Sid Meier's Civilization IV Critic Reviews

The graphics are solid and sharply focused, while the cities that used to expand all too predictably now take on more organic growth patterns that spread to encompass land between cities more naturally.

A game with this much depth, this much strategy, this much replayability, and multiplayer is totally unheard of in this space. Civilization IV stands alone. No fan of strategy games should leave this on store shelves.

It is infinitely replayable, incredibly balanced and faster-paced. Combat has been improved, with the addition of both depth and simplicity, while peacemaking and cultural supremacy are more viable options.

An incredibly addicting, engrossing, and incredibly well-designed inclusion. No stone was left unturned as the developers crafted this masterpiece and if you’re a fan of the previous installments of this game, you’re definitely going to enjoy this latest edition.

This is easily the best version of Civilization ever made.

Civ IV isn’t quite light enough to captivate all gamers, but it is the most fun, most engaging, and most entertaining of the series.

Civilization IV has a ridiculous amount of strategic elements packed into it.

This really is strategy gaming at its very best and you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you skipped it. It's that good.

A streamlined interface, a non-linear tech tree, impressive AI with 18 personalities, a new combat system (no more spearmen defeating tanks), amazing multiplayer features and narration by Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy all give the new Civ plenty of both flash and substance.

The absolute best thing about Civilization IV is that previous experience with the series (or strategy games for that matter) isn’t necessary.

Firaxis have, without a shadow of a doubt, created a monster hit. Civilization IV will stand head and shoulders above all other turn based strategy games.

Not just the best game in the series–which says a lot on its own–but it’s also one of, if not the very best strategy games ever made.

Firaxis have managed to thoroughly overhaul one of the classic games of all time and drag it up from its dark ages into the renaissance era. Even with its speedier gameplay Civ IV will be the cause of many sleepless nights and damaged relationships.

Hands-down the best turn-based strategy game of the year. It is emotionally satisfying and addictive.

Refreshes the Civ series and offers a great experience for newcomers to the series as well as seasoned veterans. It is immensely fun whether you play multi- or single-player.

It’s hard to describe every facet of Civ IV’s gameplay without writing an epic, but suffice it to say, this is everything Civilization fans could hope for.

The grandmaster series of strategy gaming spawns another game for the ages.

The added level of control that the Civics system gives you is an incredibly useful tool for managing your civilization.

If you’re a Civ fan this game is a must, if you’re a fan of strategy games this also is a must.

A virtual guarantee to keep you up into the wee hours, playing "just one more turn..." Flaws aside, any game that makes me see the sun come up is a great one.