A examination of Spore and the subsequent survival/creation god games that have emerged since its initial release 12 years ago. Spore, which debuted in September 2008, remains a notable member of the god game and survival genres. In this article, I will explore how the gaming market has evolved and highlight several interesting titles that have been released in the past 12 years that are reminiscent of Spore.
Spore (2008 – EA)
As one of the most iconic entries in the god game genre, Spore takes players on a journey from their humble beginnings as a simple cell consuming floating matter to becoming a spacefaring civilization. The gameplay is divided into multiple phases, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics. The scale of the game increases with each phase, starting from exploring the ocean as a single cell and progressing to controlling an entire society in civilization and eventually space exploration. The central theme of the game is ascension, as you strive to grow and achieve greatness. While Spore may not remain as relevant in the modern market, it is still considered a landmark title in the genre, offering a unique gameplay experience despite its dated art style. The game is available on major digital marketplaces and its website.
Combat of Giants (2008-2011 – Ubisoft)
Although not a true god game, the Combat of Giants series by Ubisoft, released for Nintendo consoles between 2008 and 2011, follows the evolution and growth of various creatures, including dinosaurs and dragons. In these games, players govern their creature’s powers, fighting abilities, and appearance through different systems. While simpler than Spore in terms of evolution options, Combat of Giants offers a fun combat system and a wide range of creatures to choose from. The visuals may have aged poorly, but the gameplay remains enjoyable. The series can be found on online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay for those with a Nintendo DS.
Reus (2013 – Abbey Games)
Reus, developed by Abbey Games and released in 2013, allows players to control multiple gods as they awaken, shape the environment, and create resources to sustain a world before ultimately departing. The game revolves around earning achievements to unlock new content for future playthroughs. Players must work together as four different gods, each with distinct abilities, to create a balanced and functional planet. Unlike other civilization-building games, Reus focuses on managing the development of communities rather than individual control. The goal is to build a thriving society by providing the necessary resources and controlling human behavior. Reus offers a resource-oriented experience similar to Spore, and with its stylized visuals and rewarding gameplay, it has aged better than Spore. The game is available on major digital game retailers or on the developer’s website.
Niche – A genetics survival game (2017 – Stray Fawn)
Niche, released as early access in 2016 and fully in 2017, is a modern take on the core ideas presented in Spore. Developed by Stray Fawn, it is a genetics survival game that explores the concepts of evolution and adaptation. Players must guide a family of creatures, making choices that determine their genetics and survival. Niche offers a unique gameplay experience centered around genetics and survival, similar to Spore’s evolutionary concept. The game can be found on major digital game retailers.
