Just tried the gog C2 in Windows 8 (well, 8.1) for the first time. Starting up the game apparently creates a black rectangle over part of the screen which just stays back no matter what window (including other applications) I bring forward. (The mouse, however, is visible over this rectangle, and the rectangle disappears for a fraction of a second when I switch to the windows tiled Start Screen or switch back.)

Otherwise the game works fine. Does anyone else have this problem?

Try tinkering with compatibility settings. Also, it's best to not install GOG games in Program files folder, ideal would be something like C:\GOG Games.

Make sure all oder components of DirectX9 are present on your system, as they're missin in Windows 8.1 by default. Complete your system by installing this:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8109
Run the file and extract the content to a separate folder, then run dxsetup.exe for installation.

When you try different compatibility modes (right-click the game's shortcut => Properties => Compatibility tab), try the modes for Windows 7 and Window XP and tick the checkbox to run the game as an administrator.

Tried all this and still no go :(

There is a little more information about the Black Box of Doom (as this is known), which also includes a link to a resource article that includes some detailed instructions on how to fix this. It hasn't worked for everyone, but maybe it's worth a shot!

Also, the ideal spot to install Creatures is within My Documents. Installing anywhere on the C: drive often splits up the files between two locations, and can create some issues. But as Triock said, anywhere except Program Files is usually a better bet!

Hopefully you can get it working soon! If not, feel free to share any specific error messages and/or screenshots. Good luck!

what about any support for windows 10? i only bought creatures 1 and 2

As the product page for Creatures: The Albian Years states, it only works on Windows (XP, Vista, 7). Although I have seen some reports of players getting Creatures 2 to work on Windows 10, it seems like it's not fully compatible. Creatures 1 seems to work without any problems, which is the one bright spot! Perhaps GOG will be able to solve this, but it seems there is no clear way to get things working on Windows 10 at this time. Sorry to not have better news!

im the guy who has been commenting on your you tube vids lately, and only creatures 1 works. it's just creatures 2 that's giving me problems. not only am i getting the black box, but im also getting frame rate issues too. honestly i only wanted creatures 1.