Galactic Civilizations III Version 2.8 Adds AI-based Supreme Commander System Stardock's massive-scale space strategy game will leverage gamers’ powerful PCs to deliver more intelligent computer opponents.

Stardock has released version 2.8 of Galactic Civilizations III. The new version adds a bunch of improvements and updates across the board, but the most notable addition is an AI-based supreme commander system to oversee each computer player.

"One of the advantages Galactic Civilizations III has is its new 64-bit, core-neutral game engine," said Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock Entertainment. "Now that most PC gamers have at least 4 CPU cores, we took the opportunity to develop a semi-genetic algorithm based AI that allows the computer players to play much like a human being would."

"While we have continued to make additions to create a more enjoyable Galactic Civilizations experience for Internet multiplayer players, we know that most people play against the computer and we really wanted them to feel like their opponent was...well, like a human," said Wardell.

Galactic Civilizations III Version 2.8 also include additional balance updates to help players play as a "tall" as well as a "wide" empire.

"Players have noticed that we've been doing a lot of balance updates this past year," said Wardell. "The driving motivation for this is to ensure that there are many viable strategic choices. History has shown that small, well-run nation states can change the world. Similarly, we want to ensure that players who choose to play small empires have the opportunity to tilt the balance of the galaxy."

The new update also focuses on the ongoing drive to make the game more approachable without sacrificing its depth. Version 2.8 includes a number of new UI elements to streamline gameplay.

"Some of these changes are just UI enhancements, like moving rarely used features to a different place," said Wardell. "Others involve a change in gameplay that is more intuitive. For example, we modified how defense works to be more intuitive and satisfying. Enemy weapons will deplete your defenses more slowly, making defenses more worthwhile."

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

v2.8 is now available as a free download. Galactic Civilizations III is available through Stardock and Steam and GOG for $29.99.