The second review today is, Paradox's Galactic Civilizations II - Dread Lords, published by Stardock, this game has been the center of some anti-piracy discussion over the past week, mainly due to it's lack of draconian DRM.

Sandbox mode offers a far more compelling game, as you tailor the size of your universe precisely to your needs. Sizes of universe ranges from tiny to gigantic, and you can determine how many habitable planets you are likely to find. Bear in mind that small maps can last a whole day. The biggest galaxies are the sort of games you will be playing for weeks, tinkering your empire until you finally achieve victory.

Not a game for those with little time or patience it seems, but awesome if you have.