Via Galactica for Windows

Via Galactica is a space-themed strategy game in which users travel between intergalactic destinations while trying to increase their status via trading with merchants, fighting off pirates, and tackling other missions. Although we can see how this type of game might appeal to some people, we found it rather boring.

If you're into games with graphics of any sort, Via Galactica is not for you. Instead, the game's action plays out as a series of textual descriptions and choices. For example, as you travel to your destination, you may receive a message stating that you're being attacked by a pirate ship. A series of buttons presents your options: flee, fight, surrender, etc. There's no real visual action of any sort, aside from a system chart that maps the user's intergalactic travel. Users must monitor their resource, such as fuel and food, and attempt to trade with other merchants for valuable items such as weapons. We get the sense that this game could becoming quite long-running and involved, but frankly, it didn't hold our attention for very long. Users who enjoy text-based strategy games and the careful management of resources should find this game enjoyable. The built-in Help file is quite detailed and is a necessity for anyone who is serious about playing this game.

Via Galactica is free. It installs desktop icons without asking but uninstalls cleanly. We recommend this program with reservations; it didn't appeal to use, but functions just fine, and may be well-suited to other users.