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Review of Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution on Nintendo DS

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jul 2008
Cover image of Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution on DS
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 08 Jul 2008
Genre: Turn-based strategy
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K

Introduction

Ready to carve your name into the annals of history, one pixel at a time? Welcome to the world of Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution on the Nintendo DS! This game takes 'turn-based strategy' and blends it with historical figures and cultural advances, all while keeping it portable enough for your long journey to nowhere in particular. Not only will you build an empire, but you'll also drive your friends insane as you wax philosophical about which ancient leader would win in a fight. Spoiler: It's always Genghis Khan.

Gameplay

In Civilization Revolution, you start your journey in the year 4000 BC as a lowly settler, wielding nothing but a dream and enough ambition to fill a barge-assuming you have a river nearby. You're not just forging cities; you're building cultures, navigating international diplomacy, and, somewhere along the way, probably offending several world leaders (sorry, Gandhi). As you plan city expansions and research technologies, you can trade, wage wars, and build wonders. Yes, real wonders! Who doesn't want to construct the Great Wall or the Eiffel Tower while sitting comfortably on your couch? The gameplay operates on a turn-based system where each turn represents several years in the game, gradually speeding up as you leap forward into technological advancements. The game has five main victory conditions: Domination, Culture, Economic, Technological, and Score. Domination is the ultimate goal, akin to a game of Capture the Flag-but much, much more strategic and with many more betrayals. You'll engage with 16 civilizations, each with its leaders and unique capabilities. Your success hinges on wisely utilizing these advantages, and let's not forget the NPC barbarians. These unruly neighbors aren't just there for a friendly chat; they'll come crashing through your peaceful settlements like your relatives during the holidays, and they typically won't leave until they've looted your cities. It's not just about building-it's about surviving the chaos of civilization, and come on, who wouldn't want a challenge?

Graphics

Visually, the Nintendo DS rendition of Civilization Revolution won't exactly leave you breathless. We're in the world of handheld gaming here, so you shouldn't be expecting glorious 4K landscapes or hyper-realistic character models. What you get instead is a stylized take on familiar historical figures and cities. It's like a history class coupled with a Saturday morning cartoon-bright, inviting colors, and clear menus that make strategizing easier without overwhelming your brain (which is helpful because we all know strategy games can be brain-boggling). The characters are cute, nostalgic, and slightly cartoonish, effectively balancing out the heavy themes of colonization and conquest.

Conclusion

Overall, Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution for the Nintendo DS is a delightful escapade into the world of turn-based strategy. It's a perfect appetizer for those new to the genre and a convenient snack for seasoned veterans. You'll find joy in claiming territories, establishing trade routes, and swatting down barbarians while laughing at your friends' failed strategies. The simplicity of its controls matches the complexity of its mechanics, making it the kind of game you can pick up and play whether you're waiting for a bus or battling with friends. So grab your DS, channel your inner ruler, and remember: history doesn't remember the peaceful. It remembers the conquerors... and possibly those who just managed to build the best-looking cities ever!

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