How a hardcore PC civilization player found came to love the console version.
Still, I bought the game as soon as it came out for the 360, and the ds version a day later. When I first started playing this game, I knew that my fears were needless. This was not a civilization-lite, but a civilization for the working man.
Yes, the micromanagement is slightly lessened. But is the strategy really weakened? The answer is no. In fact, since human play becomes more feasible (i never had time to spend 6 hours at one time online, so in the other civs it was single player and save), now my strategies are no longer static. My game plan is constantly changing.
Many have commented that the single player AI is overbearing. Yes, admittedly, that is true. However, This is no longer the laid back civilization game of the past. These leaders force you to think on your feet. And in the end, it helps keep the game moving.
An advantage the DS has for the game is it is portable. Never before could I take civilization on a plane flight. Now it is an option. However, like all things, advantages usually come with disadvantages. The AI is a little slower to process (longer turn times), and of course, the graphics are much worse than its plug into the tv counterparts.
End the end, will this appease all hardcore civilization players? No. Will this thrill all civilization newcomers no? However, if you go to it with a free mind you will find that it is a highly satisfying experience and most will come to enjoy the gameplay, especially those with a short schedule.