Dreddz knows exactly what is up

Another game which deserves particular kudos for atmosphere is Sid Meier's Alpha Centuari. You wouldn't think a TBS game could really do very much in terms of atmosphere, but this is just genius. The use of quotes, both real and fictional, is amazing. You get into the leader's minds more with SMAC than with games featuring real people, like Civilization. The technologies are believable and the whole thing is cohesive.