

Thankfully, none of the traits seem overpowerful, since the developers were careful not to pair up any devastating Trait combos for a single Civ.

Civilization traits have been extensively reworked for Civ IV, and it will take some time before I get a solid handle on which Traits I like most. Each Civ has one or two leaders to choose from, with each Leader conferring a particular pair of Traits, some starting Techs, and the ability to build a Unique Unit specific to the Civilization in question. As in previous Civilization incarnations, players get to choose from one of 18 available Civilizations. Sure, I’m a little biased toward strategy titles, and Civilization in particular, but even through that bias I see an out-and-out gem of a title, something with which to while away countless hours, spending “just one more turn”, conquering just one more city, and researching just one more technology.Ĭivilization veterans should find a lot of familiar ground in Civilization IV, but there is enough new and innovative content to keep everyone happy. Civilization IV meets each and every one of those expectations, giving us one of the best games of the year, of any genre. So when a new sequel comes along, there are some very high expectations to meet. The Civilization series is arguably the best empire-building franchise ever to grace the PC.
