Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization Reviews

Still fun

good game.

It's a good turn-based strategy.

They just dont make them this good anymore. Still a blast to play and rediscover

This game is tough as nails but if your favorite part of the [i]Civilization[/i] games is building and managing your towns, diplomacy, and economy moreso than research and warfare, it's a great alternative that still has the Civ flair but offers something unique. Unlike mainstream Civ where you have multiple roads to victory, there's just two goals 1) [i]survive[/i] and 2) [strike]steal[/strike] write a declaration of independence and survive a revolutionary ware to establish your new nation. You don't have tech trees and units are flexible rather than being locked in which saves you that frustration of "I made a ton of workers early game and now they're bumming around with nothing to do" that plagued CIV 4 and 5. Each colonist is a blank slate that can be cleared and trained into a different specialty, so if the game keeps throwing tobaccoists at you but you don't have any tobacco supplies, you can wipe them back to normal and send them to school or to train under the tutelage of the local natives. The settlements (equivalent to cities in regular CIV) are the real heart and soul of [i]Colonization[/i] and managing them is a lot more hands-on and micro-focused than in CIV, but it avoids becoming too much because the game's scope is a lot smaller than regular CIV. You'll have maybe 3 or 4 and it's wise to monitor their resources, staffing and needs each turn to stay attuned to how efficient they are. The settlements will be quite needy but I find managing them to be a lot of fun. The military aspects are a lot smaller compared to main-line CIV, colonialists can be converted into standard soldiers and you can both go a lot longer without any military units [i]and[/i] pivot into having an army a bit quicker than in standard CIV. Usually at a certain point one of the native populations [i]will[/i] declare war on you so you should have some defenses and units set up and the big finally is basically the motherland sending their whole army at you so you do eventually go to war, but it's nice to have a more chill game compared to CIV where it can feel like everyone can start jumping at your throat at any time. That the military is less an aspect of the game also means CIV IV's doom-stacks are less of an issue which is an area this actually ages a bit better than regular CIV IV. Having beaten two games of this, I do think the run-up to declaring independence becomes a game of spamming as many cannons and new people as possible to convert to solidiers, and both of my revolutionary wars have been fairly easy (having won on both default and Conquistador difficulties). Since you're purely defensive in the big war, defensive perks like Minuteman will make your soldiers pretty sturdy if you let the enemy come to you, so we'll see if that gets tiresome. I have started experimenting with the Authentic Colonization mod which adds a good amount of depth and supposedly reworks the endgame, though I haven't gotten to the modded endgame quite yet. Mechanically this game scratches a lot of itches mainline CIV still doesn't give you a lot of. It's smaller, even a bit cozy, and a nice way to just relax, make some gold, and build some towns. I would love to see a modern game with this scope and gameplay loop though this [i]is[/i] one of those "you couldn't get away with making it today" games in the sense that they plaster over a [i]basically all[/i] of the darker aspects of colonialism. I would love something that plays like this but there's no doubt this is more the version of history you got in elementary school where the pilgrims hung out with the natives and had Thanksgiving together and Pocahontas had a talking raccoon or something (okay it's not [i]that[/i] goofy but it is a lot more rosy than the real thing). There are mods that add a lot more historical accuracy and add a lot more complexity to the game but I'm still getting my ass kicked by the base game so I want to at least get competent at that before getting too deep into even more advanced versions. Maybe someday someone will make a space or fantasy-themed version that side-steps the awkward theming but putting that aside this is as addictive as any CIV and its tons of fun to build you economic engine, min-max your outputs, build your alliances.

Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization is a thoughtfully reimagined classic that brings the original Colonization experience into the modern era with updated graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and improved interface design. As a spin-off of the renowned Civilization series, this title focuses specifically on the early colonization of the Americas, offering players a strategic simulation centered on exploration, settlement building, diplomacy, and resource management. The game’s commitment to historical detail combined with its approachable yet deep gameplay provides a satisfying blend of education and entertainment for both strategy veterans and newcomers alike. At its core, Civilization IV: Colonization tasks players with leading one of four European powers—Spain, England, France, or the Netherlands—as they establish colonies in the New World. The gameplay involves founding settlements, developing the economy through resource gathering and production, recruiting settlers, and engaging with native tribes as well as competing colonial powers. The economic system is particularly robust, emphasizing the collection of raw materials, their conversion into valuable goods, and the export of those goods back to Europe to generate wealth. This intricate economic loop requires careful planning and efficient resource management, giving players a strong sense of progress as their colonies grow. The game’s strategic depth is further enriched by diplomacy and conflict mechanics. Players must navigate relationships with native populations, forging alliances or facing hostilities depending on their actions. Similarly, competition with other European colonizers can escalate into warfare, requiring thoughtful military planning and defense of settlements. The balance between cooperation, conquest, and development adds layers of complexity to the gameplay, encouraging multiple paths to victory. The inclusion of unique historical events and figures also adds flavor and narrative context, grounding the player’s actions in the broader story of colonization. Visually, Civilization IV: Colonization benefits from a polished presentation that updates the original’s pixel art style with cleaner, more detailed graphics and a modernized user interface. The map design is clear and functional, allowing players to strategize effectively without being overwhelmed by clutter. The soundtrack and sound effects complement the colonial theme, enhancing immersion without becoming repetitive or intrusive. While the pace of the game is methodical and often slow, this suits the strategic nature of the experience, rewarding patience and long-term thinking. However, the game is not without its flaws. Some players might find the economic micromanagement repetitive over extended play sessions, and the AI opponents occasionally exhibit predictable or passive behavior, which can reduce the challenge in diplomatic or military encounters. Additionally, the relatively narrow focus on the colonial period means that the scope is more limited compared to the broader Civilization titles, which might not satisfy those looking for expansive empire-building across multiple eras. Nonetheless, these issues are minor in the context of the overall design and do not significantly detract from the enjoyment. In conclusion, Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization is a well-crafted strategy game that successfully revitalizes a classic with thoughtful improvements and a focused thematic approach. Its intricate economic systems, diplomatic nuances, and historical atmosphere make it a rewarding title for players interested in the complexities of early American colonization. Though it may appeal more to dedicated strategy fans than casual gamers, the game’s blend of challenge and historical immersion offers a rich and engaging experience that stands the test of time. Rating: 8/10

This is an excellent historical game that I have enjoyed for many years. I play it every year in early July, as England/George Washington, as a fun way to celebrate the American independence holiday. Thank you, Valve Team, for making this available on Steam, and for your great work on Proton! I am a very happy Linux gamer because of your efforts.