When considering the complicated nature of a turned based strategy game, my head starts to hurt. That is why Civilization Revolution is designed for the gamer new to the very high learning curve associated with any Sid Meier title, other than Pirates. I have heard many stories of insanely epic battles of Civilization IV and I know that I do not have time for play sessions that long. But, this is why, during my Nintendo DSi purchase, I picked up a new copy of Civilization Revolution DS. The game does not have the best 3D graphics of other titles on the DS, but the core gameplay has been accelerated and crammed into a portable experience. This concentrated experience gives any DS owner an experience where they can enter into the turn based strategy genre without becoming overwhelmed.
When you begin a game, you can choose your leader, who is one of the greatest leaders throughout history. They include conquers, rulers and commanders in chiefs (including Napoleon, Lincoln, Alexander the Great, Gandhi and other). Each has their own special bonuses based on their real life demeanor and skills. Although this seems like a tough decision, overall the small bonuses do not affect the game because you can make up any deficit through some well placed decisions. In my first game, for example, I picked Alexander the Great and had minimal technology, yet still dominated in most battles.
As your civilization grows, you have four opportunities to win the game. You can win by dominating all the other nations, of which there are five total per game, by taking over all the cities within that nation. You can “create the world bank,” which is basically where you amass over 20,000 gold, which seems impossible, but this would take a very, very long time. Another way to win includes acquiring 20 “great people,” who are famous people, who did something great in their lifetime and changed the world. Here, there are too many to list, but think of someone who changed the world with an idea or invention and they will be in Civ. Rev. They can also be used to affect a city perpetually or take a huge increase in one statistic once, which adds another decision to the overall experience. The last way to win is finish off all the technical upgrades and start a shuttle mission to Alpha Centari.
You use various types of unit throughout a single game including military, caravans, boats and settlers. Each one is used for certain tactics. As you go through the different stages of history from their stats really don’t change in a huge amount. When cannons can take out an army of Modern Troops (think Marines), something with the balance is completely off. This was one of my biggest complaints with the game because the realism is not taken into account, which is strange, when this is a true “historical simulation.” Also, the other thing that pisses me off is the tutorials. They really don’t help you all that much and each little help interjection is usually something that was only necessary in the first five turns. I wish the team at Firaxis had put in an “advanced tactics” help so I can actually win a match in each of the five difficulties, eventually.
Unfortunately, I was unable to take advantage of the multiplayer experience on my DSi, so I will keep my journalistic integrity and not give you my “experience.” The modes include ad hoc gameplay with a DS near you and Nintendo Wi-fi connections via friend codes. The other mode that is included in the game, no multiplayer, is a “scenario mode” with a ton of scenarios that you can play through, buy it if you need to know them all.
Even with its feel downfalls for new gamers, Civilization Revolution for the Nintendo DS is an experience that allows for a simple version of the newest entry into the Sid Meier series for the PC. I have really enjoyed my time with the game and it is going to make long flights and layovers much easier for me. For gamers who travel and do the majority of their gaming on the road, this game is a must have because of its great empowerment, yet simple gameplay. Until the Sid Meier can figure out a way to bring the Civilization 4 gameplay to a handheld device then Civilization Revolution DS will help you pass the time.
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