Sid Meier is a legend in the world of computer game development and the Civilization series is arguably his greatest achievement. Civilization Revolution is a streamlined version of the world conquest game which saw release on various console platforms in the past few years. In fact, this reporter profiled the iPhone version of CivRev here at Suite101.
While playing CivRev on a smartphone adds a mobility factor unseen in the computer or video game versions of the title, the game's interface felt rather cramped. Those UI problems fade away in CivRev for the iPad.
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution for the iPad Features
- World Conquest on a Tablet Computer!
- Win Using Military, Culture, Science, and Economics
- Play as One of 16 Civilizations
- Enhanced Leveling Up for Combat Units
- Tutorial and In-Game Advisors
While CivRev on the iPad doesn't have the massive amount of depth as its PC-based older brother, the game still scratches that discovery and conquest itch, all while fitting perfectly on the iPad interface.
Take Over the World on the iPad
Gamers already familiar with Civilization Revolution will feel at home on the iPad version since the graphics and interface are essentially identical. Of course, the excellent touchscreen on Apple's tablet computer greatly improves the game's playability.
Simple taps and finger swipes are generally all that's needed to control CivRev. In fact, moving units is almost too easy, as the occasional misplaced swipe can lead to an incorrect move. The ability to undo these moves needs to be added as an enhancement!
In a similar fashion as the tablet version of the open source Battle for Wesnoth strategy game, CivRev finds its true home on the larger screen of the iPad when compared to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Hex-based strategy games are just a joy to play on the iPad; hopefully more are released on the platform in the future.
CivRev's Great Replay Value
With five difficulty levels and sixteen different civilizations to play, CivRev provides a great deal of replay value. Each civilization has its own strengths and weaknesses, which adds to the variety in gameplay.
A recent Suite101 article chronicles an interesting CivRev victory strategy using the French and their cultural advantages while applying the principles of Chinese military philosopher, Sun Tzu. It's this kind of analysis that illustrates CivRev's worth as a strategy game, and now Civilization Revolution sports a superior user interface with its iPad edition.
Paul Williams - Paul Williams' unique set of experiences allow him to communicate complex issues in a clear manner, yet still be an entertaining read.
Join the Conversation