This week's Epic Games Store freebie is simply galactic

Another week, another Epic Games Store free download.

For a while now, the digital storefront known as the Epic Games Store has been giving away free games, week after week on Thursdays like clockwork. Last week was no exception.

Made available for free until Jan. 29 is the highly-rated 4X space strategy game, Galactic Civilizations III.

Letting you build your own space civilization, Galactic Civilizations III enables you to choose from dozens of unique alien races from across he galaxy and steer their fate as you "make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more." Part of the game's official synopsis reads:

Research new technology, design starships, and colonize new worlds as you face threats and conquer challenges from new and mysterious sources. Negotiate trade and treaties, wage wars, spy on your enemies, and promote outstanding citizens. And when you've finished that, play again as one of the many included alien civilizations each with its own history, technology tree, ship components, and more.

Released in 2015, Galactic Civilizations III is a true sandbox experience set in space which was well-received by critics at the time. Each game is unique, letting players customize the size and scope of their gameplay with some micromanaging thrown in.

Galactic Civilizations III is free at the Epic Games Store until Jan. 29. The only pre-requisite is you have to register an account at the site. But don't worry, other than a valid email address, no prior credit card information is needed. Once you log in get a copy of the game here.

(Images from Stardock Entertainment)