Sid Meier's Civilization II: Information from Answers.com

Platform: IBM PC Compatible
Release Date: 1996
Genre: Strategy
Style: Empire-Building
Similar Games: Civ II: Fantastic Worlds (IBM PC Compatible), Command & Conquer (IBM PC Compatible), Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (IBM PC Compatible), Civilization: Call to Power (IBM PC Compatible), Sid Meier's Civilization (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

As the sequel to the original game in the series, Sid Meier's Civilization II offers a wide ranging upgrade with a multitude of enhancements and improvements. High resolution graphics complement an isometric view of the game world as the player is given the opportunity to expand his or her civilization to include a host of new Wonders of the World and updated technology.

The range of weaponry now runs the gamut from early times with archers and elephants to modern warfare's latest developments such as the Stealth fighter and AEGIS cruisers. The game's diplomacy module has been enhanced and becomes a much larger factor in Sid Meier's Civilization II than it was in the first game.

A new Deity Level is available to test those who feel they've mastered gameplay in the original. Exploration, economics, knowledge and conquest are the major aspects that mesh together to challenge players in this turn-based strategy game. Customization options include size of the world, landmass, land form, climate, temperature, age of the civilization, four barbarian activity choices and six difficulty levels.

Differences between the original title and Sid Meier's Civilization II focus on new combat techniques, hit points and firepower, restoration of units (combat is no longer an all-or-nothing proposition), new units, new production concepts (e.g., waste), enhanced and realistic terrain features, upgraded government and diplomacy aspects, city improvements and espionage.

~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

While the original Civilization was created by Sid Meier, Brian Reynolds takes Meier's original design and improves upon it to create Sid Meier's Civilization II. Reynolds can do no wrong with this great sequel, a game by which all others of this genre will be judged. It is an incredible and very addictive game; once you start playing you won't want to stop.

Every gamer should play through the tutorial first as it teaches you the basics and is very helpful. When you begin a new game, there are an impressive number of options from which to choose. Customizable features include the size of the world, number of terrain squares, land formation (islands or large continents), climate, temperature, age of the world, difficulty level (six to choose from), level of competition (up to six opponents) and level of barbarian activity. There are historical tribes to choose from or you can customize your own. All of these options alone make this a great game with incredible replay value.

Computer opponents add a lot to the game. Each has its own goals, although usually they revolve around militaristic objectives. Different strategies can lead to different responses from each of the computer opponents. If you build powerful armies, they will probably keep their distance. If you concentrate on education, they will threaten you because their people will become jealous.

The number of advancements for your civilization is also very impressive: 80 plus. Advancements range from horseback riding or literacy to mobile warfare or computers. Another great feature is when you reach certain advancements your civilization can begin building a particular Wonder of the World, all of which have significant impacts. Isaac Newton's college doubles a city's science output while the Statue of Liberty allows you to select any government at any time. Each Wonder of the World has its own video and, in many cases, full motion video.

Running a civilization is a lot of work. Each city must be managed individually, although they all contribute to the civilization. Changing governments also keeps the game fresh, as each government is viewed differently by the population. Moving around the map is very easy -- simply use the arrow keys. The battles occur as one piece moves into a square occupied by the enemy. Sound effects are very well done as you can hear the clashing of swords as legions attack or listen to the bombs dropping as a Stealth fighter makes an attack.

Civilization II begins in the year 4000 BC and ends when any one of three conditions are met: reach the year 2020, conquer the entire world or advance technology to the point where a spaceship reaches another planet. You will want to play Civilization II over and over, as every game is different. Also included are a couple of pre-set scenarios to play out and a map editor, allowing you to build the perfect world.