The history of Civilization

Posted on Sunday, September 19 2010 @ 1:05 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Civilization is definitely one of the most addictive video game series there is. The first Civ game was released nearly 20 years ago, and with the launch of Civilization 5 coming up in late October, ARS Technica decided to take a look at the history behind Civilization. You can read it over here.
Starting in 4000 BC, players worked to develop their civilization by building wonders and researching technologies, a concept lifted in large part from a board game of the same name released in 1980. Players tried to settle cities, build units to protect their empire, and conduct diplomacy, while watching some of the more belligerent leaders, like Alexander the Great, do his best to steamroll everyone else's cities before his phalanxes became obsolete.

But who are we kidding? In the slightly screwy combat system that would come to characterize Civ gameplay, phalanxes never became obsolete. A decently experienced phalanx unit fortified on a mountain could defeat a modern tank in a single turn. Banish any mental images you have of spears glancing off a tank's steel, because phalanxes are here to stay. And stay. And stay. And win. And stay..


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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