New Civilization game is considered one of the best video games franchises of all time. It’s one that introduced the defining element of 4X gameplay. Also, it is one of the games responsible for “One More Turn Syndrome. This is where a player who wants to end their session says they’ll do it after another turn, but ends up playing much longer and even losing track of the time.
In this blog, we’re going to be looking at the best civilization game and bring sharper focus on the best amongst them. We’ll be starting from the worst to the best.
Civilization 2 (1996)
The new Civilization game is a fun and cohesive experience, though it doesn’t quite reach the same level as other entries in the Civilization series. Its naturally designed maps and enhanced visuals are points of interest, and the increased number of civilization options is a great addition. While the view and polished gameplay make it easier to play, something feels missing, leaving the experience slightly uninspiring.
Civilization 2, often debated as the best Civilization game for its era, had a certain emptiness compared to its counterparts. It featured only common portraits, a static city view, and more. However, many of these shortcomings were greatly improved in its sequel, Civilization 3, which ultimately delivered what Civilization 2 had hoped to achieve.
Civilization 3 (2001)
Robust features were introduced with Civilization 3. These features have been core to the franchise DNA ever since. It includes deep systems, fine animations, and polished aesthetic. New Civilization game characters were also brought us by the game, which made Civilization 3 feel more personalized and different from each other, and encouraged diverse play styles and strategies depending on who you picked.
That’s not all, Civilization 3 also allow players to deal with volcanic eruptions, corruption and monopolize luxuries and get them sold at higher price.
Civilization 4 (2006)
Civilization 4 went all the way, and in way we haven’t seen in the franchise after the success of Civilization 3. With a full 3D graphics, this game has inspirational quotes from Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy with beautiful menu music. You could zoom out until you can view the world at large as one during the late game.
Religion was also made relevant as a way to control population, and it introduced cool things like espionage and vassal states. Although most of Civilization 4’s starting features have finally made their way to best Civilization game 4 and most especially Civilization 6, through post launch updates. Having said that, Civilization 4 still managed to do it all in a wonderful, no restrictions formula. For those that have been following, this is new Civilization game at its highest even if the series have become more complex than ever.
Civilization 5 (2010)
A major change was made by the developers to the franchise with this civilization game. They changed the map from a squad grid and changed it into hex grid. The maps looked and felt more natural than ever before, all thanks to this. Civilization 5 introduced city-states which is a welcome concept, though a little frustrating to carry out.
Civilization 5 had few problems when it was launched, like the AI acting in non-uniform ways, espionage being too easy, and loss of vassalage. They made up for it with the release of the enlargements From God’s and Kings to Brave New World, the game ushered and brought back important features like ideologies, religion and tourism
While it’s less graphically detailed than it’s follow-up, it’s still a lovely game. The more semi realistic, the more art style holds a lasting appeal for some people. Civilization 5 feels like a great step forward towards Civilization 6. Civilization 5 is quite prominent today.
Civilization 6 (2016)
There’s no much difference between Civilization 6 and the one before it, except for one major thing: Civilization 6 included most of its features that would make it stand out from the get-go. Civilization 5 failed in this because it didn’t introduce most of the features that would make it stand out until expansion. Civilization 6 improved all these features, like espionage, city-states and toursin. The game as well de-stacked the cities and spread them across several tiles, making the simple things like city placement so much more tactical.
Civilization 6 launched in 2016, Firaxis became reliably stable In supporting the game until it’s polished with a major sheen. There are two major expansions that followed, and ultimately a new frontier pass with new customers Civilization games and a death of fresh gameplay modes.
