note: This is The Column, a part of Apolyton where anyone can write about whatever he/she wants :) If you feel like writing, submit your article via the article submission page

PREVIOUS ARTICLES

#108 DEATH OF A GAME korn469 asserts that both Firaxis and Activision can learn from some invaluable lessons from MicroProse as what NOT to do in terms of product support. #109 THE POWER OF A GOOD POLITICAN Gamers shouldn't play demi-god in the world of Civilization, Harel claims, but rather a politican. #110 EXPECTATIONS OF CTPII Atahualpa would like to see us throw our support behind CTPII and give Activision an idea of what we would like to see in it. #111 HOW TO RUN BEFORE YOU WALK Earthing7 conveys why he will not by CivIII, but not CTPII. #112 CIV3 EXPANSION OR NEW GAME Grier grows weary as he explores the immense expectations imposed upon the upcoming Civilization III. COLUMN ARCHIVE

Civilization II may be the closest thing to a perfect game I have met. But 4 years of people playing it have shown that there is room for improvement, just as a similar amount of time showed the room for improvement in the original Civilization. I hope that Civilization III improves on the great gameplay and brings back some of the great things of Civ I that we miss.

Unlike a lot of Civ players, I am not much of a warmonger. I will sit there and peacefully build my cities up, expanding into the areas that no one else wants. Defending my borders, but little other military action. I have heard it said in some of the forums at apolyton (particularly the one suggesting hex based map) that Civ is essentially a wargame. I don’t find it that way. I think of Civ as the ultimate version of that text based game called "King". In case you don’t remember, King was a game in which you managed grain, people and land in a city. You had to have grain to feed your people, plant the next harvest, and trade for more land. This was done better years later with Santa Paravia, and now I have the ultimate city developer: Civilization.

I am glad to hear that Sid Meier is on the job at Civilization III, and his message to us is encouraging, but I worry a bit in a way, too. Almost all he said about the game’s progression (besides the expected graphics update) was about the new combat system, with armies and leaders. I know that Sid is behind some Highly reputed wargames such as Gettysburg, and I hope that the game doesn’t focus on war at the expense of the peaceful development I love.
The possibilities for paths besides war in Civilization are several. The diplomatic functions Harel has gathered. The possibility that your civilization becomes a religious center and "builds" missionaries to the others. Economic superiority. "Renting" your units to others in mercenary fashion. War is not the only way in Civ II, even with its problems.

I don’t remember who said it about CTP, but it was a complaint that CTP essentially forced you into a certain path. I hope that In addition to the "Bloodlust" option that only allows world conquerors to win, there are also options to only allow victory by economic, or religious, or other means.
---------
About the author: "Played Civilization for 2 years, Civ2 for 1 year, been at Apolyton for 4 months.".

Want to comment on this article?

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of Apolyton CS or GameStats. They are just the personal opinions of the writer.