Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete

Developer : Firaxis Games
Released:
Platforms :
Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete Poster

" Classic turn-based strategy with deep AI and replayability but outdated graphics and technical issues "

Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete Review

Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete is celebrated as a classic and deeply engaging strategy game that continues to captivate players years after its release. Many users appreciate its complexity and strategic depth, highlighting the challenging AI and the nostalgic connection to early 2000s gaming experiences. The game offers a rich simulation of civilization-building, allowing players to explore, expand, and conquer in a turn-based format.

Players often mention the game's replayability and the satisfaction derived from both peaceful exploration and strategic warfare. Despite its age, the game maintains a loyal fanbase who consider it the peak of the Civilization series. However, some technical issues like lag and screen resolution problems have been reported, particularly on modern systems. Overall, Civilization III Complete is recommended for fans of the genre seeking a classic, intricate strategy game with enduring appeal.

Highlights

Players praise the game's complex and challenging AI, which enhances strategic gameplay and replayability. The nostalgic graphics and classic interface evoke fond memories for long-time fans. The ability to customize difficulty levels and the depth of civilization management are also frequently lauded. Many enjoy the balance between exploration and conquest, finding the gameplay both rewarding and immersive.

The game’s longevity and status as a series milestone contribute to its positive reception, with users recommending it as a must-play for strategy enthusiasts.

Criticisms

Some users report technical issues such as lag on certain hardware and screen resolution problems that hinder gameplay. A few reviews mention difficulty in grasping some concepts initially, suggesting a learning curve that may challenge new players. There are isolated complaints about crashes and compatibility with modern systems. Additionally, the graphics, while nostalgic, may feel outdated to players accustomed to newer titles.

Overall, while the gameplay is strong, technical polish and user interface improvements could enhance the experience.

Pros

  • Complex and challenging AI enhances strategic depth and replayability.
  • Nostalgic graphics appeal to long-time fans of the series.
  • Highly replayable with diverse strategies and civilization management.
  • Balanced gameplay between exploration, development, and conquest.
  • Customizable difficulty levels suit both casual and hardcore players.
  • Engaging simulation of historical civilization growth and diplomacy.
  • Strong community recommendation as a classic strategy game.

Cons

  • Technical issues like lag and screen resolution problems on modern PCs.
  • Steep learning curve can be challenging for newcomers.
  • Occasional crashes reported, affecting stability.
  • Graphics feel outdated compared to contemporary strategy games.
  • Some users experience difficulty with interface and controls.
  • Limited tutorial support for complex game mechanics.
  • Performance issues on laptops and lower-end hardware.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.

Release Date Oct 25th 2006
Publisher 2K
Developer Firaxis Games
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Addictive
Strategic
Nostalgic
Outdated
Technical Issues

User Reviews

Very Positive (3,887)
92% Positive 8% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
90