Civilization II Hints

How is Civilization II different from the original?

• Just take a look at it. Go on, upwrap the package, stick the CD in your CD-ROM drive, install it and play it. (Don't forget to take a look at that manual when you have the time! It sets the standard for manual writing). Now that you've had a look at Civilization II, how do YOU think it's different from the original?
  
  Let's take a look at the main changes:
  
  - In the original Civilization, the map was 2-dimensional. It was very nicely done, but still rather boring. The new map is 3-dimensional, isometric and is slanted slightly. This makes manoeuvering a little hard, but you get used to it. And it's a big improvement over the old map.
  - The new town designs! Need I say more? The guys at MicroProse have done their homework on those things. The choice between using European style or old Greek style towns, etc. really make the old Civ look second-rate.
  - The Town Council. Is there anyone who's not sick of that Elvis impersonator by now? But it's good for a laugh (and a few other things). That military guy starts getting on your nerves in a while, but he gives sound advice. I especially like the foreign minister, while the science and economic ministers are not too badly done either.
  - The upgraded Wonders. The old Civ had them developed just like any other town improvement, and the herald sounding the Wonder in Civ 2 is a nice touch. But those video Wonders are really nice. They do get old after a while, though.
  - The new combat resolution system which makes it less likely that your veteran Armour unit will get trounced by a Musketeer. Didn't you hate it when, while playing the original Civ, you've built up your army so much that it should thrash the hell out of anyone who'll stand in your path, and then a little enemy guy comes along and you're toast? Civ 2 took care of that.
  - Repairing your units is a nice touch. And all those new and improved units really make the game more realistic. I do wish they'd thought of more missile type units (biological and chemical weapons come to mind).
  - All those new town improvements make it hard for you to choose what to do next, but they do make the game a lot more realistic (didn't you hate it when your cities decreased in size because of famine in the original Civ? I know I did).
  - The completely revised diplomacy options (no more "War and Peace"; now it's "War and Peace and Cease Fire and Alliance...) And a smarter AI which remembers when you break a promise and punishes you for it. The original Civ didn't do that, so I could just make peace with an opponent and immediately break it. Alas, I can't do it anymore in the new Civ (sigh). :)
  - More and different terrains, making the game even more realistic and fun.
  - And of course, the completely overhauled Throne Room.
  
  -- Civilization II Review by Greg Galon (writer of this UHS file)
  
  "So how is CIV2 different from the original? Many things:
  
  -- a new three-quarter isometric zoomable view
  -- new combat resolution instead of all or nothing
  -- units can now be "repaired"
  -- new and improved units such as submarines, paratroopers, etc.
  -- completely recamped diplomacy options
  -- new and improved city improvements (stock exchange...)
  -- new and improved Wonders (Sun Tzu's War Academy...)
  -- new special terrain resources
  -- and many other little things..."
  
  -- Civilization II Review by Kasey Chang
  

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