PC Game Review - Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Part One - Introduction

Sid Meier's latest game, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, is a remake of his original 1994 classic release of Colonization.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization takes place in between the time frame of 1492 and 1792. Players, as in the original Colonization, can choose from four different nations, Spain, France, the United Netherlands, and, of course, England. The objective is to inhabit the New World and create a successful colony, then, when you feel you are ready, declare and fight for independence against the nation you started as.

Part Two - Changes from the Original Colonization

Besides the obvious new features, such as graphics, Civ 4: Colonization incorporates plenty of new content.

In the original Colonization players had the ability to choose the same fathers. This ability is removed from Civ 4: Colonization.

Civilization 4: Colonization also introduces a brand new aspect to Colonization. A favorite for your more social gamers, multiplayer is an added feature to Colonization.

Borders are also introduced into Colonization.

Part Three - Gameplay

To survive in the New World players must learn to trade and make deals with other nations and natives. Trade and commerce are the key to success in Civ 4: Colonization. Of course some nations may not approve of your trading with the natives and the natives might not like you trading with some nations.

If the player feels he is ready to declare independence he must choose a constitution that fits his style of play. Each constitution has its own positives and negatives.

Players also choose from two leaders after they choose their nation. Depending on what type of game they wish to play the player must choose his leader according to his gameplay style.

During the course of the game player recruit father that may change the direction in which a settlement is headed, either for the better or for the worse.

Each of the four nations available to the player was their own disadvantage and advantages. For example, the Spanish are more offensive where as the Dutch or more trade orientated.

Part Four - Overall Impression