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Readers pick best Civ IV webcomic: Ctrl+Alt+Del
Of all the webcomics made for Firaxis' Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, Tim Buckley of Ctrl+Alt+Del had his pair of comics voted most popular by a closer-than-usual margin. The strips played on historical anachronisms and World Wonder rule sets. We're really hoping voters didn't choose the strip for the Buttsylvania line. Second place goes to Dueling Analogs' Steve Napierski (our favorite), and third place to Scott Kurtz of PVP Online. Thanks to everyone who voted, and since we're returning to our usual routine next week, be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week (and last week, too).
Joystiq impressions: Civilization Revolution
Sid Meier didn't just put his name at the top of this game, he's actually involved, and the producers made sure to point that out. Civilization Revolution has had a rough time with the hardcore Civ players who mock it for being cartoonish and the simple fact that it's designed for consoles. It's a legitimate Civilization game with a more playful and cartoony feel. The producers who showed the game said this is a Civ Sid Meier really wanted to make. They say it's a mash-up of a bunch of different Civilizations, the best elements brought together for a new game. It's not Civilization 5 and they're quite clear to point out it isn't Civilization Lite. It's just different. The character models are playful looking and upgrade over battle. The interface is completely streamlined and every major event is represented by a full character model animations. The map we saw was very small and packed with cute animations. The whole game seems streamlined for consoles but they say a regular game should last three hours. There are four ways to win the game which are standard for Civ players (Space Race, Military, Economic and Culture). When you win all your troops dance (big butch medics do a conga) and even the battleships do a little dance while shooting off canons. The game seems very different but familiar to any Civ player. It looks to be another version of the well known franchise trying to open up the game to players who want a strategy game, but don't want the implied weight that the PC version of Civ brings. The game will be out spring of 2008.
Civilization Revolution coming to Wii, maybe not for PSP
The saga of Civilization coming to consoles and portables via Civilization Revolution has been marred by one particularly vexing question, namely: which consoles and portables is it actually coming to? When the game was first announced a few weeks ago, 2K's press release ambiguously said it was coming to "next generation consoles and handhelds" in Spring 2008. Then word broke that it might not be coming to Wii. Now, a new press release on 2K Games' E3 lineup lists a Wii version of the game coming in Fall 2008, well after Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and DS versions in Spring 2008. A PSP version was not listed in the release. What in the name of all civilization is going on? A spokesperson for 2K Games said a PSP version has not been announced and could not confirm either way whether one was in development. As for the Wii version, the spokesperson confirmed that it is coming but had no comment on why it would be so late. Who knows how many more system permutations will be speculated before the game finally comes out. %Gallery-4355%
Civilization Revolution trailer released
Just a few hours after the good news hit, Take 2 has released a trailer for the upcoming Civilization Revolution game our handheld and console systems are already salivating for. Ok, so no actual gameplay is shown, just a bunch of orchestral music, pre-rendered cut scenes, and marketing speak reminding us why Civilization is one of the coolest franchises we've ever played. But come on ... this is Civilization. On your DS. On your Xbox 360. How great is that? %Gallery-4355%
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution coming to PSP
Not to be left out of the Civ lovin', the PSP is getting a Civ fix in the form of the brand new rendition, Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution. The official press release is a bit loose on exactly which handhelds will be getting this title, saying only that Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution will be coming to "next gen consoles and handhelds." We think we can safely assume a Nintendo DS version will be dropping in tune with the Sony PSP's release but hey, why get the Nintendo version? (wink, wink). The game is said to have "extensive multiplayer capabilities" with "integrated video and voice chat." Voice chat on the PSP? Maybe not, but at least having "extensive multiplayer capabilities" and "downloadable content" should prove a worthwhile venture on the PSP, especially for Civ gamers on the go. 16 civilizations are making the grade here, with Sid Meier himself in the hotseat as lead designer. Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is set for a Spring 2008 release, so we imagine it won't be much longer before we can share some screen shots. Stay tuned.[Via Joystiq]
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is coming to PS3 [Update]
2K Games, courtesy of Take-Two Interactive, dropped a Civ bomb today, announcing their publishing deal for Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution for both PS3 and Xbox 360. As of yet, no announced plans for a PC release. That's because consoles rule and PC's drool. (/Humor) In all seriousness, this endeavor should pose quite a challenge, as the console audience is vastly different in control and appeal (especially considering the plethora of trigger-happy preteens from FPS overload). This marks the first time Sid Meier actually has a hand in producing a Civilization console release, which we hope will bear significance on its quality and polish. Sixteen civilizations will be available for player control with real-time interaction with leaders and advisors, packed with "extensive multiplayer capabilities" featuring "integrated video and voice chat." No screenshots as of yet, but that should change as the sands of time bear down on us. According to Sid Meier, "Civilization Revolution is the game I've always wanted to make! We are excited to take advantage of the power of next generation consoles and the ingenuity of handhelds, to create a great and unique strategy game for newcomers to the series, as well as the millions of fans around the world who enjoy Civilization on the PC." We guess he wasn't kidding when he professed his love for Sony. Welcome to the party, Sid. Glad you came aboard.[Via Joystiq][Update: Added the newly-released trailer, embedded for your enjoyment.]
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution coming to new-gen consoles and handhelds
Take-Two has announced that strategic mastermind Sid Meier intends to embrace the playthings of our fairly uncivilized age and build Civilization Revolution, the designer's first "next generation" game. Scheduled for a Spring 2008 release on modern consoles and handheld platforms, the strategy game promises to build the widely appreciated Civilization gameplay "from the ground up" for consoles. According to the press release, that means "an all new accessible, visually immersive, and action-packed world" with a "streamlined time scale for quicker games, intense combat, and constant action." Yes, we checked twice to make sure we were reading the correct document. It's also the game Sid Meier's always wanted to make, you know. "Civilization Revolution is the game I've always wanted to make!" he says. "We are excited to take advantage of the power of next generation consoles and the ingenuity of handhelds, to create a great and unique strategy game for newcomers to the series, as well as the millions of fans around the world who enjoy Civilization on the PC." Since the PC's Civilization almost seems like the shushing librarian compared to console gaming's heavily armed macho man, this "Revolution" faces quite a challenge in getting the two to shake hands and appeal to both sets of gamers. Mr. Meier had best prepare himself for an initial torrent of "it's being dumbed down" accusations. You might choose to save those for your fellow player, as Civilization Revolution will support online multiplayer matches along with integrated video and voice chat. We can't wait to don togas and wave our scepters about as we crush the feeble armies of General H@xinat0rr 3K. %Gallery-4355%
Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword unleashes July 23
Looks like July is the month for strategy and simulation aficionados. 2K announced today that Civilization IV: Beyond The Sword releases the week of July 23, and internationally by the end of July. As we discussed before, this expansion is a welcome relief for players who typically don't take the route of combat in winning the game. Civ IV: Warlords was a great expansion to the series and hopefully Beyond the Sword will give non-war inclined players more viable options to victory. One of the features we're looking forward to is the "advanced starts" option. It will allow players to "buy components of a custom-tailored empire and begin play in the later part of the game, allowing them to experience many of the new features of the expansion pack in a shorter amount of time." That'll be great for those of us who give up somewhere around the 18th century because Shaka's at the door, Stalin is building up for an attack and Elizabeth just won't trade anymore. [Via Press Release]
From Firaxis to Maxis: Civ IV designer leaves to work on Spore
Soren Johnson, lead designer for Civilization IV, has left his nearly seven-year gig at Firaxis to work on Will Wright's Spore. Johnson had previously worked with Spore publisher Electronic Arts when he interned there and programmed for the PlayStation titles Knockout Kings 2000 and 2001. The news originally surfaced earlier today on Civilization site Apolyton and was later confirmed by Electronic Arts, according to GameSpot. The decision requires Johnson to move from Maryland to California. There is no indication as to why Johnson left Firaxis or in what facet he is helping with Spore this late in the game's development cycle. (The title, having been in development since 2000, is scheduled for release by the end of this year.) Of course, there's the obvious possibility he'll be helping out with the civilization phase of the game. Johnson's personal blog has not been updated since this year's Game Developers Conference. As Gamasutra notes, Johnson had been working on an original IP for Firaxis; its fate is currently unknown.
Firaxis to revisit X-COM in Civ IV: Beyond the Sword
Firaxis' Tim McCracken recently updated the official Civilization IV site with details on a very intriguing scenario in the coming Beyond the Sword expansion. The scenario, "Afterworld," is "a tip of the hat to the Gollop brothers and the original X-COM team." "Afterworld" sounds like a squad-based, sci-fi scenario that is heavy on combat and light on everything else. "There are no leaders. No cities. No technologies. It's not the typical game of Civ. It's Afterworld." McCracken doesn't say much more, but Firaxis doing an X-COM homage is enough to make many gamers drool. More than we usually do, we mean.
Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword announced
Strategy junkies get ready to be home bound this summer, 2K announced the second expansion for Civilization IV entitled Beyond the Sword. The expansion will be out by the end of July and focus on the late-game time period after gunpowder. This puppy is big with ten new civs, 16 new leaders, five new wonders and a slew of other additions. Civilization IV's last expansion, Warlords, focused on combat. Beyond the Sword is designed for the players looking to dominate through other methods. Corporations will allow players to trade resources throughout the world, espionage will be allowed earlier in the game and the race to Alpha Centauri will require more strategy. There will also be advanced starts, allowing players to skip ahead and experience the new content. Which is great, but like Damion Shubert said at GDC, "There's still nothing like that first hour of a game in Civilization when players are just starting their empire."
Sid Meier's Pirates! swashbuckles its way to the PSP
For all your port haters out there don't look now because the PSP is about to get a port of a port in the form of Sid Meier's Pirates!. In the game, which was originally released in 1987 and re-made in 2004 on the PC, then released in 2005 on the Xbox and is now scheduled to be released in January on the PSP, players take control of a pirate who must find his kidnapped family members, gain revenge and obtain lots and lots of booty."We love the new possibilities from handheld systems like the PSP," added Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at developer Firaxis Games. "Pirates! for the PSP system allows players to shape the heroic life of a pirate while embracing the pirate's way of life -- always on the go!"Thankfully, the PSP version, which will be published by Take-Two Interactive in North America and Europe, will feature some new features like new treasure hunts, widescreen display and four-player wireless multi-player, according to Gamespot. Pirates! is a game I always wanted to play on the Xbox but never got around to it, so I'm really hoping this version comes through.
2K Games publishing Civilization compilation, Jade Empire PC
For those discerning gamers who prefer to employ their hands in sculpting lives and constructing sprawling empires, 2K Games have announced the forthcoming release of a completely compelling compilation of Civilization games. Though the chosen title, Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles, may lead you to believe that the package comprises a stack of yellow paper hastily scribbled upon by the esteemed Mr. Meier and thoroughly detailing his development trials, tribulations and battles with encroaching madness ... it actually just contains all the games in the series. Those would be: Sid Meier's Civilization I Sid Meier's Civilization II Civilization II: Fantastic Worlds Civilization II: Conflicts in Civilization Civilization II: Test of Time Sid Meier's Civilization III Sid Meier's Civilization III: Play the World Sid Meier's Civilization III: Conquests Sid Meier's Civilization IV Sid and Nancy's Civilization 2K6: Stoned Age (unconfirmed) In addition, the undoubtedly heavy box will house a Civilization tabletop card game with over 250 custom cards, a 96-page book detailing the history of the series, a making-of DVD, tech-tree posters, podcast MP3s, wallpaper images and, err, more (it says here). Grab it from a shelf this October and, should you choose to pay for it, hand the inept cashier $69.99. 2K Games also revealed that they will be publishing the PC (that's personal computer, in this case) version of Bioware's martial arts RPG, Jade Empire. Picking it up in lieu of the April 2005 Xbox version will net you enhanced graphics and AI, new fighting styles, more monsters, an art booklet and an unusual desire to dispense flying kicks. Get it this January and struggle to find out why Sid Meier's Jade Empire isn't a real game. Read -- Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles press release Read -- Jade Empire PC press release
Metareview - Civilization IV: Warlords
Just in case Civilization IV hasn't consumed enough hours of your life, Sid Meier and his team at Firaxis are giving you one more reason to spend the rest of the summer indoors. Warlords is the first expansion pack to 2005's near-unanimous PC game of the year, and was built with the aggressive Civ gamer in mind. There are six new playable civilizations, including the Barbarians, and a new warlord unit to help pump up your military production. Get to war! Yahoo! Games (90/100) likes the diverse settings: "There are scenarios for all tastes, from combat-oriented conquests like Alexander the Great or Genghis Khan, to diplomacy heavy episodes like Chinese Unification or The Rise of Rome. These scenarios provide new and distinctive experiences no matter how many times you've played Civilization IV." GameSpot (86/100) notes the bias toward ancient warfare: "These new scenarios are engaging, though they do skew a bit toward ancient-world settings and conflicts. Still, the campaigns here are interesting, and each features a unique challenge. These scenarios are essentially modifications of the core game, and they feature rewritten tech trees and unique units that are appropriate for their settings. There are also a number of new wonders of the world." GameSpy (70/100) questions the value of this expansion with so many free mods available: "The biggest problem with Warlords is simply one of value. For all the fun the scenarios, new units, and new civilizations add to the game, they simply don't push the game far enough. The only really new gameplay element added in Warlords is the vassal state. This is a gameplay dynamic that allows a player to offer political subservience to another empire." See also: Metareview - Age of Empires III vs. Civilization IV Metareview - CivCity: Rome
New Civ IV patch won't melt your Mac
If you're currently playing the Mac version of Civilization IV, you should download Aspyr Media's new patch. The update fixes a power hungry bug that causes excessive CPU usage, particularly in Power Mac and iMac G5s. Inside Mac Games discusses some additional Civ IV issues that Mac gamers should be aware of.
Mac Civ 4 shipping soon, trailer released
Mac gamers who've had their fill of Civilization III Complete won't have much longer to wait for a new strategy fix. Aspyr Media, one of the largest publishers of Mac games, will be releasing Sid Meier's Civilization IV on June 30 in Mac Universal format. Apple is hosting the official trailer, as well as dozens of other game trailers, in an effort to promote gaming on the Mac. Think different and get civilized! See also: 2K's Firaxis trifecta for 2006 Apple's new portable gaming beast
2K's Firaxis trifecta for 2006
2K Games has announced they will publish three new titles this year from Civilization IV developer Firaxis Games. The first Civ4 expansion, Warlords, was revealed last month, but Sid Meier is also planning to return to his roots with Railroads!, an update on his classic Railroad Tycoon series. Lastly, Firaxis will be collaborating with Stronghold developer Firefly Studios on CivCity: Rome, in which you'll be able to simulate ancient Roman life on an unprecedented scale. Warlords and CivCity are due out this summer, while Railroads! is expected in the fall.
Warlords! Civ IV expansion in development
Having already sold over 1 million copies of Civilization IV, Sid Meier and his team at Firaxis will continue to feed your strategy cravings when they ship the Warlords expansion pack this summer. The greatest military leaders in history will be honored in six new scenarios, and you can use them to construct a broad-based international military force to get food to the people who need it. "Can I get a Coke?"
Sid Meier, Soren Johnson on state of games
GameSpy spoke with industry luminary Sid Meier and Civilization IV co-designer Soren Johnson at DICE last month. The Firaxis dynamic duo weighed in on everything from the state of PC gaming to World of Warcraft to escalating game budgets. Here are some quick takes: Meier: "I think there are a lot of opportunities for the PC to make a comeback. It has some inherent strengths. Connectivity, certainly. Massively multiplayer games. Email! The things that a PC does well, what snuck it into the home in the first place, is still there." Johnson: "I think the thing is, if you're going to make a multiplayer game, the days of trying to 'shoehorn' in multiplayer are over. As an aside, I think we're almost reaching a point where single-player games are getting under-served. One reason I really enjoy World of Warcraft is that there's so few good single-player RPGs for the PC right now."
Mario Party, Civ IV help give Amazon.com record holiday season
It was a very good holiday season for Amazon.com. The ever-popular online store has reported approximately 108 million items have been ordered since November 1st - their best holiday season yet. In their press release, Amazon.com notes that "video games were popular this year," citing their top sellers as Mario Party 7, Civilization IV, and Age of Empires 3. Top in video game hardware were, unsurprisingly, the three portable consoles: the pearl blue Game Boy Advance SP (not Micro?), the electric blue Nintendo DS, and the Sony PSP value pack. How many of you used Amazon this year for the majority of your holiday shopping? [via Gamasutra] Read
