GAME
Sid Meier's Civilization IV

Format: PC
2K Games
£34.99

5 026555 039048
Age Restrictions: 12+
Available
28 October 2005


The world of
Civilization has been given a face-lift.
The fourth game in the franchise offers faster-paced fun, with a streamlined gameplay for a tighter, faster, and more compelling experience. Multiplayer-LAN, Internet, PBEM, and Persistent Turn-Based Server (PTBS) offer players all-new strategies and ways to play when competing or co-operating with live opponents. Whether playing multi-player or single player, team play offers a new way of setting locked alliances that result in shared wonder effects, visibility, unit trading, and shared territory that delivers a plethora of new strategic and tactical options...

Civilization IV sees a huge improvement in graphics and gameplay. While previous versions of the game have had half-hearted attempts at providing a multi-player angle to the game, Civilization IV actually manages to pull it off with great success.

My only complaint is that a lot less skill is needed to actually manage your cultures. In fact, at times things seem to be out of your hands as you watch your cities grow beyond your control.

The introduction of the religious element was interesting, but a little poorly thought through. There are no benefits to joining one religion over another and so your choice is a little pointless - maybe Sid Meier was a little worried that a death fatwa would be declared should Islam not be the religion that gave you the most benefits.

The fourth game in the series is a totally different gaming experience to what has come before - and that will help to ensure that those that have bought the previous games will snap this up too. In addition, those new to the franchise will easily be able to this up as they go along.

All in all, Civilization IV is an addictive and fun way to spend your evenings.

Pete Boomer

Buy this item online
We compare prices online so you get the cheapest deal!
Click on the logo of the desired store below.


cover

£19.99 (Amazon.co.uk)

   

£23.99 (Blahdvd.com)
   
£25.99 (Gameseek.co.uk)

All prices correct at time of going to press.