Having played all of the various strategy based board, card and miniature games I am a great fan of the whole genre. I also throuroghly enjoyed the computer series of the Civilization game from the first through the very latest update. The Civilization board game has many, many, many pieces to keep up with but they are large and easy to manipulate and made of a slightly softer plastic, adding durability. How about game play? Players grab territories in hopes of capitolizing on valuable resources in which to build cities and gain money each turn. These funds can go towards building up military forces or technological advancements. The game can be won by military domination, technological superiority or even diplomatic means. The resources mentioned before are represented by tokens and randomly (secretly as well) distributed about the map. There are many more resource tokens than there are territories in the game which is great, each game is different from a strategic and economic point of view. Perhaps the African territories are very rich and valuable in one game and filled with mountains and plague in another! Overall the game is easy to learn and play and has amazing relay value. Of the several games my group has played, each of us have tried and used different strategies in each. A must for serious board gamers looking for a challenge but absolutely not daunting or beyond the abilities of a new player either!
I've played a great deal of boardgames, and none have covered the most enjoyable aspects they have to offer in a balanced way.
None Until Civilisation.
Whether it be Economics, Military, Diplomacy, Empire Building or Science, Civ covers them all in an adequate in depth manner.
The game is constructed in such a way that they are all essential to the success of the player. You couldn't really say one is more important than the other, because only the situations the players are in can dictate that.
For example in a game where the world is balanced(peaceful) and each player is content with the strength of their empire Managing to get the right technologies and a strong economy take over in importance.
On the other hand a game where greedy players with little ressources lust after the territories of others can transform itself into a show of military strategy and cunning diplomatic plans to manipulate your friends and destroy your foes.
With different types of players and 4 different eras of technology there is endless gaming possibilities and hours and hours of fun.
If you have any knowledge of the PC hit Civ 1-2 or 3 learning the rules from this game should be fairly short since they are basically much simpler than the computer version with some slight modifications such as only being able to build an improvement(Ex: Temple) in one city. Thus discovering new ways to manage your citizens moods and production becomes increasingly important.
For those who never played the PC version, I would reccomend buying that instead and then deciding if you want to experience the board version...
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My wife got hooked on the Civilization II computer game. I bought the board game so we could play together, and play with friends. We have had great fun. The game is slightly different from the computer game, so there are some things you need to relearn. On the other hand, it is a great social game, and there is a lot of laughter around the table. One good thing is that women like this game, so it is not guys only. Especially the trading system is brilliantly well handled. Only players with areas next to each other can trade, so players with areas bordering to several other players can grow rich through "transiting". The map is very attractive and well designed. So are the counters and cards. The rules are a bit disorganised, and would gain from editing. In places they are also a bit unclear. The playing pieces are little plastic toy soldiers, and I have great fun painting them. The main weakness of the game is the lack of certain "upgraded" units, like spearmen, submarines, and aircraft carriers. How do the players keep track of which units are the original units and which are the "upgraded" units?
The game is a bit more advanced than the ordinary family game, but it is highly rewarding if you like a game to be both intelligent, funny, and educative.
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I was a very late convert to the computer version and the board game version of Civilization.I was always a huge fan of Avalon Hill's version, however instead of ending in the stone age this game goes into space.
Like the avalon hill version you start with a small area and try to build a more advanced future , like the avalon hill version it is fun and interesting.a great group game and a fine time.
Unlike the AH version you play on a map of the entire world rather than just Europe, unlike AH this gives you various resources that you might find, unlike AH you don't deal with diplomacy between players in the same way.
The game as faithful as possible to the computer game and the decision on what to buy and when are much more interesting when trying to outfox other players.
The trading system is sleek, If you wish to enjoy the advantage of trade particularly in the early game you have to risk capture of your city by being close.
The only drawback of the game is time.The AH game took at least 12 hours to finish (well worth it but only playable maybe every other year)This version might take 6-8 hours.Still kind of long but you don't have to forfeit a night's sleep.
Either way you will find it worth it, but play with at least 5.
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The Civilization board game is a must for any CIV fan.I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of it crossing over to a board game, but I must say, I am very happy with the results.Eagle Games did a great job with the detail and in making it fun.It does take a while to learn the rules, so be patient.My wife and I are both addicted to it and can't wait to invite some friends over to play it with us.This is one game you will NOT be disappointed with. It's well worth the money.The ONLY suggestion I would have is investing in some drawers or trays for the game pieces as there are A LOT of them.We purchased some plastic or rubbermaid containers to store the pieces in. It makes it much easier to keep them together and to sort out when necessary.
Based on other reviews for this series of toys, I anticipated this set to not come with the fairy doll, which I purchased separately.The photographs and product descriptions have been misleading in in the past (I purchased 8 months ago), but I believe they have been updated since.I also have the Fairy Forest Lodge, fairy dolls, and all of the other furniture accessory sets, except for the Forest Bridge & River set.My daughter was ready for a doll house that would inspire her imagination and creative play, so everyone in the family pitched in to help Santa bring this all home.
