Is the retail version of the Gold Edition available as well?

Some users have already reported seeing GC2:Gold in stores in the US, though I'm not sure which ones have it specifically.

When checking Gamestops website their in stock store finder showed many stores having one to three in stock, some stores had 4+. Not sure if they show that in anticipation, but in-stock should mean just that.

Thank you guys.

I can confirm I saw it in stock today, though it is better to buy it direct from Stardock- as more of the money goes to them, [rant] instead of crappy companies like Gamestop that rip off the customers and employees. [/rant]

The part about more of the funds going to the people who actually gave you the fun, aka Stardock is true though.

Does anyone have any idea when Canada will be getting the game in stores?

I know, I feel sorry about but it's the only way I'll be able to access this amazing game. Where did you see the game out?

In NC at a few stores here and there.

EBGames at Georgesville Square in Columbus OH had only one yesterday

To play Devil's Advocate for a second...the advantage to buying it in a store is that it improves the store sales for Stardock's products. Sell enough of those copies of GCIIGold, and the stores will see Stardock as a reliable company to continue to supply their stores with future games.

And honestly, I came to GCII via purchasing it at Best Buy. I had vaguely heard of GCI, but I was looking for something new, wandering in the Big Box store, and took GCII home with me to be hooked.

I bought GalCiv2 yesterday at best buy, I can also confirm that Gamestop has the game as well. I love Dark Avatar and the included hotkey map is great as well. Kudos to stardock and their amazing products!

It's already out?!? Darn. I read online that it doesn't come out until the 12th, tomorrow. If I'd read this first I would have bought it when I was out near BestBuy today. I didn't even go in. *hits forehead* Darn, now I have to wait until next weekend to get it when I could have gotten it today. *bummed*

I also heard online that someone claiming to work at GameStop said there was a rebate in the box for people who purchased the original already. Is that true? What proof do I need, if it is?

Yes, there is a $10 rebate for owners of the original retail GC2. You will need a page from the manual as proof, AFAIK (don't worry, GC2:Gold contains a much better manual anyway!).

You'll need your Gold Edition sales receipt, UPC from the Gold Edition box and the manual cover from your original GalCiv II for the rebate.