Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Developer: Firaxis Games
Release: Sep 23rd 2008
Platforms:
Strategy
Addictive
Strategic
Moddable
Dated Graphics
Complex
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization Poster

" Deep strategy game with addictive economic gameplay and nostalgic appeal but dated graphics "

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization Review

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization remains a beloved classic in the turn-based strategy genre, praised for its deep economic and gameplay mechanics despite dated graphics. Many players find the game highly engaging and addictive, with a rewarding learning curve that can be eased by watching tutorials or Let's Play videos. The game's modding community, especially the 'We The People' mod, has significantly enhanced the experience by adding new layers of complexity and enjoyment.

While the graphics are considered outdated by modern standards, the core gameplay and economic simulation continue to captivate players. The game offers long play sessions, especially on epic speed, allowing players to watch their colonies grow and evolve into dominant powers. Overall, it is a nostalgic yet enduring strategy title that still holds up well for fans of the genre.

Highlights

Players especially praise the game's intricate economic system and engaging turn-based strategy mechanics. The 'We The People' mod is highlighted for elevating gameplay to a new level.

Despite dated visuals, the game's depth and replayability keep players invested for hours. The learning curve is manageable with community resources, making it accessible to newcomers and veterans alike.

Criticisms

The primary criticism revolves around the game's dated graphics, which some find less appealing compared to modern titles. Additionally, the initial complexity can be intimidating without external guidance.

Some players note that the base game could benefit from more modern interface improvements and visual polish to enhance the overall experience.

Pros

  • Deep and rewarding economic gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged.
  • Highly addictive turn-based strategy with long-lasting replayability.
  • Strong modding community adding valuable content and improvements.
  • Manageable learning curve with available tutorials and community support.
  • Epic speed gameplay allows watching colonies grow over time.
  • Nostalgic appeal for fans of classic strategy games.
  • Well-balanced difficulty providing both challenge and enjoyment.

Cons

  • Dated graphics that may not appeal to modern gamers.
  • Initial complexity can be intimidating for new players.
  • Interface and visual polish could be improved.
  • Limited story elements compared to other strategy games.
  • Some economic mechanics may feel slow-paced initially.
  • Lack of modern UI conveniences.
  • Base game content feels less rich without mods.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...

Release Date Sep 23rd 2008
Publisher 2K
Developer Firaxis Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (804)
88% Positive 12% Negative

Online Reviews

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