Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is the latest installment in the famous series of historical strategy games by the father of the genre. In the sixth Civilization, you lead various cultures from the first nomad days to space and information age. Download Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI for Windows and be the leader!

Graphics 4/5

Of course, it looks way, way better than the first classical installments of Civilization. Even if you compare it to Civilization 4 or 5, the progress is like you’re advancing from ancient times to the Renaissance. It now uses a 2.5D view (not even pretending to be true 3D), but it makes the game easier: it’s even good with 1GB video cards! And the countries you build upon hexagonal cells are still looking great.

Gameplay 5/5

If you have even heard of the Civilization series, you know the deal. You control some civilization (based on real ones from our history) and advance it to the modern times, trying to surpass the rivals. It can be done in various ways: by military force, by culture, by technology and so on. The only victory ditched in this version is diplomatic. Diplomacy itself, though, gets more complicated and changes as you advance to modern times. From dog-eat-dog war you progress to more civilized ways of coexisting and even support… but it doesn’t cancel wars, so stay armed.

On the other hand, there are culture and science, religions (including custom ones) and ideologies, urbanization and agriculture, and all the aspects of social life that make civilizations great. Not that you control them all manually like a dictator. You rather respond to real processes and tendencies, like some timeless spirit of the nation. 

One of the real innovations is introducing leaders. Based on real persons and events of their lives, in-game leaders really influence the way your civilization grows. Knowing real history will provide a bonus.

Controls 5/5

The game is meant for desktop and mobile systems; the only console that hosts it is Nintendo Switch, due to its touchscreen. Strategies (even turn-based, like this one) are way better with mouse and keyboard, yet touchscreen is okay too. 

Replay Value 5/5

Strategies are long-time games. If you like it from the beginning, you will want to try more civilizations and more ways to develop them. The game has lots of expansions, in addition to the nine playable civilizations it offers basically. Deluxe version adds six civilizations (from Poland to Australia), and Platinum Edition has two major expansion packs that make the gameplay wider and more complicated. Each of the expansion is as pricey as the basic game – and they are worth it.

The Bottom Line

If you like turn-based strategies, Civilization 6 is a must for you. Richer and more logical than it has ever been, now it’s even greater due to improved city building and reviewed historical references. It doesn’t take powerful fresh hardware to run; if you search for a game to play on your old PC or Mac, Civilization 6 is one of the best options.

If you still love classical turn-based strategies yet want something new, download Sid Meier’s Civilization VI as a new look at the eternal values.

• Graphics 4
• Gameplay 5
• Controls 5
• Replay Value 5

Pros

Detailed civilization building process;
Historical accuracy (where possible);
Decent graphics with low system requirements;
Many civilizations to select from (and expansion packs to reinvent the process);
Turn-based gameplay with less hassle.

Cons

It takes a trained eye to deal with the visuals;
The gameplay may seem too sophisticated;
The game cannot be played casually.