Civilization II (Microprose) is a solid follow-up to the smash hit Civilization, the game that dethroned SimCity as king of sim-hill. The same basic play-action features many new enhancements, including new technologies, new units, new building types, and even – because the magic is in the details – new Wonders of the World.Play leader of any of the world’s ancient or modern civilizations, or customize your own. You’ll make social, economic, military and political decisions as you strive to build an empire in a world where other people, unfortunately, have the same idea. Pacifists can choose to concentrate on technology, in the hopes of being the first to send a colony ship to another planet. Civilization II, like Civilization, is nefariously addictive and extremely fun, all the while providing – if you’re successful in your efforts – a considerable ego boost. Micropose has always made quality strategy games, and Civilization II shows that they are willing to continue challenging themselves. The world-customization and random world-generation features insure plenty of repeat play; there are also additional Civilization 2 scenarios available for download on the Internet.
- December 1996
