Civilization games

[Erkki]

There's a gaping Civilization-shaped hole in my video game experience. Finally after I started listening to Three Moves Ahead, I really want to try one or some of these.

I do own Civ IV Complete Edition. Is it a good one to start with? Or should I go for Civ V? I'm guessing there's no point to play the earlier ones now?

[Patters]

There's a gaping Civilization-shaped hole in my video game experience. Finally after I started listening to Three Moves Ahead, I really want to try one or some of these.

I do own Civ IV Complete Edition. Is it a good one to start with? Or should I go for Civ V? I'm guessing there's no point to play the earlier ones now?

Beyond the Sword is the best version of Civ so far, I'd go for that.

[Nappi]

I'm no Civilization expert, but I would personally start with Civ V. Some of the mechanics have been (positively) streamlined and I think the game would be a more gentle introduction to the series than, say, Civ IV. The combat no being completely stupid is a huge plus, in my opinion.

[Murdoc]

I'm a huge Civ fan, but honestly didn't like Civ V. I see where they're taking the series and it's cool, but its a fresh start and rough around the edges for it's premier. It feels like it was one step forward, two steps back, but it's a new start for the series so it'll only get better.

Also, it might just be my perception, but it felt like the trading system in V was downright broken.

Compare that to Civ IV and it doesn't stand up. Civ IV was practically perfect and had the benefit of years of previous systems to build on. I also liked the religion system in IV, really missed it in V. I think the Thumbs talked about this stuff at some point before V was released.

But maybe V is better to start with because it's more user friendly?

[Jayel]

There are many people who feel that Civ5 is fundamentally broken.

This is a lengthy criticism, but the most important bit is near the end of the page - highlighted in yellow.

[Murdoc]

ah thanks Jayel, I never looked into that, just had an opinion when playing.

[Erkki]

Ok, I guess I'll play IV then. I did the tutorial already.

The installer created 3 shortcuts (normal, Beyond the Sword, Warlords). Are those like separate games basically or do the expansions add something to the main game?

[Jayel]

Better to form your own opinion than to pick one up from a stranger on the internet.

I just noticed that the link I posted there are 2 topics hilighted in yellow: one regarding multiplayer and one regarding 1-unit-per-tile. I was trying to point out the 1-unit-per-tile part, not the multiplayer.

Ok, I guess I'll play IV then. I did the tutorial already.

The installer created 3 shortcuts (normal, Beyond the Sword, Warlords). Are those like separate games basically or do the expansions add something to the main game?

It's been a while so I don't remember, but I think you can launch any one of them, and within the main menu you can switch between expansions.

[TheLastBaron]

If you already own CivIV then that's where you should start. I personally really like Civ V and don't necessarily agree with all the criticism for it, but I can see where people are coming from. That said I still think IV is the better game and if you already own it there's no need to buy another game as IV is the best Civ game there is.

[Sno]

Let me cast another vote for Civ IV, absolutely love that game.

[TheLastBaron]

Also check out the mod for Civ IV, Fall from Heaven 2, it's just awesome and really well done.