only the beginning.

As the age of expansion ends and the age of war dawns, you must navigate the waves of conflict crashing through the galaxy. Diplomatic channels may secure your borders, cultural imperialism might expand them peacefully, or you could do things the old-fashioned way through military conquest. Finally, the age of transcendence brings the struggle for galactic dominance to a fever pitch as mighty empires bring titanic forces to bear in the race for final victory.

Stardock released a major v2.5 update for its massive turn-based space strategy game, Galactic Civilizations III and its Crusade expansion. The update focuses on modifying the base game by strengthening the parts of the game that people love while also improving performance overall.

"We've made some massive engine enhancements for both the base game and Crusade," said Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock. "AI, balance, performance, and quite a lot more improved with the development of the expansion. We're continuing to work on Crusade even now, but want to make sure some of those important improvements make it over to the base game too, which is what you're seeing with v2.5."

Because Crusade improved the overall game experience so much, efforts have been made to move some of those enhancements over to the base game. v2.5 also adjusts the AI to allow for better building of fleets and planets and boasts faster turn times, especially when the galaxy is crowded with ships.

The improvements in v2.5 include:

Major Engine Update (Base Game + Crusade):

• Improved AI
• Better game balance
• Faster turn times
• Increased performance

Base Game Enhancements:

• UI: The cleaner and more functional UI from Crusade is added.
• Economics: Galactic resources now accumulate, like in Crusade.
• Diplomacy: More informed trade offers, better resource trading, and the "trade bar" from Crusade are added.
• AI: Substantial improvements to the AI system from Crusade have been added.
• Performance: The AI system has been moved to a core-neutral engine.

"I view Crusade as practically a sequel to the base game, not just an expansion," said Wardell. "We really don't want to get into the business of charging money for AI and engine upgrades, so we'll continue to improve both games in order to achieve the best possible results."

For a full list of details and to read more about what has been added to Galactic Civilizations III and Crusade, visit Stardock's forums.

v2.5 is now available for download. Galactic Civilizations III is available on Steam or through Stardock for $29.99. The Crusade expansion retails for $19.99 and is also on Steam or through Stardock.

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.

Key Features:

• Incomparable scale: 64-bit architecture allows players to experience unprecedented graphical fidelity and variety, an entirely new level of scale, and opens the door for modders to add a virtually unlimited amount of content to the game.
• Completely redesigned ship builder: An overhauled ship builder puts nearly every element of starship design in players’ hands.
• All-new map features: Interstellar terrain from black holes to enigmatic Precursor relics change the way players explore the map and build their economies.
• Greater political intrigue. The all-new diplomacy system tests players’ cultural, ideological and diplomatic skills as they pursue the many non-military routes to victory.
• Multiplayer: For the first time, Galactic Civilizations players will be able to compete against each other via the Internet.