E3 2002: Civilization III: Play the World preshow report

Infogrames recently announced plans for an expansion to Civilization III, and E3 will be the first opportunity for a hands-on look at the game. The central focus of the expansion, called Play the World, is to add multiplayer support to Civilization III. Considering that many fans of the series were disappointed when it was revealed that Civilization III wouldn't include multiplayer capabilities, this is quite a significant development. The expansion also includes a scenario editor and extends the single-player game with new civilizations and map features.

The Civilization III expansion will open the game up to the potential of unending replayability with its many multiplayer options. Players can choose to play the traditional, lengthy game type, starting from the dawn of civilization, or choose from faster-paced modes. These new modes include elimination, domination, regicide, and king of the mountain. Players have the choice to connect by Internet or LAN or take turns with play-by-e-mail or single-PC hotseat modes. Since turn-based mechanics aren't always the fastest way to play, players will have a choice of a turn-based mode, a simultaneous mode, or a new "turnless" mode. There's little information on how this turnless mode might work, but that's something that E3 should make clear.

Civilization III's single-player component will be extended with eight new civilizations, each with new specialized units and leader personalities. Like those in the original game, the eight leaders are famous historical personages, including Genghis Khan Temujin, King Hannibal, Queen Isabella, and King Brennus. There are also additional map improvements to enhance the strategic combat, like airfields, outposts, and radar towers.

To accompany the E3 demonstration, Infogrames has released the first group of screenshots from the expansion, including one of the multiplayer setup screen. Civilization III: Play the World is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of 2002.