Shadow’s Asylum Sometimes I write things…

Civilization 4 Review

Everyone has his/her game, For most its shooters, for many others role-playing, and for a brave few it's all about turn based strategy. Civilization 4 is definitely not everyones game. The game is slow paced,  and possibly to the average gamer a complete bore fest. I have spent quite a few hours playing shooters, and role playing games, so I thought it was time for a change of pace.  What else is there to do but try out the latest Civilization game? I had been hooked on the series since I played CivII on one of my first computers. The gameplay is addicting, and at times utterly frustrating.

For the longest time Civ III held one of the highest honors in my personal favorites list, to me it had reached its pinnacle, so to be honest i was a bit skeptical that civ 4 would do anymore than ruin the series. The graphics have been revamped, and now look silky smooth. Fortunately for the player the game play has not been butchered to any real extent. This is not to say that there aren't some changes in the series, because there are quite a few.

Religion now plays a major part of game play mechanics. It is a useful tool for persuading neighboring civilizations to remain peacefully as well as can benefit trade. Another aspect of the game that has changed is how combat units are utilized. They are primarily the same as in the past games, however, you are now given the chance to promote, or if you will upgrade the units.

Windmills, Water-mills, Lumber Mills, and cottages offer a balance between production, gold, and food. This was simply not possible in Civ III. This adds to the customization of each city, as well as allowing you to Taylor your cities economy how you see fit. Constructive units such as a settler or a worker will no longer take away from the population of the home city, in exchange for the the growth of the city is stopped during production of these units.

Perhaps the most important and largest additions to Civ 4 is Great people, and Culture. This adds a whole new demension to the game play. You have a leader trait that will increase or decrease the birth rate of great people depending on how great of a leader you are. Great people act as a stat modifier to the cities they are housed in, or can be exchanged for hurry production, or other bonuses. The technology tree has been altered slightly allowing you more freedom over technology as it is no longer constricted to ages.

Overall the game focuses on the quality of the cities, not the shear number of cities. The best strategy i have found is to focus on a few cities, as financial wealth is power, and power is success. If you expand to quickly you will find yourself in financial trouble and probably playing catchup most of the game. Having given you a general idea of what the game is like. I think its time for me to put a few more hours into it. I cannot comment on the multi-player, as i have not had a chance to experience it in its full glory. If your a fan of the Civ series, or a turn based strategy geek, you will probably love this game.