Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Play the World (2002)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Play the World is the first official expansion pack for Sid Meier’s Civilization III, released in 2002. It adds a number of new features to the game, including new civilizations, units, and scenarios. It also introduces several new multiplayer modes, including Turnless mode, Simultaneous mode, and Classic mode.

New Civilizations

Play the World adds eight new civilizations to the game, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses:

  • Byzantines: The Byzantines are a religious civilization with a strong focus on culture and diplomacy. They have a unique unit, the Cataphract, which is a powerful cavalry unit.
  • Celts: The Celts are a warlike civilization with a strong focus on military conquest. They have a unique unit, the Warlord, which is a powerful infantry unit.
  • Ethiopians: The Ethiopians are a peaceful civilization with a strong focus on trade and commerce. They have a unique unit, the Axumite Archer, which is a powerful ranged unit.
  • Koreans: The Koreans are a scientific civilization with a strong focus on research and development. They have a unique unit, the Hwarang, which is a powerful gunpowder unit.
  • Maya: The Maya are a religious civilization with a strong focus on culture and astronomy. They have a unique unit, the Jaguar Warrior, which is a powerful jungle warfare unit.
  • Mongols: The Mongols are a nomadic civilization with a strong focus on mobility and conquest. They have a unique unit, the Keshik, which is a powerful horse archer unit.
  • Portuguese: The Portuguese are a maritime civilization with a strong focus on exploration and trade. They have a unique unit, the Caravel, which is a powerful naval unit.
  • Vikings: The Vikings are a warlike civilization with a strong focus on raiding and conquest. They have a unique unit, the Berserker, which is a powerful infantry unit.

New Units

Play the World adds a number of new units to the game, including:

  • Cataphract: A powerful cavalry unit unique to the Byzantines.
  • Warlord: A powerful infantry unit unique to the Celts.
  • Axumite Archer: A powerful ranged unit unique to the Ethiopians.
  • Hwarang: A powerful gunpowder unit unique to the Koreans.
  • Jaguar Warrior: A powerful jungle warfare unit unique to the Maya.
  • Keshik: A powerful horse archer unit unique to the Mongols.
  • Caravel: A powerful naval unit unique to the Portuguese.
  • Berserker: A powerful infantry unit unique to the Vikings.

New Scenarios

Play the World adds a number of new scenarios to the game, including:

  • Alexander the Great: Play as Alexander the Great and conquer the known world.
  • Julius Caesar: Play as Julius Caesar and conquer the Roman Empire.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte: Play as Napoleon Bonaparte and conquer Europe.
  • Genghis Khan: Play as Genghis Khan and conquer Asia.
  • The Seven Wonders of the World: Build all seven wonders of the ancient world in a single game.

New Multiplayer Modes

Play the World adds several new multiplayer modes to the game, including:

  • Turnless mode: In Turnless mode, turns are taken simultaneously by each player. A turn ends when the turn timer runs out.
  • Simultaneous mode: In Simultaneous mode, turns are taken at the same time. When all players are done making their moves (or the optional turn clock runs out), the moves are made and units and buildings are produced.
  • Classic mode: Classic mode is the same as the multiplayer mode in the original Civilization III game. Each player takes their turn separately.

Conclusion

Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Play the World is a great expansion pack that adds a lot of new content and features to the original game. The new civilizations, units, and scenarios are all well-designed and add a lot of replayability to the game. The multiplayer modes are also a lot of fun, especially the Turnless and Simultaneous modes. Overall, Play the World is a must-have for fans of Civilization III.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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