Would you recommend Warlords?

[damarcus]

I didn't buy Warlords b/c I didn't feel the publisher added that much value into this expansion pack. But I really like Civ 4 and I feel that I'm missing out somewhat.

Should I just buy Beyond the Swords expansion when that comes out? Or should I get Warlords & and also Beyond the Swords?

If you could tell me your experience with Warlords, I would appreciate it, thanks!

[Pinchak]

Its good. You are correct however regarding the limited amount of additional content.

Publishers put too much emphisis on the additional mods and maps in games IMO. I want new units, specials, armys/civs, etc...

Depending on the price, I would pick it up if it is not too much, otherwise, just wait for BtS.

I am hoping BtS adds onto warlords myself. Any conformation on this?

[mkorin]

I too bought Warlords and was dissapointed in the 'added content'. I'd just jump to BTS at this point. Assuming it will install without Warlords. Of course, I say this without seeing BTS. The Warlords hype made it sound much better than it is, BTS may also be a dissapoinment.

Mike

[Bkeela]

I've still not played with Warlords, but I'm in no rush. I doubt I'll get a new computer just to play Civ V, so I've still got anywhere up to 5-7 years to get into the expansion packs. And what's more, I'm still throughly entertained by the vanilla version.

[Jaybe]

We don't know yet if BtS will include all the Warlords stuff, so you might as well wait for BtS.

OTOH, I am quite happy that I got Warlords when it first came out. Advertising hype doesn't really prepare you for how such changes actually affect the game. Add in an occasional great mod that is exclusively for the latest xp and it cinches it.

Bottom line: If you can afford it, GET it!

PS, One of the undocumented changes in Warlords is that opposing naval transport units do NOT display what they are carrying. Are they empty? Is that a settler group going by? Is that an invasion force?

[dowski]

IMO it adds even more fun elements to an already fun game. I don't buy a lot of games, so it wasn't too hard to decide to spend the money. If you are a big Civ fan, it will probably be worth it.

dowski

[mkorin]

As much as I was dissapointed, the Great Wall made it worth it for me. My point is that it really doesn't live up to the hype. Assumming that BTS incorporates Warlords, wait two months.

Civ is hands down the best game out there and I'll continue to buy the expansions for the one or two things I like, but if your cash flow is tight, wait. Civs 2nd expansion traditionally is the better one.

Mike

[MrFun]

I have thought about buying the older Warlords expansion.

But can someone explain to me this concept called vassal states introduced in Warlords?

[mkorin]

Originally posted by MrFun
I have thought about buying the older Warlords expansion.

But can someone explain to me this concept called vassal states introduced in Warlords?

There are two ways to get a vassel. The best and only 1 I use are when you are in a war with a vassel and it's power is a little less than 1/2 yours(my observation, it may not be accurate). They will capitulate and become your vassel in the diplomacy screen. If that happens, they become your lapdogs for the remainder of the game unless an AI takes more than 50% of their land. Lapdogs give you 1/2 of their land area and population for dom. wins and always vote with you on UN questions. Basically making the diplo win much easier. They will also trade resources and luxuries at a ruinious cost to themselves prior to the 2.08 patch which I don't run, because in my opinion it ruins the game play. When I get a vassel this way, I will build up it's military tech and use it to further more wars with the AI. Basically just as a buffer and distraction. There is a slight hit to your finances when you have a vassel, but that can be made up.

The other way and the one I never take is a really weak AI will voluntarily become your lapdog. Same results except they can reavaluate every 20 turns and decide to no longer be your lapdog. They generally do this at the worst possible time and if you have beefed them up, you now have a new tougher enemy to bring back under your fold.

[MrWhereItsAt]

Unless you're starting to really get the urge, wait until BtS is out. If Warlords comes packaged with that, just buy BtS, and if not, you can bet that Warlords will probably be available at a lower price then.

But definitely get Warlords sometime. I became a big fan when I noticed that Warlords ran MUCH better than even fully patched cIV does on my below-minimum spec laptop.

[Asmodean]

For me it's this: Civ4 vanilla is just so darn good, I really don't feel I am missing out on anything

[rah]

Have you added Blake's better AI mod?

[damarcus]

Hey Rah,

Does Blake's AI mod really make Vanilla better? Could you describe the ways it makes it better, other than providing for AI's to locate better city sites? Are there any code bug problems? Let me know, thanks!

[Adagio]

You could read Blakes thread about the better AI mod, he has changed a lot about the AI, not just making it better to find better city locations. Most had to step one down in difficulty after installing it. Makes it much more interesting
I don't know if all changes are available in the vanilla version, but why don't you just try it? It's easy to install and doesn't really have any negative sides

[Asmodean]

Originally posted by rah
Have you added Blake's better AI mod?

I haven't

Asmodean