Civ-4 and Civ-5

[solops]

OK, you lot sound like you like Civ5 quite a bit. When it came out I was put off by reports that it had no stacking, just one unit per tile. So, I have stuck with Civ4, which, with mods like Caveman-to-Cosmos is a great and fun game. So, tell me, is Civ5 any good? What makes it preferable to Civ4?

[bayonetbrant]

I like V's new mgmt of religion w/ mixing and matching beliefs. I like the social policy process better than (what felt to me like) the over-management of politics in IV. I like the graphics much, much better.  The individual traits of the civs (not just units) are much more diverse, too.

[solops]

Is the Ai any good? And what about reports that you constantly have to renew your license on-line every week or so? I read somewhere that the single-unit stacks cannot pass through each other. This seems awkward. How does that work out?

[mikeck]

I haven't played in awile but I quite likes the "single unit per tile" rule. It actually added a tactical element because you had to plan where certain units would go based on range, terrain and such. I didnt like doom stacks. I bought mine off of Steam and I don't remember ever renewing a license

[TheCommandTent]

Is the Ai any good? And what about reports that you constantly have to renew your license on-line every week or so? I read somewhere that the single-unit stacks cannot pass through each other. This seems awkward. How does that work out?

I've found the AI a good challenge on the mid level which is what I usually play.  I don't know anything about  renewing the game license but like mikeck I have it on STEAM.  Again like mikeck I like the single unit per hex.  It adds a whole other strategic element to combat.  I believe units can pass through other units provided they have enough movement points to reach the intended hex.

The terrain graphics alone are a huge plus for Civ V but like Brant said the way religion is used along with the social policy tree makes for some interesting decisions that really do affect your game play.

[Gusington]

As far as the AI, I wish there was an additional level between Warlord (3-Easy) and Prince (4-Normal). I have trouble getting to the endgame on Prince level...games bog down in stalemate, while on Warlord level the game is a bit too easy.

I got into Civ with Civ II years ago and liked it but thought the overall game was too broad to capture enough good historical detail. I used to hate that in some Civ games a knight could attack a tank or somesuch.

Those kinds of problems can be modded out entirely now, and with the last two Civ V expansions that problem has been blown out of the water. The game is so detailed with so many things to do and ways play. There are scenarios now that are the equivalent of other standalone games.

Brave New World may be enough for Civ to become my favorite series, along with Total War. For me that is saying a lot.

[MetalDog]

Really, Gus?  Does that mean, if I learn how to play, that you'll deign to MP with us?

[Gusington]

No not really, the whole above post is a big lie.

Yes really!

[Tuna]

Picked up BNW as well from the Get Games Go deal. Yet to try it, but would def be up for some Civ V mp.

[solops]

It looks pretty expensive to jump into - $50 for Civ5 Gold and $30 for the new expansion. I'll have to wait a bit.

[eyebiter]

Watch Amazon, they have a Firaxis Complete bundle that includes Civ 4 Complete, Civ 5 gold, and XCOM.  Usually goes on sale once a month for $20.