Sid Meier's Colonization

"We the people declare... that this game is our new King"

This game gave my life meaning. It ruined my social life, made me lose 20 pounds, and permanently hunched my back. Its that damn good. Prepare for many a sleepless nights and take out food, this game will rule your life.

Gameplay 10
There's no way around it, this game is fun. When you find land and meet the Natives, it delivers a sense of accomplishment. When you see those pesky Europeans snooping around, a feeling of anger will rise. When the Natives become hostile because you stole their land, raided all of their temples, and killed their villagers, it gives you a sense of power. This game does a great job of filling the player with emotions, something not a lot of games out there can do.

Control in the game is quite easy. Telling your colonists what to do doesn't feel like a chore like in some other strategy games, and seeing them master a skill brings joy and accomplishment. You mostly use the arrow keys to move your characters, but you can use the mouse if you want to travel a far distance without telling them where to go every turn.

Ever play a game where it is so easy to beat, that you don't feel like playing it again because of that? Well, this isn't one of those games. With 5 difficulty levels, you will be hard at work trying to match wits with a very formidable opponent.

When you declare your independence from the taxation driven King, it makes you feel like your hard work has payed off. And you certainly will be up for quite a battle for your insolence. The King is no push over in terms of powerful units.

Story 10
Its your job, as a Viceroy in this New World (which you can name what ever you want) to rewrite history. As either the English, French, Spanish, or Dutch, colonize this New World as you see fit. Form your own Continental Congress and Continental Army, and when the time is write you declare your independence from the hot shot King. You don't want to be at peace with the Natives? Ravage their villages and take their money. You rule your land in any way you want.

Audio/Video 7
This is the bump in the road for Colonization. While the game pumps out some ''phat beats'', the graphics are a little dated, but in no way bring down the value or overall fun factor.

Replayability 10
This game defines the name of replayability. The 4 different civs, the numerous congress men, the customizable maps, the 5 difficulty levels, finding that special place to colonize, it is endless fun. Each time through is full of different actions and events. Defiantly worth playing it over and over.

Length
Like mentioned before, this game will consume your time and life. Prepare for long nights staring at the computer screen. But it is well worth it all.

To buy or rent?
Defiantly a buy, this game can be found in bargain bins in stores. By all means, pick this game up now. Highly recommended.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/15/02, Updated 09/15/02