Newbie; To buy or not to buy - that is the question (no..really. it is)

[Anath]

Heya mates!

For some reason I JUST heard about this game and played the demo yesterday evening. Seems really cool and complexed. Which should provide me with some new challenges rather than the same old click-win games I tend to play. But anyho, I'd like to know some stuff which I havent been able to figure out yet.

How does multiplayer work for example? I read a multiplayer thread but couldnt figure out when and how the turns were made etc.

There has been one expansion released and another on the way apprently, while Im there should I got for a shopping spree and get expansion or should I wait untuill I 'know' how civ 4 vanilla works?

Is there giant killer robots?

How's the AI?

There is like a million difficulty options - what's "normal"?


Cheers

[Addled Platypus]

do buy, start with the Civ4 tutorial

Civ4 Warlords (XP) later

1 expansion has been released, so far just rumor on the 2nd

there is another patch, to be released (warlords)

I have not done mp, PBEM yes

[Adagio]

I recommend getting the XP at the same time, as it adds much to the game, but the game is still enjoyable without the XP. Maybe you could just first buy Civ4, play it for a couple of weeks. If you still enjoy the game, then buy the XP

The AI is ok, at the higher levels it gets a lot of freebies. Most people here have never beaten the AI at the highest level. There is a mod by Blake available, which makes the AI better at economic decisions. The mod is available for the game without the XP (after all patches are installed), and this mod will be included in the first patch for Warlords. I can't wait to see this in action

[Zoid]

Välkommen Anath!

Multiplayer is good. Even if I have only played Direct IP so far. There seems to be an issue with regging/logging in with Gamespy.

The AI is getting better and normal difficulty would be Prince, that´s the most balanced one they say.

And there is a Giant Killer Death Robot unit, but only if you´re a friend of Soren!

[Anath]

Thanks for the replies

I will try and pick up Civ 4 when I get off work today then. Also, you have to introduce me to this Soren guy.. death robots are a must :P

What's PBEM? Saw it mentioned at some other threat but haven't found any explanation to it yet.

Adagio I think I will do as you suggested and try out normal Civ 4 first before buying the expansion even though I am fairly sure I will enjoy it. I mean come on, world domination who doesn't enjoy world domination.

You will most likely see me around the forums once I pick it up (if I ever manage to stop playing after I got it..) and hopefully I will get to play with someone online. Would be cool


Untill next time,

Anath

[Thedrin]

What's PBEM?

Play be e-mail.

There is like a million difficulty options - what's "normal"?

Noble level seems to be the one where the AI and human players have the most equal opportunities.

[Anath]

Ah.. And how does play by email works?

Do you get an email when its your turn or what? :P

[Zoid]

Originally posted by Thedrin

Noble level seems to be the one where the AI and human players have the most equal opportunities.

Of course... Mixed up the difficulty levels...

[Zoid]

Originally posted by Anath
Ah.. And how does play by email works?

Do you get an email when its your turn or what? :P

Yep, you get the save and play your turn and then pass it on to the next person.

http://apolyton.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=258

[Solver]

Glad to see another new potential player. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy Civ4 a lot when you buy, so welcome here .

[Anath]

Just got home with my brand new copy of Civ 4

Gotta say THIS is what a game manual is sposed to be like. So much info

Although Im having troubles foldering the chart back to its original size...


Can't wait to get playing. So much to learn, so much to nuke..

See you again as soon as Im starting to pick up and get more questions

[Solver]

Be sure to patch the game, though . The patch contains a bunch of new stuff, although it also invalidates some things from the manual.

http://63.236.94.185/2kgames/civ4/civ4patch_1.61_zip.php

[Zoid]

Or you could buy Warlords and get the patch automatically, Anath

[Solver]

Buy Warlords if you do indeed like Civ4, but it's not an immediate must-buy. It's better to play a bit of vanilla firs,t though I'm pretty sure you'll like it, and want Warlords then.

[Zoid]

I´m just trying to boost the sales here!