I don't think they are combining too many genres. after all, the game progresses and you get through all the lower phases fairly fast. you can even skip them and go straight into the space phase. It's really just an option. I think it shows a great amount of attention to detail. and gives the player a chance to experience the evolution instead of being just shot into the space phase. And regarding the "high-end gaming PC" conversation. Due to Spore's procedurally generation system, spore wont need a high-end computer. They have said that if you can play the sims2, you will be able to play spore. maybe not on super-high res though. But i'm sure if you can handle portal or HL2, spore wont be a problem. i simply cannot wait for spore. seems like such an amazing concept and it's a needed breath of fresh air in the midst of the masses of FPS games flooding the market and making the current gaming scene dull as heck.
