New Civilizations

After having seen it last at E3, Steve Butts from IGN.com couldn’t resist and posted last week a preview article about Civilization IV:

Gamers who’ve had to struggle with the complications of the interface are also in for a treat. The actual game map now reveals which terrain tiles are being worked and shows off a number of civic improvements. Little pop-up windows and small suggestions about how to improve the area around each city will definitely help new players get started quickly. Those players who do choose to dive down into the detail of city view will find that information is much clearer there as well. Each city improvement will list the specific bonus it imparts to a city’s coffers, contentment and culture. No more guessing or thumbing through the civilopedia to find out just how much those temples are helping you.

When you start a new game you’ll have the option to select from a variety of civilizations, each with their own historical rulers — Gandhi for the Indians, Elizabeth for the English, etc. About eight of the eighteen civilizations in the game have a pair of rulers to choose from. Each ruler has their own personality and preferences and you’ll be able to tell a lot about a ruler just by watching their reactions on the diplomacy screen. When dealing with the flirtatious Hatshepsut or the jowly dandy Louis XIV, you’ll be able to see their attitudes and personality in their animations. If you’re making an offer in their favor, they’ll act pleased and happy.

Due to ship this Fall (when exactly is another matter), this fourth opus sure seems to own some very interestic characteristics. One will for instance be able to focus along certain lines of technology only, instead of having to research them all.

What’s more, Games Domain announces that the game will be open up to 18 players… this is implicitly offering the possibility for nifty LAN parties at home, right? Where again did I put the box of cookies for all of these starving gamers?