Freeciv

Reviewer's Ratings

0.0 Graphics

0

Unrated

0.0 Sound

0

Unrated

0.0 Gameplay

0

Unrated

This game keeps up with the classic Civilization series. The graphics are very good, and the sound effects adequate. The controls are also very close to the original Civ series controls, using the same "numeric keypad" setup. This free version remains as addictive and fun as expected from a Civilization clone. This game comes in 3 graphical interface flavors: GTK, SDL and Xaw3d.

The SDL interface looks promising, I look forward to see what the developers do with it. The addition of 3d models and unit animations would set this game in line with Civ3.
Although the graphics are good, they pale in comparison to the Civ3 graphics. The are no unit animations and the terrain looks flat - similar to Civ1-2. It seems that the graphics are toned down to remain compatible with GTK. The sound effects need a lot more work, if they are to compete with Civ3 standards. They are primitive and Civ1-like. The menus are hidden and difficult to get to. Where's the Civpedia? It's almost impossible to get to it.

In all this game is not terrible, but its quality is not near Civ3 levels. It is more of a mix of Civ1 and Civ2, and a bit of Civ3 (SDL). From all the 3 graphics interfaces, the SDL version seems to be the most polished and closer to Civ3.

If you are going to play this game, get the SDL version. The GTK version is confusing and looks just like a text editor.