Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor BETA 1

Now available!

from GalCiv2 Forums

IT IS HERE!

The first beta of the second expansion pack to Galactic Civilizations II was made available today.

The new expansion pack, Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor

will give all 12 major civilizations their own unique technology trees which include new weapons, new planetary improvements, new civilization abilities, and more. In addition, players will be able to construct the star destroying "Terror Star". The graphics engine for the game has been updated and Stardock is overhauling the textures and other elements in the game to make use of the update engine.

The expansion pack is due for release by Christmas but users who pre-order it can get the beta immediately.

An extremely abreviated "what's new" is available in the journals for what's in this beta.

There are plenty of bugs in the beta. I know, I've seen them and some of them are mine. (like the Terran Alliance tech tree not having plasma weapons tied to lasers -- doh!). We will be releasing additional updates to beta 1 this week as we work through such buglets.

One of the things you'll notice are the planetary textures. Right now, we're just testing the new system so the planets generally have the same planet textures. But by release, there will be plenty to keep it unique.

Not only do planets look better but they use a fraction of the memory. When complete, we should be able to double the number of planets on "abundant" over what we have now for users of Twilight of the Arnor.

One of the big stories with Twilight of the Arnor from a technical point of view is that the new graphics look so much better while using so far less memory.

Example:

BEFORE (Dark Avatar) and AFTER (Twilight of the Arnor)

The second screenshot uses around 1/4th as much memory.

Now, if you're worried about running into bugs, then don't bother with these betas. There will be bugs. Lots of them. That's why we have the betas, to let players help us balance.

It's going to be an exhilarating ride! We're very excited to develop the game with you guys! To join the beta, simply PRE-ORDER the game. You get the beta and the final version.

More Screenshots:

[PRE-ORDER and JOIN THE BETA]

46,595 views 51 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Before anyone asks, the archived pre-orders are still processing as of 7:30pm EST. There's a LOT of pre-orders to process, should be completed in the next 90 minutes or so.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Sweet...I want to be an evil Jawa like in the screenshot.
Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
want...to...play...now...cant..wait...another...hour...
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Gimme...gimme...gimmee....

I have not checked my email this much before in my life!!!
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Just got my e-mail contaningmy key. A little later than I would've liked, but at least it occurred on the day they said it would be released

Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Neat. Now I have to decide if I want to finish my current game (finally about to win with the crappy Iconian Refugees and get one step closer to racial victory!) or try out this stuff.... Argh.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Must..... have.... terror stars!!!

Can't wait for the improved planet invasion graphics either

Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
i just finished... those planet graphics look absolutely amazing... okay, no time for this @#&$, gotta play!!!
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
This is really going to take GalCiv2 to the next level yet again
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Before anyone asks, the archived pre-orders are still processing as of 7:30pm EST. There's a LOT of pre-orders to process, should be completed in the next 90 minutes or so.
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still haven't seen anything and it's been 91 min since your post ordered a week and a half ago
Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Just got the code and trying to set it up. And failing, as of now.
Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
just got it
Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I'm playing, and completely paralyzed by the new and alien tech tree. I may get around to taking a turn at some point tonight.

It's a completely new game now...I'm a noob again. Based on the Drengin tree, I say woe unto him who let's the Drengin tech up in their games. So many ways to hurt you...
Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
OMG Stardock THANKS YOU! THIS IS GREAT!  Ahhh what to do what to do. Game is beautiful. All the new things wow. Speechless... just keep up the great work!
Reply #16 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
hum, cannot buy with tokens?
Reply #17 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
hum, cannot buy with tokens?
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You need to go via the TGN site.
Reply #18 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I just got home from a company (mal)function and found the Arnor update waiting to be downloaded......
Wow! Super fast on the download and install......

 
Reply #19 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
ahh, thanks Kryo again
Reply #20 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I pre-ordered it last week and haven't recived a beta yet. SDC just has a link to buy it.
Reply #21 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Register the serial you got in email (use Tools->Lookup Serials if you didn't get the mail) and you should be able to download.
Reply #22 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Register the serial you got in email (use Tools->Lookup Serials if
you didn't get the mail) and you should be able to download.

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Well this explains it. I somehow ordered the gold edition instead. Time to contact sales
Reply #23 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well this explains it. I somehow ordered the gold edition instead. Time to contact sales
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Ouch. Thats a kick in the nuts.
Reply #24 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Installing Now!!! This is so not a good time to get this, its time to SLEEP!
I am so happy, its like a Halloween Eve Present!
Reply #25 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
To say this looks intriguing, is an understatement of epic proportions. Can't talk, busy.