When Spore is released in mid-to-late 2007, the gameplay will be based around a number of different phases, all of which are explained further below.
Tide Pool Phase Fight with other creatures and consume them to adjust the form and abilities of your creature. It's survival of the fittest at the most microscopic level.
Creature Phase Venture onto land and help your creature learn and evolve with forays away from your nest. The only way to grow is by taking chances!
Tribal Phase Instead of controlling an individual creature, you are now caring for an entire tribe. Give them tools and guide their interactions as you upgrade their state of existence.
City Phase Bring your creatures' race into a new golden era by building up the technology, architecture, and infrastructure of their city.
Civilization Phase Once your city is established, your creatures begin seeking out and interacting with other cultures. Make contact with an olive branch or a war cry. The goal for your creatures is to conquer the planet.
Space Phase The time has come to move on to other worlds in your solar system. Make contact, colonize, or terraform, then venture further to find other solar systems. A 'mission' structure provides new goals in your quest for galactic dominance.