One of the most anticipated computer games in recent memory hit the market on Friday when Electronic Arts released Spore in Europe.

Spore is the latest title from legendary game designer Will Wright whose previous credits include The Sims and Sim City.

In the game, players create a new organism and guide the lifeform from its amoeba stage into a fully-fledged civilisation.

Eventually, the player is charged with taking the beings into space and colonising the galaxy.

The release follows months of anticipation. Gamers were given their first taste of Spore in June when EA released a playable demo and 'creature creator' in which players could design life-forms for use in the game.

Buzz for Spore heated even further last month, when the company announced that the game had officially gone gold and had been approved for final distribution.

The initial release of Spore will be for Mac and PC only and will include a regular release and a special edition bundle which will include a 'making of Spore' DVD.

EA is also planning slimmed-down versions of the game for the Nintendo DS and mobile handsets, as well as a special edition for the iPhone and iPod touch.

The mobile versions of the game are set to be released on 7 September when Spore will be made available in the US and Asia.