PCs undergoing re-Colonization

During a question-and-answer session at the 2008 Game Developers Conference, Civilization creator and Guinness World Record holder Sid Meier was asked about which of his other franchises he might revisit. Though several attendees inquired about a possible Alpha Centauri or Railroad Tycoon revival, no one mentioned Colonization, the 1994 simulation based on the conquest of the Americas.

Today, though, 2K Games revealed that Colonization is coming back. The division of Take-Two Interactive has announced it will release Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization this coming fall on PCs. As the name implies, the game will be based on the award-winning 2005 strategy game Civilization IV, which has since spawned two expansion packs, Warlords (2006) and Beyond the Sword (2007).

Unlike the aforementioned add-ons, Civilization IV: Colonization will be a stand-alone product that does not require the original game to play. Players will assume the role of one of four European nations--Spain, England, France, and Holland, as in the original--vying for control of the newly discovered Americas. They will have to negotiate, trade, and often fight rival powers as well as the native tribes occupying the lands where Old World colonists are building their settlements. Ultimately, colonies will develop militaries and economies strong enough to allow them to declare their independence.

In addition to announcing Civilization IV: Colonization, 2K outlined some of its features. The game will feature an all-new interface, and will sport "improved" diplomacy options, as well as a built-in toolset for the modding community.