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Compared to III - a great improvement

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 45 / 47
Date: October 15, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I find that the improvements outweigh the negatives in Civ IV. I've played Civ III for a while, and was always frustrated with the unrealistic means of making it more difficult at higher levels - such as warriors defeating Knights in battle, other Civs building wonders in record turns, things like that. In Civ IV, those issues seem to be repaired. I've found that the rules they give us for combat movements, cost, etc., are not bypassed to make the game more difficult at higher levels.

I like the added variety of leaders and their abilities, seems more realistic and helpful for long term strategy. I also like the addition of more wonders, though they have changed some of the benefits of certain wonders so I needed to get used to the same thing being different.

I also am enjoying the new "Permanent Alliance" option. I just finally used that and really liked the dimension it added to game play.

The graphics do bother me a bit - too bouncy. I've changed settings as much as I can to get away from it, but it is still a bit bouncy and makes me dizzy.

I'm also not pleased with the bug that makes the game not work with my graphics card - which I have yet to find a fix for. I am playing it on another computer. One of my son-in-laws also can't use the game since his graphics card doesn't seem to be supported. He has a much bigger, badder, multimedia computer.

It also has a problem with the online updates. I updated and had serious issues which I had to call the manufacturer to fix - couldn't start the game, couldn't uninstall the game, couldn't reinstall the game - totally useless. A Direct X fix repaired that, but I don't think I even got the update after all the work! I'm quite leary of trying again. Then my son, who also has the game, updated his and it caused serious corruption for him too. I told him what my fix was, and it didn't work for his. He has to call and see what to do now. Updates aren't supposed to break the game, they are supposed to fix it. The game works fine without the updates, so I'm going to forego any future attempts to update.

Stick With Civ 3 Instead

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 88 / 157
Date: August 20, 2007
Author: Amazon User

As much as I love the Civilization franchise and for as long as I have been playing it (since the beginning, I've played every format made available), I have to say that Civilization 4 is a dud. I say this from two distinct standpoints.

First, up until now, modifying the game was quite easy. Before, simple cut and paste functions could be performed and you could put special things into your game to customize it. Now, Civ 4 makes it so that you must know computer programming (XML, Python) just to alter things like governments, technologies, and simple game concepts. Good luck, unless you have the money and desire to get a professional degree.

Second, Civ 4 is just starting to be expanded. This means that we can expect a relatively long line of "expansion packs" that each cost about $30. After you play them (and I recommend that you don't), you will wonder, "Why didn't they just put that simple feature into the main game?" Your answer will be, "Oh, yeah... they want to make money off me." This is frustrating when you think in terms of shameless marketing.

In terms of this package, Civilization IV: Gold Edition, you get the core game plus the Warlords expansion pack included for what the original sold for about two years ago. Eventually, however, we can assume that all expansions will be rolled into one package, so I advise you to wait for a couple years until that happens. Buying this Gold Edition for $50 is ridiculous, especially with so many more expansions coming out. If you want to get started with Civ 4, again, wait for the price of everything to be $35 or less.

The good part about Civilzation 4, in general, is its classically addictive nature as are most of Sid Meier's games. Building up your own civilization as other civilizations are trying to do the same is quite intruiging and fun. It is a great concept, and the playability is certainly endless. But this leads me to explain the title I give this review.

If you buy Civilization 3 Complete right now, you will notice a couple things. (1) It is completely expanded - no more money-making attempts. (2) It costs less than half of any Civ 4 title. And (3) it is as super-addictive as any Civ title out there. So I advise everyone to purchase Civilization 3 Complete instead of wasting your money on Civ 4. You will appreciate this advice if you've had the time to compare these titles.

Closing thoughts: wait until Civ 5 comes out to see if Firaxis is willing to be fair with its fans; forego Civ 4 any way you can; and make sure you get Civ 3 Complete - it'll change your (video game) life for the better!

Error ridden for Vista

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 27 / 39
Date: December 09, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I have attempted to update the game but I get an error when I try that. I have uninstalled the game, reinstalled it several times. I have made sure that direct x and other things are completely updated before reinstalling. I have followed all instructions that the company has given me to fix the issue..(to include removing the game from the registry) and STILL I get the same error. I can not install ANY patches because it says that there is NO previously installed version of the game. No patches. They keep telling me to install patches in a particular order...NO PATCHES WILL INSTALL... I can not update the game or upgrade to the next version. Overall this game is good but I am not happy about the Vista incompatibility.

Still can't top Civ II

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 11 / 12
Date: January 07, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Sure, in terms of graphical sophistication and rules, this latest Civ is the most impressive yet. But in terms of sheer escapist fantasy power, it doesn't hold a candle to Civ II.

The problem with making things gorgeous to look at, especially at high resolution and in detail, is that the game slows down considerably. By the time you have invested 8 hours playing a round, and your little empire has grown, you want the game to proceed a snappy pace. Rendering all that detail, however, has a cost, even on a higher-end home system. Civ IV's big weakness is that game play becomes very slow.

Others certainly disagree and prefer the eye candy of animated rivers and watching individual units flex their muscles in combat. I've turned off all the detail and as much animation as I can get away with, but the game still isn't as much fun as Civ II, which I still play. Your mileage might vary, so give it a shot--the 'gold' edition is certainly a good deal.

A solid improvement over the earlier versions

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: January 08, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I've played each of the previous versions of this game, including the variants like Call to Power. The game has always been interesting to me and this latest version really does make playing the game more fun. There is less tedium from managing your civilization and more action as you decide which path to glory you're going to pursue.

One thing that I miss from some of the earlier variants is the ability to proceed well into the future. That allows the game to run a lot longer and thus makes it more interesting. This newest release provides more ways to achieve victory but a side effect of this is often a shorter game.

The game play balance has clearly been refined from earlier games and is right on the money.

Awesome game, if you have a FAST computer

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: June 17, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I've been playing Civilization Games since the game first came out. Even when there were two different brands Sid Meier's and non-Sid Meier, I bought both to see which was better. (Obviously Sid Meier's versions was ;)

This game is FANTASTIC! The requirements are incredably high though and often my PC would lag as the game progressed, taking longer and longer for the computer to compute each turn. I upgraded my computer's RAM though and that largely solved the problem.

If you like ANY of the other Civilization games, you'll love this one. I wouldn't say this is a sequel though, because it's more like a whole new Civilization game.

Also, I would recommend getting the Beyond the Sword expansion along with this for a life changing experience.

Lastly, make sure you check out "Sid Meier's Alpha Centaury." It is INCREDIBLY hard but is FANTASTIC!!! It has Customizable Units and you can even take control of the native flora and fauna.

Make sure you have a lot of time on your hands if you're going to play this game though, as it can easily consume 8 hours of you day without you even realizing it.

They always change the wrong stuff

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 9 / 16
Date: October 14, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Instead of spending all their time and energy on improving the graphics, which was NOT really needed, so far as I'm concerned, I wish the designers would concentrate on improving the GAME, especially the movement and combat systems, which are pathetic. Even 40-year-old board games had better systems, and they didn't have the advantage of a computer to figure out all the ramifications of terrain, numbers, etc. Why can't we have combat where whole stacks attack whole stacks? Why can't we have lines of supply for units in the field? Why can't we have a limit on how many units can be stacked in one square? Why can't they use a grid of hexagons instead of squares? Come on, guys! If I want fancy graphics I'll get a movie DVD; give us a GAME!

While they're at it, I'd also like to be able to choose the color for my units.

So far, after a few games, I don't think Civ IV is any more fun than Civ III; and isn't fun what's its all about?

Second Time Around

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: November 20, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I started last year with Civilization 3: Gold Edition and at first glance had some mixed feelings for the genre. However, I tried it again this time accepting the game for what it was rather than what it was not and found it rather enjoyable. Now, I've recently bought Civilization 4: Gold Edition and have found I instantly loved the game. The game runs much smoother and runs at a much faster and more involved pace - this game has truly come miles since Civ 3 in my opinion. The new graphics and animations have been vastly improved upon and personally, this is an essential back-bone to a good game. I'm not entirely sure what all the expansion adds to the game, but whatever it may be, the game is that much more enjoyable.
Oh, and I just thought I'd add I've lost my first time around with the Romans under the thinking I'd be able to easily crush my Chinese neighbors..it turned out the complete opposite. Since then, I've started with the Greeks and have finally made it to the AD's : )
Overall, I've found game very enjoyable and maybe a little more challenging than I first though. I can't wait to continue playing more, and so, adios!

Civilization IV

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 8
Date: October 06, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Good game. Takes a long time to get anywhere. Would've been helpful for a technology tree for what military or civic thing you wanted to construct showed you the fast technology route to get there. Also would be nice to set the parameters of certain units strength to your desire. Finally, still seems pretty unrealistic of a modern technological unit losing to a B.C. capability say Calvary vs. Warrior, etc... Time running out on you sucks, it 2050 and I'm the most advanced nation on the planet yet I still don't have airplanes and tanks. Although I've played through several games, no matter what my score I never seem to surpass D. Quayle on the rating scale. Overall, still a fun game and the graphics and L. Nimoy voice are great.

excellent

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: March 05, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This is a superb visual and stunning achievement in gaming, with amazing flexibility of use! It's mods are myriad and removable, able to do just about anything. The units are more balanced and powerful than CIV III, and the governments seem to work better. I took me back to the enjoyable simplicity of the first CIV's, with available complexity that does not intrude, like specializations for units you can use or ignore. Very intuitive, even for a part-time gamer like myself. Highly recommended, Sid is back!

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