Electronic Arts and Maxis have release the third patch for their evolutionary game Spore. There is not much in the way of changes made to the game, but those who get the update will also receive 24 new exoskeleton limbs as part of the package.

There's a server side fix aimed at keeping achievements on the servers well synchronized with those in the game. The Escape key now successfully brings up the Options screen in the Galaxy portion of the game and small Sporepedia cards no longer include creator backgrounds.

The patch also delivers new parts for your characters for free. They are presumably all taken from the Cute and Creepy Parts Pack for Spore. Here's a full list: Arm Plated; Spiker; Lesser Tubercle; Delta Point; Sinew Slug; Brawned; Tendonikes; Fleshed; Deltoid Tuberosity; Humorous Humerus; Khourtier; Holiarm; Locust Legs; Plated Muscle; Spikependage; Armored Bones; Bugleg; Grouchyspike; Centilegs; Layered Limb; Thighboned; Grasshopper; Femur Friday.

Electronic Arts promised and implemented a feature which allows multiple screen names for the same account in order for multiple persons to be able to have separate Sporecasts and Sporepedia entries although they share a computer. Unfortunately, the current implementation of the feature does not allow for each screen name to separately gain and store in game achievements.

Spore has proved to be a source of embarrassment for Electronic Arts because of the strict implementation of DRM measures, which only allow a customer to install the game a limited number of times before he needs to contact EA support to get the right to more installs. There are currently at least two law suits pending against the company.

You can download the Spore 1.03 patch here; the other updates for the game are also available on Softpedia.