Hmm, just bought Empire: Total war, and I must say it is very well done. Whilst staying loyal to the series in terms of gameplay it adds some new and interesting features, with an 18th century setting working perfectly with the game.
So a very good game for a very good series... which is more that could be said for Spore: Galactic adventures...
Ok so the expansion does not come out for 2 more days, but I can base the following on some clear evidence from trailers and stuff...
Now the main game was a total disappointment, while it is still fun in its own right, it was lacking many features we were promised. Now I could rant on all day about this subject... but I will show restraint for now.
I must now admit that Spore: GA looks quite fun, from many sources and an awesome vid by the Robot Chicken guys. From what I currently know you can design your own city layouts, and immerse yourself in them, as well as other planets. You will be able to design your own adventures (like quests), which looks good. Guns, which are always good. And the adventures, like other user-created content, will be downloaded and implemented into your game.
So the game comes out on 26th... I am tempted to go and pick up a copy, maybe EA can sort out Spore after all...