Civ Rev on DS..

[BabyJesus]

Just wanted to comment how awesome that game is, finally a handheld version of one of the best games ever created that controls well and yanks out a good bit of micromanagement. (except for the bits that you need to double tap anyway)

Finished 2 games so far in less than 5 sittings(could not pull myself away). Now to ratchet up the AI and see if the game can wallop me.

[DjinniMan]

I'm seriously considering picking this up as well. I didn't like all the micromanagement of the older games, can you be more specific as to how it has changed?

[Rogue_hunter]

I'm waiting to read Backseat Killer's post on this game. It's pretty much all she played at PAX. She really REALLY REALLY likes the game.

[J Arcane]

This is the only version of CivRev that remotely interested me. Up until now the only other handheld Civ was for the NGage.

Now if they'd only put it on the PSP.

[AliasRomanian]

I have this game, but for some reason I just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure if it was the small screen or just not having enough depth. I ended up going back to FFTA2, I know they are different types of games but I'd rather play that style of turn based.

[biosc1]

This game has definitely led to many cramped hands for me :(

It's an absolutely fabulous game that will have a direct impact on your sex life if you bring your DS into the bedroom ;)

[BabyJesus]

I'm seriously considering picking this up as well. I didn't like all the micromanagement of the older games, can you be more specific as to how it has changed?

Hard to explain, but everything is simplified, you can still do some micromanagement, but overall they just streamlined it and removed some steps.

[BabyJesus]

This is the only version of CivRev that remotely interested me. Up until now the only other handheld Civ was for the NGage.

Now if they'd only put it on the PSP.

Yeah, pisses me off that they have no PSP version. The big screen would be nice, although having dual screens is handy too.

[Everyone vs Dinosaurs]

I thought this could be a good one.

I never really got into the PC games, could this one possibly interest me?

[Backseat Killer]

I will post more about what makes it good and what it is lacking (compared to the 360 version) but for now all I have to say is I still can't put this fucking game down! It is very well balanced and very intuitive. I would dare say it is one of the best games on the DS for this genre.

[Purple Santa]

I thought this could be a good one.

I never really got into the PC games, could this one possibly interest me?

I can't speak for the DS version...yet...but in general, since I played the 360 version...holy crap is it addictive. So yes, it's been toned down according to those who have played the PC version. Toned down to me means more fun...less "depth" = less boring shit to do...the version I played was fast, intuitive and I just wanted to "play one more turn"...I haven't gotten the DS version since...well, crack on a console is bad enough...I can turn that off...portable crack? I'll be playing in class...

One would think if it has Backseat Killer's endorsement...it's time to buy a copy :D

[Backseat Killer]

And I didn't even make that game!

[Xerxes]

I'll have to get my hands on this i guess.

[Everyone vs Dinosaurs]

Disegea > Civ Rev?


Civ Rev > Disegea?

I need some help here guys

[pomeroy]

Disegea > Civ Rev?


Civ Rev > Disegea?

I need some help here guys

Dude, they're so different.

I like Disgaea better. But that's because I have only ever played Civ on the computer and it BORED. ME. TO. TEARS.

[J Arcane]

Disegea > Civ Rev?


Civ Rev > Disegea?

I need some help here guys
Gimme even a dumbed down Civ game over the world's grindiest JRPG ever any day of the week.

[Purple Santa]

Dude, they're so different.

I like Disgaea better. But that's because I have only ever played Civ on the computer and it BORED. ME. TO. TEARS.

They simplified it for the console/handheld. You should try to rent it. I never played a Civ. game and new barely anything about it...that is how it lured me in...I can't say more, it just brings up memories I can't talk about ;)

Gimme even a dumbed down Civ game over the world's grindiest JRPG ever any day of the week.

@ E vs Ds: This is all you need to know. Just get yourself a copy.

[Kielaran]

Damn all of you...I have too much to buy for my DS already!

[Bone]

I'm writing this mini-review because Backseat Killer can't seem to stop playing the game long enough to talk about it :)

Civilization:Revolution on the DS is a top-down, 2D version of the console game that in some ways is more enjoyable than its big brother. You can use the touchscreen very effectively or opt for old-school D-pad and button controls.

As others have said, this game is a departure from a typical PC Civilization in that the micromanagement aspects (like constructing each section of a road) are minimized, and the game is time limited to try and ensure a two to three hour session. As a big fan of the 360 version, I can say that if you've played the 360 or PS3 version of Civ:Rev, you can play the exact same game on the DS right now.

Every gameplay mechanic from the console version is present- truly the only missing feature I've seen is the lack of "tribute" gifts from faraway kingdoms. You can still name the unique rivers, plains, mountains, and seas, but the names don't print on the map due to the limited screen space. One great side effect of the 2D presentation is that you avoid the video lag present in at least the 360 version when starting a turn.

Another slight benefit to the DS version is that a little more of the combat math is exposed in the GUI... numbers which actually informed my tactics when I went back to the 360 version. Otherwise, all of your tactics from the console version will apply, from sieges to city production to technology research. Besides the gameplay similarities, Civ:Rev on the DS shares art and sound effects with the console versions. You'll recognize all the units instantly, down to the female spy's kickboxing animations. I can't stress enough how much this is like pocketing the console version of Civ:Rev for travel.

Even though the micromanagement is toned down from the PC versions of Civ, there are still nods to the control freak in all of us. You can change each city's focus from balanced to a generic focus on gold, science, food, or production. This will change the city borders on your map to reflect the kind of resources you need (mountains and forests for production, plains for food, etc) depending on the radius of your city's influence. You can even customize the city focus, to the extent that you can pick up and place civilians on the resources you want them to harvest.

Being so true to the console version, even some of the minor design annoyances were passed down to the DS port. The unit queue is poorly written, such that you'll move a unit in one city, then move to the next unit a city away, only to be returned to the first city for the next unit to move. I don't know if the order is based on your moves from the previous turn, but a locational-based queue would make more sense. Similarly, there is no way to turn off the "build" function in a city once you've built all possible units, buildings, and wonders- which means that as you near a victory, you have to spend the first part of your turn basically telling each one of your cities that you don't want to build anything. This is really a minor flaw, especially as you crank the difficulty to Emperor or Deity where you'll need your cities building units almost every round.

Backseat Killer and I haven't tried a multiplayer game yet, but from my experiences so far I assume it will play out much like the 360 version. Maybe she can write something up once she's whipped me in versus mode.

[Superman's Dead]

review!

I was just reading a post of yours in another thread and thinking, "Man, Bone's avatar is freaking creepy," and then I go to check out some Civilization for my DS and BAM! There it is.

Thanks for the review; I loved this game as a kid and I'll probably pick this up used when the price drops a bit.

[Bone]

I was just reading a post of yours in another thread and thinking, "Man, Bone's avatar is freaking creepy," and then I go to check out some Civilization for my DS and BAM! There it is.

Thanks for the review; I loved this game as a kid and I'll probably pick this up used when the price drops a bit.
Thanks man! Also, my avatar is a zombie I drew on my DS. Check my blogs for more art if you're interested.

[mightbe]

I picked this up for my plane flight to and from Paris.

[Xerxes]

Thanks man! Also, my avatar is a zombie I drew on my DS. Check my blogs for more art if you're interested.

I also have something like art in my blog. :o