When we last reviewed Civilization Revolution, we thought it was a streamlined yet slightly glitchy world-conquering sim game that felt pretty good on Apple's handheld iDevice. Now a new, plus-sized version has been released for the iPad, and it's big enough to give the original version a Napoleon complex.
What was really impressive about the iPhone version of Civilization Revolution was the way it streamlined the Civilization gameplay mechanics, which have become increasingly complex over the years, and made it into a more tightly focused series of gameplay decisions. Instead of agonizing over raising taxes or placing peasants on the right plots of land, you can focus on the big-picture decisions-- namely, who to war with, and whether to emphasize your civilization's culture, military, economy, or technology.
Stay away from Pompeii.
The maps are still tiny, especially when viewed on the iPad's nice big screen, and this can lead to some run-ins with the neighboring civilizations early on. You still can't customize the type of map you play on, which was a complaint we had with the last game as well. Fortunately, the glitches that plagued us in the last game, like slowdown and sudden crashes, seem to be gone.
Civilization Revolution for iPad sports huge, gorgeous graphics that really show off the iPad's screen. Characters like the barbarians you conquer and leaders from other civilizations look incredibly vibrant and detailed. However, battle animations are fought in a tiny, postage-stamp sized square in the middle, which is obviously a holdover from the iPhone version and looks distractingly out of place.
Montezuma's revenge.
Another problem with the game is the difficulty level, but this is adjustable so that you can find the level of competition that suits your ability. While the main Civ series starts out tough even on the lowest levels, try dialing it up a few notches if you've ever played a Civ game before. Otherwise, you'll flatten those other civilizations without much of a challenge.
Few games let you grow from the Stone Age to the Atomic Age, and it's a real pleasure to rewrite history as you see fit. Civilization Revolution is a great launch title for the iPad, and it's worth owning even if you already have the iPhone version.
Editor's Note: This review covers the content exclusive to the iPad version of this game. For the full game review, click here.
11 Comments
Given the size of the iPad display, I find it infuriating how little of the map you can see on the iPad version. To me, that's a dropped ball on a game that's about strategy rather than pretty graphics. (That said, I'd still sooner see a reworked port of Civ II for iPad than Civ 'beat everyone up before they kill you' Rev.)
You can zoom the map out by pinching the screen.
Hey, Andrew.
I think it might be time for updating the review of the iPhone version of Civilization Revolution. I just downloaded it a couple of days ago and have played it a lot since then. I have not experienced any of the technical problems mentioned in the review. It's still one of the best strategy games available for the iPhone, and I think it deserves a SlideToPlay review which reflects that.
Would love to see a comparison shot showing the size between the 2 versions
Ok I will admit: I had no desire to own an iPad- until now!
;)
In your reviews, please compare the original iPhone version with screen-doubling and the native iPad version.... And I think full-sized screenshots are a must on padvance.com
It really sucks that this is one of the most expensive iPad games at $12.99, 2x the price of the iPhone version. Especially considering Wesnoth HD will be $0.99 ;)
I've been checking the App Store every day since the iPad apps launched for Wesnoth HD. Any idea when we might see it?
I love it it is amazing! Looks fabulous on the ipad. So many little changes tovrhe interface that makes it perfect. I wish the iPhone version came as a bonus with this though. I am playin light on my phone and don't wan to drip another 7 to play it on both
Have had Civ for iPad for about a month. It crashed continually. Emails to company not answered. Not impressed!
for some reason, I can't download or even find this game in the App Store. Not for my iPhone 4 nor for my iPad. has it been blocked from other stores than the US?
It's still there on the UK store (11th April 2011):
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/civilization-revolution-for/id364150646?mt=8
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