The Civilization series is one of
the best turn-based strategy games of all time. These games are very addictive,
and in the hands of a perfectionist are deadly, because they will not want to
stop playing until everything is just right. The game allows players to start
with one settler in the Stone Age and see if they have what it takes to take
over the entire world either by military might, economic strength, or cultural
influence. The latest console to get a Civilization game is the iPhone, and it
is as addictive as ever. Even though this game contains a few flaws, players
will not want to stop playing it, even if they have to miss a phone call.
Once players load Civilization
Revolution they will find two different modes: play a random map or play various
scenarios. Playing on a random map will allow players to choose form 16
civilizations, each with their own strengths/weaknesses and bonuses. Once
players choose a nation they will be thrown into the world of civilization.
There are four distinct ways to beat the game. First is to invest in an army and
crush any resistance that comes upon them. Another way is to be the first to
launch into space. Players can also win by achieving eight different economic
milestones. The last way to win is by getting a combination of 20 great people
to settle in cities owned by the player or building Wonders in the cities. No
matter which route players take, it will be a long and interesting game.
The other game mode is where player
can choose from various scenarios that will test players’ patience and strategic
skills. Some of the scenarios range include having a faster gameplay, a mode
where barbarians are ruthless and come in nonstop waves, and even an all-out war
where it is either kill or be killed. Whatever scenario gamers decide to try,
they will have fun trying to beat it as fast as they can.
The biggest disappointment of this
game is the lack of multiplayer. This game practically begs for it. Alpha
Centauri is an older game in the Civilization series that could handle
multiplayer over a 56k modem, so it is a definite possibility that the iPhone
can handle multiplayer. Hopefully this is something that the developers will
correct in a future patch.
For gamers who have never played a
Civilization game (shame on you) the developers include an onscreen tutorial
that will help them throughout the game. The problem is that the tutorial
screens are still not really that intuitive and will leave newer players still
scratching their head. Thankfully there are a variety of difficulties players
can choose when starting a game. It is best if players start on the easiest
setting until they get the hang of the game.
The graphics for this game are not
bad but the developers could have done a lot better. The iPhone is a really
powerful platform and the developers saw it best to make all for the units look
the like the same faceless warrior. To make matters worse the game is not even
in 3D; it is a bunch of sprites running around. The developers could have at
least added facial expressions or make the units not seem as dull as they are.
The graphics really start to look blocky/chucky when players zoom down onto the
battlefield.
The playing field is spotted with
some nice details, but there is a glitch in the game where at times towns and
trees/mountains will disappear for a few turns then randomly appear once again.
While this is not a huge issue it is very distracting, especially if players are
marching an army to an enemy city and have to reroute a couple of times to
compensate for this. Another issue players will have with the interface is that
it is very cumbersome to try to zoom out and move around the playing field to
get a good view of the entire world scene. This is very crucial for players to
do a lot in this game, such as shifting military unites from one spot to
another. Hopefully these issues will get corrected in a patch.
Players will love the sound effects
and music for Civilization Revolution, as most of it is taken directly from the
PC and console games. It is always a blast to hear some of the musical scores
found in the game as it will always help rejuvenate players when they are in the
midst of battle or when it is peacetime. The sound effects are also really well
done and players will like hearing the various noises as it makes battles more
fun.
Civilization Revolution can be
purchased on the iTunes App store for $9.99
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Gameplay: 8.8
The gameplay really transitions well from the PC/Consoles to the iPhone,
even with the quirks. Sadly there is no multiplayer mode, which would have
really made the score go through the roof.
Graphics: 6.4
The graphics need some serious work. The iPhone is a powerful device and the
very bland looking sprites do not due this platform justice. Also there are
various glitches where borders, towns, and other objects will disappear and
reappear at random.
Sound: 8.9
The sound effects and music are straight from previous games of the
series, which is a nice treat.
Difficulty: Medium
The game can be as hard as players want it to be.
Concept: 8.5
Gamers will love playing the classic Civilization gameplay on their
precious iPhone.
Overall: 8.7
Civilization Revolution is a good game for the iPhone, which could have
been even better. The biggest pitfalls are the really simplistic graphics,
graphical glitches, and lack of multiplayer modes. Even with these issues
players will not want to miss out on Civilization Revolution for the iPhone.
