Civilization IV

As we approach this holiday season, there are many blockbuster games on the horizon and a few which have just arrived. Rock Band 2 is out, I have a copy of Spore waiting for my at my apartment's office (damn getting off work after they close!), Warhammer online is about to / has release depending on your version, and we have even more to look forward too: Fallout 3 is a mere month and a half off, and Starcraft 2 is on it's way.

But I have yet to play any of these games, so instead I'm going to do a bit of a review of Civilization 4, which I had somehow neglected to play until about 2 weeks ago. I guess this review is a bit late, seeing as the copy I bought was the "Game of the Year Edition."

You see, when Civ4 came out, I scoffed at the idea of paying fifty bucks for what looked nothing more than upgraded graphics for a game that would be fun in NES era graphics. Plus, I still remembered the features cut when they came out with Civ3 (Really, who cuts multiplayer in a sequel? 1602 A.D. / 1503 A.D. Don't think I didn't notice!).

But I am please to say that Civ4 is more than just a pretty re-skinning: some core game mechanics have been changed, and for the better. Take the new religion system for example, it adds a whole new dynamic to foreign relations (the system for which has also been greatly improved with the addition of much needed feedback) and a new way to expand your power.

While the new additions have given depth to the game, such as with the much improved unit experience system, Civ4 has become no harder to play. One of my room mates was new to the series and had almost no problem jumping right into a game thanks to the clear interface (smiley face good, frowny bad), sensible mechanics (tank beats horse) and surprisingly helpful adviser tips. I know that none of these things are brand new in this version, but they have been refined to improve clarity (hammers instead of shields for production, productivity units of 5 are grouped (5 hammers = 1 anvil)). I also have to admit that I listen to the adviser pop ups much more in this version, although they can still get annoying.

I would like to see more playable scenarios, and the camera can be frustrating if you try to fight it, and occasionally I just want to tell the pop up adviser box to shut the hell up because I know what I'm doing, I mean I'm the emperor of the most powerful nation in the world for crying out loud, but these are minor complaints. In the end, we have a great example of what a sequel should be. Civ4 is more refined, easier yet deeper, and even more fun than it's predecessor.

Although they did get rid of the palace.... unless my people just really hate me (did I mention that you can institute slavery?).