Civilization III

"The greatest game to ever grace a computer"

Civilization is like Final Fantasy. It comes around every once and a while, but it's always worth the wait. Unlike Final Fantasy, though, Civilization waits 6 years before making sequels. As I have stated in my review of Civilization II, these games are undeniably the most addictive and utterly mind bending games you can possibly buy. The programmers undoubtedly poured all their emotions and souls into making what would become the greatest strategy series to ever grace electronics. Oddly, Civilization III feels more like a cross-breed of Civilization II and Alpha Centauri. This, or at least they way they did it, is the most incredible enhancement that the Civilization series received. Oh, there are little details that were ironed out from the previous game, but in reality Civilization III is really a revamped Civilization II with Alpha Centauri features.

WHEN CULTURES COLLIDE

New to the Civilization world is the Culture system. Originally started, though not used to it's fullest potential, in Call to Power, this system was ultimately a failure and was forgotten for years. However, Sid Meier recognized the possibilities behind it and revamped it for Civilization III. The system is relatively simple. Your civilization thrives on the culture you build in cities over time. Let's say you have a 2,000 year old city where people have prayed to the same temple for millennia. Would it then be likely that these people would be subject to a brutal take-over from another country? Not likely. This means that cities that you or any other civilization capture still contain civilians of the previous civilization. Often they have a hard time adapting to their new surroundings. This can cause revolts, which more often than not turn the city back into the hands of whichever civilization owned it beforehand. This can change with time, though. An excellent way to appease the civilians is to introduce them to a more advanced and exciting lifestyle. Basically, if you are better than the people that ruled them BEFORE they were taken over, they won't want to change back. This is a tactic that every dictator must learn before mastering the art of Civilization.

CAESAR GOT STABBED IN THE BACK.... WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Yeah, times can be rough in your growing government. The managing of your feeble empire is much tougher than before. However, due to a much more complex and helpful trading system, getting on your feet is also a lot easier. Now you can trade all sorts of things, be it technology or any other item, city, etc that you may want. Also, leaders are more apt to ask for what they want than trying to help you be the best. This time Chieftain isn't exactly a cakewalk.

A LONG TIME COMING

Time lasts longer in Civilization III. It takes quite a bit longer to learn technology as well. With good effort anyone will eventually be successful, but only a true iron fist can keep your civilization from becoming history....

In the end... This game is so grand that I cannot express to the reader the kinds of emotions that rage through this emotionless gamer. Go get 'em!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/31/01, Updated 10/31/01