Civ II has without a doubt, the most addictive gameplay of any game out there.
Civilization II is the second installment in the Civ series, where you start the game as a tiny civilization just crawling out of it's cradle. It's up to you to build the greatest nation on the planet in any way you see fit. You can make war, you can ally yourself with the strongest or you can technologically outpace them all - and easily crush them if you so desire.
The game is turn based and if you play a big map with numerous civs, it can take up to several days to finish. But it never get's boring, while the beginning may seem boring it's only so, because you have little to watch over. But as the years go by, your nation will boast dozens of cities and countless units to manage - it's a task not for the weak of mind.
So, let's break this review down:
Gameplay - 10
I'm not going to lie about the fact that I have spent days and days, clued to the screen - just wanting to play that one more turn. Even though my glory days with this game were a decade ago, I still surprised even myself by the fact how long this game kept me looking at the screen today. It's amazing.
Little details like the high council - portrayed by real actors, beautiful videos for wonders and great music really triumph over the Civilizations newer installments. I see no reason to not play Civ II.
Graphics - 4
The game's over a decade old - what would you expect?
Sound - 10
Perfect! From the simple yet nice unit sounds, to the beautiful soundtracks of wonders. It will keep your ears embedded in great tunes.
Value - 10
If you have lost count of how many hundred hours you have played this game - then it's safe to say, that this game has tremendous value.
Tilt - 10 This is one of my most favourite games, a score less than perfect would be an insult.
Civilization II kept it simple, the game is perfectly balanced and offers quick and constant rewards for your actions.
You wont be trying to scavenge critical resources or trying to clear that messy forest like you do in Civ IV.
You won't have to ponder how you are going to build up the land around your cities or worry about the cities health levels because those banana trees that boast health are in your opponents cultural borders.
Civ II is much simpler - yet is has depth that it's followers have not been able to reproduce. Civilization II is a massive game, you will not end the game owning 10 cities like you might in Civ IV, you'll end the map with hundreds if you are good enough. And there is nothing more rewarding then looking upon the map and see nothing but your colors everywhere as you watch your spaceship leave for Alpha Centauri or your enemy's last city surrendering to your forces. Get this game if you can find it. Look past the ancient graphics and enjoy the immensely addictive gameplay.