The most talked about (in the geek world, at least) game is finally here. Incorporating social networking and based on the rather odd premise of developing a single cell organism, Spore was first presented at game conventions two years ago and went on to win some major awards. Now, the drooling is over as Spore is finally released.

Developed by the people who brought you the addictive virtual living PC game, The Sims, Spore shares traits with the hugely popular “life simulation” game: it is open-ended (there’s no storyline or even a final goal) and is all about customizing, nurturing, feeding, and socializing a character. But unlike The Sims, Spore’s characters don’t have day jobs and intimate moments in bathtubs; they are microscopic creatures that you have to help evolve into competent critters that will be launched into space to explore and socialize with aliens. Nerds of the universe rejoice!

The game starts off with a meteor that splits open to reveal your molecular child. From a basic ectoplasm feeding on even smaller bacteria, your offspring will grow into a creature that reproduces, forms colonies, establishes cities and eventually ventures into space.

Spore is making headlines for incorporating the ultimate tools of our age—social networking. There’s a Spore YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/spore) where players can upload videos, get rated and earn badges. Their Sporecast RSS feeds also let fans keep track of the happenings of your character. Others can also interact with your characters through downloads.

You can now download Spore directly from the Electronic Arts website (www.ea.co.th) for B599. Also for iPhone/iPod Touch users, Spore: Origins, the mini one-stage version of the game, will also be available for download on iTunes.