Civilization

I have no idea who Sid Meier is. Sure if I google or wikipedia his name I might find his biography or at the very least his picture but this is unimportant. The only thing that really matters is that his name is on the best civilization game of all time. So good, in fact, that its title is simply "Civilization". It's like if Street Fighter was simply called "Fighting Game" but in a non-ironic way.

The port for the iPhone, Civilization Revolution, takes the classic strategy game and shrinks it down to a package that fits in one's hand. Thankfully instead of trying to include all the flash and little tidbits (both in terms of graphics and the huge amounts of information) of the PC version they bring only the basics, simplify the art (making it more cartoony, just like the console version of Civ Rev), use an overhead camera, and sell it in a nice downloadable package that very often is on sale for as little as $2.99.

The map is smaller, the moves, battles and structures are in 2-D but otherwise everything is just like in the big Civilization games. The objective is simply to start your own civilization, starting with one of more than 10 world leaders (including Catherine). The first order of business is to establish a city and start producing goods: art, defense, religion and its all its accompanying structures. As time passes cities expand and new empires begin to emerge, its up to the player to decide what kind of relationship to have with neighbours.

Sure peace might be the best option but war is often necessary and an Empire that is not prepared will soon find its cities being conquered and its borders shrinking. Luckily one is not just thrown onto the international community alone, there are groups of advisers who help make decisions by telling you the consequences of your actions. New players will find it hard to understand but awfully enjoyable once that threshold has been crossed. Its the only game on the iPhone I've played for two hours straight and its especially enjoyable when one's army's begin to evolve and actually win wars and conquer foreign cities.

The art is perfect for an iPhone game. The leaders are nicely drawn, they range from Bismarck to Ghandi to Catherine and lots more in between. The battles are done as short animated cut scenes, the various troop types and structures are done in a magnificent style with very lively colours. The whole thing is really a treat for the eyes. The menus and controls are intuitive, the play options are endless, the AI is challenging and the sound, from the Sims like dialogue to the battle music is top notch.

There is nothing negative about this game. It might be a bit expensive (I bought it for 4.99) but if we're going to start talking about the iPhone as a gaming platform we also have to compare its prices to the competitors and $5 for a game is actually pretty cheap. It also sets the standards high for iPhone games, lets be honest some games just plain sucks, some are just money grabs but this is a genuine, well done strategy game available without having to turn on a PC and insert a cd, its available for bus rides and boring family reunions and its in your pocket.

Remember back when having thousands of songs in your pocket was brilliant novelty? well how about having a game like this available whenever you want? I'd say its just as brilliant.