iPhone game: Civilization comes to ROCKS on the iPhone!
By Ronald O Carlson
Perhaps the greatest source of lost productivity (that doesn’t also cause palm warts) is now available for Apple handhelds. Better still if you’re on a tight budget or consider yourself a mere hobbyist time waster, this classic title is available in free and pay-to-play versions.
Although I don’t have data to back this up, Sid Meier and his Civilization franchise are probably responsible for more lost productivity than pornography and sport fishing combined. That said, the title will soon be his now that Civilization Revolution for the iPhone (website) is out.
Available in both Civilization Revolution Lite (free, iTunes) and Civilization Revolution ($4.99, iTunes) versions, and I’ve spent a an hour or so “testing” the former and can offer the following pearls of wisdom:
• Game play, at least on my first generation iPod touch, though smooth won’t be setting any new land speed records
• The controls are simple, yet complete—no need for a manual
• Interface design is easy to understand, though a bit crowded (ie it’s a small screen)
• The tap, hold and drag method of moving units takes getting used to
— The movement tool is a thoughtful addition to the interface (ie use it)
• Zooming out causes map detail to disappear quick, so it can be difficult to maintain persective
The Lite version of the game is a shortened, accelerated take on this classic, and allows players to achieve victory in one of four ways—1.) shepherding your people into the Modern Era (ie technological milestones), 2.) capturing three enemy capitals, 3.) achieving seven economic milestones, and 4.) earning 15 great people and/or wonders.
Another limitation of Civilization Revolution Lite is that there are only two levels of play: Chieftan, super wimpy, and King, which isn’t quite challenging enough. Of course, with the full $4.99 version of Civilization Revolution, these quid pro quos go away and your enemies’ blood will taste all the sweeter for it.
Whereas I lost interest in the $9.99 SimCity after a couple weeks, largely due to the fiddly nature of the interface (big fingers didn’t help), I expect my fasciation with Civilization Revolution to continue for much longer and, even if I do lose interest in a couple weeks, the $4.99 price means I won’t feel guilty for the loss.
Hail, Caesar!
I’ve just built my third city and fourth archer, so I’m ready to christen my blade in the blood of one of my weaker neighbors. Best of all, my scientists have just about mastered iron working, so soon my legions—I always play the Romans—will be running roughshod over the world.
Get your own copy of Civilization Revolution Lite or Civilization Revolution and once again sate your lust for blood and glory!
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Stumble It!
August 11th, 2009
I will have to try this one.