Civilization II: Test of Time

"Better than Civilization III"

Civilization II stands as one of the most amazing works of gaming art ever conceived, and even 7 years after it debuted, the game has a fanbase that rivals that of Starcraft and Empire Earth. What Civilization offers that no other strategy game provides is a feeling of complete freedom. Waging war isn't necessary, and in some cases the entire game can be completed without ever waging war on another civilization. Diplomacy doesn't have to be an important issue, either. The game gives the player the ability to decide whether he or she will conquer the world economically, politically, socially, or militarily. Civilization II: Test of Time expands the original Civilization II by adding some very impressive extras, not the least of which is the ability to colonize Alpha Centauri, which nearly doubles the length of a standard Civilization II game. Test of Time's initial strengths are apparent the moment the game is installed. Both the graphics and music received massive overhauls, and more or less make the game a different experience. The units have been redesigned, balancing the strange weaknesses of certain units, most notably the Marines, to more accurately reflect the units they represent. Probably the most significant changes between Civilization II and Test of Time are the additions of the Lalande Universe and Midgard (fantasy) areas. The additions are most definitely not a ripoff of the main Civilization II world.

The two alternate scenarios are, almost, completely different games with completely different strategies. For example, the Lalande Universe starts the player either on a planet or a space station, and over time the player can develop technologies which let their civilization travel to and colonize other planets. On different planets, different creatures flourish. Some technologies can only be discovered by defeating a particular alien race or destroying an ''ultra creature''. The Midgard game plays more like Warcraft. Each race has totally unique units. The Buteo (wingmen) have wings and can fly to the clouds but are very weak. The Humans have moderately strong units and generally get along with other races. In the Midgard scenario, the planet is divided into multiple sections. The underworld, undersea, land, and sky are connected by transport locations. Some civilizations do better than others in particular locations.

Graphics

It wouldn't necessarily be incredibly hard to improve on the original Civilization II's graphics, which didn't even have animation. Test of Time renders characters, with animations, fluidly. Also, the menu system is completely redone and, after spending a good while with both menu structures, I believe Test of Time to be superior to Civilization II.

The Lalande and Midgard universes accurately depict their styles. The extended original game, however, looks similar enough to the original Civilization II that no real merit should be awarded.

Unfortunately, the programmers took out all of the World Wonder cinemas.... they will be missed...

Sound

Civilization II: Gold changed the soundtrack slightly, and Test of Time utilizes the same soundtrack that Gold offered. Some good songs overshadow some really bad songs.

Gameplay

Civilization II: Test of Time has expanded so much on the already fantastic Civilization II that it rivals the impressive Civilization III. In my opinion, Test of Time is better than Civilization III.

Overall: This game is one of the most impressive expansions I have ever seen. And, to make the deal even better, the game isn't actually an expansion. Much like Homeworld: Cataclysm, Test of Time is it's own game. Ownership of any previous Civilization is not required.

In the end, this game is probably the best installment in the fantastic Civilization series.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/04/03, Updated 05/04/03