Civilization III patch available

Firaxis Games has released the next upgrade for Civilization III, Infogrames' popular turn-based strategy game, a day earlier than planned. The patch upgrades the game to version 1.29f and add a variety of improvements to both the game editor and the game itself. GameSpot Complete subscribers can download the patch from the links below, and it is also available for download from the official Infogrames Web site.

Some of the improvements to the editor include the ability to place units and cities on the map and the ability to create new technology advancements, units, city improvements, wonders, and civilizations. The patch will also add a minimap and zoom function to the editor, as well as the ability to selectively import elements from one scenario into another. The new upgrade also includes new "fortify all" and "wake all" options and a new accelerated production rule that doubles research, population, and production growth.

Firaxis also revealed plans to scan Civilization III fan sites for player-created game content to include in the upcoming Civilization III: Play the World expansion pack, which is scheduled for release this fall.

Civilization III was released in October. The features a number of new features and improvements on the previous games in the series, including better graphics, 3D animation, enhanced combat and diplomacy options, and additional paths to victory. GameSpot named Civilization III the best single-player strategy game of 2001. For more information, take a look at our full review of the game and our full review of the game .