Here is where i go into detail about explaining the main gameplay of spore as well as the spin-off games + Prerelease information

Spore is a game released in 2008, developed by Maxis and published by (the be loathed) Electronic Arts, EA. The game’s lead designer was Will Wright, Co-founder of Maxis. Spore is an evolution-based sandbox game, following a cell as you eventually conquer your galaxy in many different ways. The game follows a structure of 5 stages.

The earliest prototype seen publicly was in 2005 at GDC (Game Developers Conference), containing the foundations seen in the final release, though having drastically different mechanics and visuals.

2005 GDC demonstration video

almost all footage from the demonstration > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofA6YWVTURU

https://web.archive.org/web/20060903082450/http://www.spore.com:80/

Expansion Packs

Creepy & Cute

This expansion pack added new parts as well as drive animations when editing a creature.

Galactic Adventures

This expansion pack added an entirely new gamemode to spore, being able to make your own adventures, as well as playing other player’s adventures. These adventures were also added to the space stage.

Dr. Pepper controversy

The Spore Bot parts pack, also known as the Dr. Pepper DLC and similar names, was an expansion released on January 1st of 2010 as a part of a promotion with, you guessed it, Dr. Pepper.

Spin-off Titles

There are a surprising number of spin-off titles for Spore, sadly none of them count as a sequel to the original, as many follow a more story driven approach differing from the main game’s sandbox gameplay.

The first spin-off released was Spore Creatures for the Nintendo DS, during 2008, following the storyline of a creature attempting to rescue their species from a civilisation called Gar’skuther. The design of the creatures and environment are very stylised, akin to visuals of the Paper Mario series, which isn’t really seen again in any of the other spin-offs.

(gar’skuther continuation)

The next game released on the same console, during 2009, was named Spore Hero Arena. I haven’t actually seen that much content on this title, but from what I can gather it has a similar playstyle to Spore Creatures, though rendered in 3D and focusing more on combat with other species.

A little later in the year of 2009, they released a Wii spin-off, which I have actually played this time, titled Spore Hero. Again, a story based game revolving around saving all species from a creature called Darkhator. The visual style in this game is honestly very charming, even though it may be a little dated by today’s standards.

There were 2 mobile games developed for Android and IOS, namely Spore Origins and its sequel Spore Creatures (Which… Has nothing to do with the DS game… Guess they were running out of ideas or forgot about it??). The first game revolves around the cell stage, the latter being the creature stage. I personally have not played Spore Origins (And by the visuals, I’m definitely not thinking about it), though I have played Spore Creatures, and in my opinion it was a perfectly enjoyable game, by mobile standards at least.

Spore islands was a Facebook game released in 2009.

DARK SPORE :( 2011

Cell Stage

This stage is the only one featuring a strictly top down perspective. Playing as a single cell organism, in this stage you decide your creature’s diet (Herbivore, Omnivore, Carnivore).

Creature Stage

This is by far one of the most memorable stages, involving playing as a land animal, fighting and befriending other species to advance the gameplay. Depending on your gameplay in the last stage, you will have certain mouths to choose from. The creature stage has the most recognisable gameplay and concept out of all of the stages.

This is also an introduction to Consequence Abilities.

Consequence Abilities available in this stage:

CELL:

Herbivore: Siren Song

Increases ability to socialise with creatures, including aggressive ones.

Omnivore: Summon Flock

Allows you to summon a flock of creatures which will help you fight or socialise. (The creature flock is random, meaning there isn’t a guaranteed change you are going to get ones that are combat or social equipped)

Carnivore: Raging Roar

Changes all creatures in proximity to the Scared reaction, making them run in fear.

Tribal Stage

Different creatures evolve in intelligence and develop tribes and camps, this is similar to creature stage, though you control multiple of your species, and it doesn’t follow a 3rd person camera behind one of them. From what I’ve seen in the fandom a lot of people don’t like this stage for a lot of reasons, mostly being gameplay and the rather odd separation of tribal and civilisation, which I won’t be touching on.

Consequence Abilities available in this stage:

CELL:

Herbivore: Refreshing Storm

Causes fruit to be regrown and fall from trees.

Omnivore: Flying Fish

Summons a creature to scare fish away from the sea. (Easy food source!)

Carnivore: Traps

Allows you to place a trap and ensnare wild creatures.

CREATURE:

Social: Fireworks

Your chief sets off fireworks increasing relationships with neighbouring tribes

Adaptable: Beastmaster

Allows control of nearby animals who will help you in socialising or combat. (Similar to Summon Flock)

Predator: Fire Bombs

Allows you to throw fire bombs to attack nearby structures and enemies.

Civilisation Stage

Controlling a single creature? No. Now you’re controlling the dumbest looking cars and suspiciously phallic shapes planes and boats! The civilisation stage, like the tribal stage, is focused on conquering all of the other cities on your planet, with various archetypes dictating their actions. No more giving gifts in person with that wonderful jingle, now you can just spam your enemies with tons of spice and take over their city! Advancement at the finest.

Honestly though, the civilisation stage is very fun and I enjoy the gradual change into city management through the tribal stage’s gameplay. Designing your transportations, buildings, and even your city song still gives you some creative freedom, like that of the creature stage. The one issue I have with both tribal and civilisation stages is that you are unable to edit your species’ appearance.

Space Stage