Civilization 4

[The Revolution]

I just find out the other day that Civ 4 is almost ready to be released. I didn't even know they were working on this, so it was quite a pleasant surprise. The Civilization games are some of the best computer games ever made, IMO. I actually never played the first one, but I spent countless hours on 2 and 3. Looks like they're doing some interesting things with this version. Hopefully, this will be the best one yet. :)

You can view/download the trailer here:
http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=6302&type=mov

It features "civilization anonymous", a support group for Civ addicts. DUers should get a kick out of this one. ;)

[DS1]

1. Saw the movie, it's cute

but if they can make Civ 4 more balanced and playable than Civ2 I'll be stunned. I think Civ2 is perfect, easy to learn, very difficult to master and even if you do master it, there's no guarantee of winning on the highest level.

[lazarus]

2. yup

I believe you are the one who stated that Civ3 proved how perfect Civ2 is.

I've gotten so hooked on Civ2 one city challenge I can't even play the normal way any more.

[Mojambo]

3. 9.4 and a GLOWING review from IGN

http://pc.ign.com/articles/660/660495p1.html

I just upgraded my machine specifically for Civ 4.

Just a couple more days! I can't wait!!!!

[NewHampshireDem]

4. Wow ... that review makes my mouth water.

:) I'm glad they addressed the end-game issues and made corruption make more sense. I look forward to wasting a lot of time with Civ IV.

[Sin]

5. This Tuesday

I think it will be out by then its released on the 24 so going to be siting out in front of EB before the gates open just so i can get it home sooner + bringing all the good stuff back from civ 2 yippie :)
quite a few other things as well 7 religions for sucking people in, different paths on upgrades them self like choosing between abolition and slavery, this is going to be one great game.

[Mojambo]

7. Have you heard any news on diplomacy tweaking?

I'm hoping to see a more dynamic experience in that realm. In Civ 3, dealing with Gandhi was exactly the same as with Genghis Khan. It should feel different.

I hear that Leonard Nimoy is doing some voice work. That should be great!

[TroubleMan]

6. This and Elder Scolls Oblivion are going to be the main two games

that I'll be playing in the next few months.

This one's going to be released earlier, so I'm going to do that one first, and I'll probably need a few upgrades on my computer for Oblivion.

[Mojambo]

8. Got it!

It was brutal making it through the workday waiting to play.

And then a road was closed on the way home and my commute was extended by an hour!

So why am I here talking to you chumps? ;)

I'm gonna toke up and go play. I'll be back in many, many hours with my impressions.

[Ioo]

9. I have it, kinda board....

It is a nice Civ 3, that was a nice civ 2, and so on...

It was not a ratical improvment to the gameplay...

[Mojambo]

10. I'm digging it.

Old-time strategies just flat out don't work anymore. The city rush, in particular, is no longer a necessary option. Cities (and empires) expand realistically. Borders are finally respected which makes establishing your territory much easier. Unit experience and promotions are a GREAT idea and the overall unit balance is MUCH better than Civ 3.

I'm still trying to get a handle on Religion, Specialists, and Great People though.

Biggest improvement in the game (beyond balance and worker AI, which are dramatically improved) is the audio. The voiceovers by Nimoy are class and the sound effects really set the mood.

I'm still too early in my game to give an opinion on diplomacy, but the interface seems good.

It's a great game so far. I suspect the that the modern age is going to be a lot more playable in Civ 4. Can't wait to get there, I'm at 750 AD now.

[The Revolution]

11. Looks good, needs patch

After playing this game for a week or so, it looks like it could be a lot of fun, but it is also in desperate need of a patch. There appears to be some kind of issue with memory usage/leaking. The game also crashes frequently. Not sure if the crashing is due to the memory problem, but I would guess that it is. There's also a number of graphics-related issues as well.

Hopefully this will all be fixed soon, as it is difficult to play the game now. I just tried playing again, but it crashed twice in ten minutes. :( I've heard there will be a patch this week...I hope that there is.

[Mojambo]

12. Yeah, the performance is not real crisp.

I've definitely noticed some kind of memory leak (No crashing for me though.)

As far as gameplay goes, there is very little to be tweaked. Some of the advisor screens could be more user friendly, and I hate navigating the Civilopedia, but the gameplay is great.

[alarcojon]

13. I'm really enjoying it

Still trying to figure out several things, though