Is SMAC enjoyable to new players?

[Ita Bear]

Hello folks,

SMAC came out a long time ago and has obviously dated since its release. I am a huge fan of the Civilisation series (up to IV, anyway!) and more recently Old World. Graphics aren't a huge concern for me as long as the gameplay is deep and engaging. I love the city specialisation and empire management of Civilisation IV and Old World. I understand that Beyond Earth is a kind of spiritual sequel to the game but it wasn't too well received. Alpha Centauri isn't too much on GOG, so would it suit a relatively old-school strategy player like me?

Grateful for any assistance.

Kind regards,
Ita Bear

 

[Buster's Uncle]

The only complaint I ever see from old-time civvers is about the landscape colors...

 

[Pfeffersack]

Hello folks,

SMAC came out a long time ago and has obviously dated since its release. I am a huge fan of the Civilisation series (up to IV, anyway!) and more recently Old World. Graphics aren't a huge concern for me as long as the gameplay is deep and engaging. I love the city specialisation and empire management of Civilisation IV and Old World. I understand that Beyond Earth is a kind of spiritual sequel to the game but it wasn't too well received. Alpha Centauri isn't too much on GOG, so would it suit a relatively old-school strategy player like me?

Grateful for any assistance.

Kind regards,
Ita Bear

I can clearly recommend it - still coming back to it from time to time. The lore and some mechanics (terraforming, terrain model, debt treaties) are unmatched or rarely found in other games (unit workshop). Not to say that SMAC hasn't bugs or weaknesses (balance, AI) - but luckily it has a living modding community. I would recommend to apply the HD-Patch (which greatly improves visuals and handling) and the great "Will to Power" mod, which completely reworks AI and balance and offers a huge challenge: https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/smax-the-will-to-power-mod.653694/

 

[Johann khan]

I say go for it, its incredibly unpredictable for a 4x game, in a good way but sometimes the rng can make the game punishing. There is a lot of good micro management needed for the game. I recently bought it for the second time and compared to civ 5 and 6, this game is harder to master.

 

[Buster's Uncle]

...And it's the newbs who get to enjoy the story built-in that really sets AC ahead of the rest of the Civ family. I done seen it all 25 years ago...

 

[sendos]

I definitely recommend SMAC to newcomers hands down. You will love it!

 

[qouigv93027]

One of the biggest things I love about it is the story. To anyone philosophically or scientifically inclined, they would enjoy the story developing throughout the course of the game!