Joystiq

XCOM: Enemy Unknown trailer digs deep into the 'ant farm' base

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST

XCOM: Enemy Unknown's October 9 launch date this morning was also coupled with screenshots and a developer doc on XCOM's base of operations. Referred to as the "ant farm," the XCOM base is a living cutaway, allowing players to build out and create all new rooms to assist the agency in its clandestine operations.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (5/22/12)

XCOM: Enemy Unknown trailer digs deep into the 'ant farm' base originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown videos introduce developers, artistic approach

David Hinkle — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:30:00 EST

Fans of the original XCOM may have some concern regarding the upcoming reboot from Firaxis, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. But lead designer Jake Soloman wants to put those fears to bed - for him, the first game was "formative" and responsible for his life today as a game developer.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown videos introduce developers, artistic approach originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5: Gods and Kings finds religion, release date on June 19

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST

Civilization 5's "Gods and Kings" expansion is set to enter the timeline on June 19 and 22 in North America and internationally, respectively.

At GDC, developers gave us a better idea of the changes in the expansion pack, which will add 27 new units, 13 new buildings and nine new Wonders and civilizations. The big changes will include the addition of religion and espionage, along with tweaks to diplomacy. We're still looking forward to hearing more about the game's additional scenarios, including the "Victorian science-fiction scenario."

Gallery: Civilization 5: Gods and Kings (GDC 2012)

Continue reading Civilization 5: Gods and Kings finds religion, release date on June 19

Civilization 5: Gods and Kings finds religion, release date on June 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown to support mods, have unique UI on PC

David Hinkle — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a more traditional return to the XCOM series, with Sid Meier "indirectly" lending his expertise.

PC Gamer recently visited the Firaxis offices to speak with the developer about how the PC version will stack up next to its console brethren. The site reports the PC version will get some extra TLC in mod support and a special, mouse-driven user interface.

In addition to the UI tailoring, the PC will support mods through the underlying Unreal Engine, though none will be available at launch. Check PC Gamer for more info.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown to support mods, have unique UI on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM 'deep dive' doc probes 'Enemy Unknown' updates

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:45:00 EST

Firaxis' "reimagining" of the original XCOM with XCOM: Enemy Unknown gets some great overall detail in this "deep dive" trailer. It covers the changes between the original game and where Firaxis went with the strategy game launching this autumn.

Continue reading XCOM 'deep dive' doc probes 'Enemy Unknown' updates

XCOM 'deep dive' doc probes 'Enemy Unknown' updates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sid Meier indirectly involved in XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

XCOM: Enemy Unknown's lead designer Jake Solomon may be part of a conspiracy at Firaxis that finds studio head Sid Meier experimenting on employees. Asked by PC Gamer if the legendary creator of the Civilization series is involved in the development of XCOM, Solomon noted he and Meier interact on an almost daily basis.

"I say 'Look, I have this problem. What do you think I should do?' and he's a very gifted designer. He can look at a situation and he can say 'have you tried this?' And I'll be like, 'oh, that's really good.' I claim all the credit for it, but I rely on him so much," Solomon said, before saying too much. "I'm now to the point where I can basically hear his voice in my head, which is probably not healthy. He tells me to hurt people. [laughs]"

Fight the chip inside your head, Solomon! We believe in you.

Sid Meier indirectly involved in XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5: Gods & Kings expansion announced, available 'late spring 2012'

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST

Religion and espionage return to the Civilization series when the fifth installment receives the "Gods & Kings" expansion before the summer solstice.

The expansion includes 27 new units, 13 new buildings and nine new Wonders. There's also nine new civilizations, including Carthage, the Netherlands and the Celts. Along with two new types of city-states: mercantile and religious.

Scenarios include the medieval period, the fall of the Rome and the (very cool sounding) Empires of the Smoky Skies, "a Victorian science-fiction scenario."Oooh!

Most importantly, however, is the return of religion and the salvation or subjugation of the populace through its means. As players enter the Renaissance, spies can be unlocked to change the course of history through surveillance, theft and the always good fun of a coup. Sounds like a missed opportunity for an Assassin's Creed crossover if you ask us.

Gallery: Civilization V: Gods and Kings

Civilization 5: Gods & Kings expansion announced, available 'late spring 2012' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown shares its gas-station strategy

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST

Firaxis' XCOM: Enemy Unknown will require a specific blend of strategy, turn-based and action-title abilities -- even with a team of three against a unit of Mutons holed up in a 1950s diner across the lot from a gas station. Such is the new preview provided by Game Informer, describing the turn-based steps and tactical placement of a three-person squad assaulting a team of Mutons, told through in-game screens.

The piece outs a perk for the sniper, who earns "Damn Good Ground" after grappling to the top of the gas-station canopy, and the "Run & Gun" ability for the Assault soldier, which allows her to run across the diner's roof and still open fire at the end of her turn. Firaxis has yet to release video footage of this fall's XCOM game, but if you scroll really fast through these pictures, it's almost like a stop-motion movie. Almost.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown shares its gas-station strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown mixes strategy and turn-based combat, first screens

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Looks like we were right again -- Firaxis' XCOM: Enemy Unknown isn't a remake of the original game, but is more of a re-imagining, Firaxis told Game Informer. Enemy Unknown will mix real-time strategy on a global scale with turn-based combat, making it less of an RTS in the classic sense, Firaxis said.

Strategically, players will handle all the holistic aspects of conducting extra-terrestrial warfare, including directing research into alien technology, mollifying nations worldwide to secure funding, attacking UFOs with jet fighters, leveling up soldiers, recruiting new ones and directing the Skyranger transport to battle aliens on the ground.

Enemy Unknown isn't copying the functions of the 1994 original -- soldiers will have different stats, for example -- and it gets rid of much of the "tedium and uninteresting mechanics," while keeping gameplay challenging, Firaxis said. Enemy Unknown takes place in the thick of the alien invasion of Earth, while 2K Marin's first-person shooter XCOM covers the first alien attacks on the US. This is interesting, considering Enemy Unknown may end up launching before 2K Marin's title.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (1/9/12)

XCOM: Enemy Unknown mixes strategy and turn-based combat, first screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown returns to strategy genre, thanks to Firaxis

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:25:00 EST

Were you thoroughly enraged when 2K Games announced intentions to first-person shooter-ize your favorite strategy game series, XCOM? Here's some potentially good (and calming) news: Civilization developer Firaxis Games is currently working on another totally new XCOM game, called XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Unlike 2K Marin's game (simply called XCOM), this one falls under the strategy genre that popularized the franchise to begin with.

Despite the strategy angle, the game is planned for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC for this fall. More info will be revealed in this month's issue of Game Informer, per the cover reveal. We'd also like to bet right now that the Firaxis title arrives before the 2K Marin one. It's a race!

It's worth noting that the first XCOM was subtitled "Enemy Unknown," though no indication is given that it's a remake of the original title. We've reached out to Firaxis and 2K all the same, but for now we're presuming it's little more than a nod to the original title.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown returns to strategy genre, thanks to Firaxis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 adds Koreans, ancient wonders DLC August 11

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:59:00 EST

Civilization 5 continues its rapid DLC expansion with two new packs, featuring the Koreans and Ancient Wonders on August 11. The "Civilization and Scenario Pack: Korea" will have Sejong the Great presiding over events, with the new Turtle Ships and Hwach'a artillery at his command. The pack also includes a scenario that finds the Koreans holding off the Japanese warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi from invading the peninsula. You can play as Korea, China, Manchuria or Japan in the scenario.

The "Wonders of the Ancient World Scenario Pack" adds three new wonders: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Statue of Zeus and Temple of Artemis. The scenario for this pack will have civs competing to build (or capture from neighbors) the most wonders in a set amount of time. The packs are $4.99 apiece, or $7.49 for the "Korea and Ancient World Combo Pack".

Continue reading Civilization 5 adds Koreans, ancient wonders DLC August 11

Civilization 5 adds Koreans, ancient wonders DLC August 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization World launches on Facebook, global productivity threatened

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:40:00 EST

Like chocolate and peanut butter ... no, that's too positive. Like meth and heroin, two of the world's greatest time suckers have combined to possibly (and with a hint of dramatic irony) destroy civilization as we know it. This is all to say that Civilization World for Facebook is available now.

The freemium app attempts to get you checking Facebook more than you already do, by heaping on the addictive "just one more turn" qualities of the Civilization franchise. Some recently featured videos should give you an idea of what makes this game different from your regular Farmville-esque fare.

Your journey into lost time begins on the CivWorld's Facebook page. Don't have a Facebook account? Stay strong, you mighty warrior, for you have resisted what 750 million people could not.

Gallery: Civilization World (6/23/11)

Continue reading Civilization World launches on Facebook, global productivity threatened

Civilization World launches on Facebook, global productivity threatened originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civ World screenshots and video will conquer your curiosity

Mike Schramm — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:50:00 EST

The two videos (and gallery) below will give you a good idea of what it's like to play Civilization World, the Facebook variant of everyone's favorite 4X strategy title. Think Civ, with cartoonish looks and more involvement from your friends.

Continue reading Civ World screenshots and video will conquer your curiosity

Civ World screenshots and video will conquer your curiosity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization World walkthroughs kick off with the basics

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:30:00 EST

Beyond the name and developer, Civilization World shares more than a few traits with the series from which it was spawned. The first in a planned series of walkthroughs from Firaxis cursorily details those similarities, just below the break.

Continue reading Civilization World walkthroughs kick off with the basics

Civilization World walkthroughs kick off with the basics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization on Facebook aiming for summer launch

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:30:00 EST

Civilization World, the Facebook incarnation of the epic strategy series, is expected to launch this summer. A recent piece by CNN, in which Firaxis emperor Sid Meier called Civ World "the most dramatic stretch" the series has seen so far, as Meier expressed a typical Civ multiplayer game can easily span 12 or more continuous hours, but the Facebook version can start and stop over days and weeks.

The last major "stretch" for Civilization -- if you don't consider hex-based boards totally crazy -- was the console-based Civilization Revolution. Despite taking the core elements of Civ and doing a great job of bringing it to consoles, it apparently wasn't good enough for a sequel.

Civilization on Facebook aiming for summer launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Civilization 5 Viking and Explorer DLC packs now available

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 04 May 2011 16:20:00 EST

You spent the last week gathering up your chainmail shirt and a handy seax for battle, knowing full well that this week brought both Viking and Explorer downloadable content to Civilization V -- that's a given. But have you gotten your fancy exploring telescope oiled? Or your ship captain's wig powdered? Let's hope, as both DLC pieces are now available on Steam for $4.99 each or $7.49 together. And frankly, where would you be without your telescope at the ready?

Lost, is where.

PSA: Civilization 5 Viking and Explorer DLC packs now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Firaxis working on Unreal 3-powered console game, Civ Revolution sequel existed

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

Working through LinkedIn profile pages and various resumes of current and former Firaxis Games employees, internet detective Supererogatory unearthed what appear to be two juicy bits of information about the studio. First up: Apparently Firaxis was developing a sequel to Civilization Revolution back in 2008 for PC, PS3 and 360, according to the resume of David Jones, a current character artist at Firaxis.

Also of note, the LinkedIn profile of ex-Firaxis level engineer Chris Doyle and the resume of former game programmer Will Miller both reference an "unannounced," multiplatform title, using Unreal Engine 3, as being in development at the Civ studio. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Miller's resume classifies the mystery game as a "AAA strategy title." Supererogatory posits that it could be the same title that was first spotted on a resume from 2008. We've yet to get a response from Firaxis or 2K Games on the matter.

Rumor: Firaxis working on Unreal 3-powered console game, Civ Revolution sequel existed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civ 5's Polynesia DLC sets sail on Thursday

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST

Civilization 5's premium Polynesia scenario pack and a free multiplayer map pack will be available on March 3 for the PC version of the game.

The Polyneisa DLC will include the "Paradise Found" scenario, which tasks players with becoming the dominant culture in Polynesia among four kingdoms. The Polynesian civilization is represented by Kamehameha; who brings with him Maori warriors, Maoi statues and the ability to embark on ocean tiles from the start of the game. The add-on pack will cost $5 (£3).

The free multiplayer map pack will include a skirmish map for one-on-one battles, a map called "Ring," which will have "enemies on your flanks," and "Ancient Lake," which features an inland sea with a "secret."

Continue reading Civ 5's Polynesia DLC sets sail on Thursday

Civ 5's Polynesia DLC sets sail on Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 4 and 5 on sale this weekend through Steam

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST

Two Civilization titles that are sure to stand the test of time are on sale this weekend through Steam. Civilization 4: The Complete Edition is $7.50, 75 percent off the regular price. It includes the core game, plus the two expansion packs (Warlords & Beyond the Sword), along with the Civ 4 spin-off Colonization.

Civilization 5, in both the regular and "digital deluxe" editions, is 40 percent off, allowing your wallet to complete download production of the games for $29.99 and $35.99, respectively. This civilized offer will be extinguished next Monday.

[Thanks, Steve]

Civilization 4 and 5 on sale this weekend through Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 lead designer Jon Shafer leaves Firaxis

David Hinkle — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:10:00 EST

Lead designer for Civilization 5, Jon Shafer, has left Firaxis, his LinkedIn profile shows (via Flash of Steel). Shafer, who's been with the company for over five years and a longtime member of the franchise's devout modding scene, was the biggest proponent for uploading and sharing custom maps in this year's entry.

Shafer revealed to the Flash of Steel blog that he was not let go from Firaxis -- he resigned on his own, apparently. We've reached out to Shafer and 2K Games for further comment.

[Image credit: Firaxis]

Civilization 5 lead designer Jon Shafer leaves Firaxis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 deploys biggest patch of 2010 AD

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

The Civilization 5 mega patch for 2010 is available today. The update includes a laundry list that would make the old lady that lives in a shoe throw up her hands in defeat. The most important fixes are probably applicable to the AI, which apparently couldn't recognize that there were no more "stacks of doom" in Civ 5, leading it to send wave after wave of troops to their death against even the most lax of defenses. There will also be far greater transparency in diplomatic negotiations once the update is applied.

The patch comes a day (as promised) before the "Double Civilization and Scenario Pack," which will add Queen Isabella of Spain, Pachacuti of the Incan Empire and the "New World" scenario. Have your team of advisers read over the patch notes after the break and inform you on the best course of action.

Continue reading Civilization 5 deploys biggest patch of 2010 AD

Civilization 5 deploys biggest patch of 2010 AD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 paid DLC adds Spanish, Incan nations and new scenario

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST

The "Double Civilization and Scenario Pack" is the second DLC bundle for Civilization 5, adding two civilizations and a "New World" scenario that takes place in 1492. The additional civs have Queen Isabella repping for Spain and Pachacuti being the go-to negotiator for the Incan Empire. The pack will hit the interwebs on December 16 for $7.49 on PC and Mac.

The "Cradle of Civilization" DLC pack, which was a pre-order bonus, was released earlier this month for $10. All this DLC nickel and dime talk may be distressing, but a major, free patch should be available before the next bit of paid DLC goes live.

Gallery: Civilization 5: Spain and Inca DLC

Civilization 5 paid DLC adds Spanish, Incan nations and new scenario originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civ IV theme nominated for Grammy, first game music ever nominated

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST

The slow-to-adapt music industry has finally caught on that Christopher Tin's "Baba Yetu," an amazing piece composed for Civilization IV, is worthy of a Grammy nomination. The song was originally created for the 2005 game, but has since made the pro choir circuit over the years, and has also become a staple of Video Games Live. The track, which is nominated in the "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists" category, is from the composer's debut album, Calling All Dawns.

Video Games Live Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico tells Joystiq that this is the first time a song made for a video game has been nominated for a Grammy award. He explained, "We've worked very hard through the Game Audio Network Guild for the past decade to gain game composers the ability to be nominated for a Grammy and to get the recognition they deserve. ... We've always been very honored to work together with our good friend Christopher Tin to bring this wonderful song to the world. As video games start to evolve more into our culture and become a bigger part of mainstream society, we're hoping to see a lot more of this kind of thing happening in the future."

The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 13, 2011. Best of luck to Tin on grabbing the Grammy: he'll win an award and hold a record that will stand the test of time.

Civ IV theme nominated for Grammy, first game music ever nominated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 patch notes released, no ETA for update

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

2K Games has revealed quite a big list of fixes coming to Firaxis' stellar Civilization 5. The rather large update addresses several of the most common complaints, like those pesky game-crashing bugs, but goes deeper to fix other issues involving the AI, UI and gameplay.

The patch notes, which we've listed after the break, do not represent everything that's in the update. According to 2K, it's just what the developers have been working on for the "past couple weeks." There is currently no estimated time of arrival for the update, so there could still be plenty of more things addressed -- we certainly like what we see so far.

Continue reading Civilization 5 patch notes released, no ETA for update

Civilization 5 patch notes released, no ETA for update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 review: A funny thing happened on the way to the forum

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST

Civilzation 5 is the love child of a clandestine tryst between Civilization 4 and Civilization Revolution. It is a game that shares genetic markers of both the PC and console iterations of the franchise, luckily receiving the best elements of both -- with a couple good mutations. Civ 5 has the grand, epic feel we expect from the series on PC, but so much of it has been streamlined for the better that Revolution's influence is undeniable.

I'm going to try something different in this review. Civilization has been around for almost two decades and the most divisive moment in the franchise's history was the creation of the console-based Civilization Revolution. With that in mind, I'm going to divide this review into three parts, with sections for [1] Civilization PC veterans; [2] those who enjoyed Civilization Revolution; and [3] "the uninitiated." Read all three perspectives and find out if this latest Civ unites the tribes.

Gallery: Civilization 5 (8/4/10)

Continue reading Civilization 5 review: A funny thing happened on the way to the forum

Civilization 5 review: A funny thing happened on the way to the forum originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5's epic 13-minute gameplay walkthrough video

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST

With Civilization 5's demo launching the same day as the game on September 21, it seems the best way to find out what you're in for with the latest installment is by checking out the 13-minute gameplay video after the break. We'll also have our review of the game up tomorrow and the video is a good primer for some of the big changes found in the latest iteration in the classic franchise.

Continue reading Civilization 5's epic 13-minute gameplay walkthrough video

Civilization 5's epic 13-minute gameplay walkthrough video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Civilization 4: The Complete Edition' for $10 on Games for Windows Live

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Civilization 4: The Complete Edition is on sale through Games for Windows Live for $10. That's 75 percent off the regular price. The sale began today and will stand the test of time ... until September 1, 2010, when a sneak attack will wipe out the deal -- or so The Oracle foretells.

The Civ 4 complete edition includes all the expansion packs for the epic critically acclaimed strategy game, including Colonization, which is more of a spin-off. It's certainly an amazing deal, but just remember that Civilization 5 will be out September 21. We doubt that one will cost $10.

'Civilization 4: The Complete Edition' for $10 on Games for Windows Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seen @ Gamescom: Napoleon, Caesar debate Civ 5 tactics

Alexander Sliwinski — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Watching two of the world's greatest leaders debating politics and strategy for Civilization 5 was a highlight of Gamescom. 2K Games went all out and created clones of Napoleon Bonaparte and Augustus Caesar to check out the game and QA test some strategy. We're sure the duo's feedback to the dev team will be invaluable leading up to the game's September 21 launch -- we just hope they're not listening to Napoleon's "100 days" plan. We already know how that ends, folks.

Gallery: Civilization 5 (8/4/10)

Seen @ Gamescom: Napoleon, Caesar debate Civ 5 tactics originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 system requirements revealed

David Hinkle — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Firaxis has passed along the system requirements for its upcoming game, Civilization 5. Here's the good news: you won't need a Crysis-level PC to assert your dominion over others. Bad news? It's not September 21 yet.

Continue reading Civilization 5 system requirements revealed

Civilization 5 system requirements revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: Civilization 5 in under an hour

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:55:00 EST

I spent about 45 minutes playing Civilization 5 at a press event in late June. Anyone who's played a Civilization title should immediately recognize that 45 minutes isn't enough time to conquer diddly. If Civ is anything it's time intensive, and its entries require numerous hours of experimentation before their subtle nuances become apparent.

I broke up my preview into two parts: spending about half an hour building up Caesar and company from the "Dawn of Man" scenario and the rest of the time playing as a highly advanced version of the same empire. Where to begin? Oh, right: It's Civilization. It plays like Civilization.

That's a glowing compliment for most games, but I found myself questioning whether Civ 5 was deserving of the bold new number: How's it so different from Civ 4? "There's always ideas you can bring back to that deep strategy setting on the PC, and I really don't think it's marketing speak to say, 'There's always something new that you want to try,'" Firaxis marketing associate Pete Murray offered. "There's always something you can take to that fundamental formula and change it, and say, 'Okay, what can we do that's new and exciting with combat? What can we do that's new and exciting with culture? Diplomacy?'"

While I generally agree that there's always room for improvement and innovation when iterating, my short time with Civilization 5 left me with the initial impression that this game hasn't changed that much.

Gallery: Civilization 5 (8/4/10)

Continue reading Preview: Civilization 5 in under an hour

Preview: Civilization 5 in under an hour originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 Special Edition includes miniatures, soundtrack, art book

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

In addition to the standard retail version, Civilization 5 will be offered in a special edition box to better stand the test of time. The bundle includes: five metal figurines based on in-game units, a two-disc CD soundtrack, the "Behind the Scenes at Firaxis on Civilization V" DVD and a 176-page hardcover art book. The special edition will build its first city in the the UK on September 24 for £60. (We've sent a messenger pigeon to 2K Games for confirmation of a North American release and price.)

Our recent preview of Civ 5 left us feeling good about the sequel's prospects. Yeah ... like, "just one more turn" good. We should probably go to a meeting.

Update: 2K Games confirmed to Joystiq the special edition will settle in North America on September 21 for $99.99.

Gallery: Civilization V (E3 2010)

Civilization 5 Special Edition includes miniatures, soundtrack, art book originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization 5 will convert Civ 4 maps automatically

Mike Schramm — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Jon Shafer, a.k.a. "Trip," is a veteran Civilization modder and mapmaker -- he's made his name in the Civ community by posting his own mods and strategy guides on the forums for years. And oh yeah, he's also the lead designer of Civ V, which is probably one reason why user-created mods and maps will play such a big part in the official game. Players will be able to upload and share them with others directly in the game itself.

The user-created catalog will even be populated with plenty of content right at launch, because Shafer tells Bitmob that "you can import Civ 4 maps into the world builder and convert them into Civ 5 maps, including all the units and cities and stuff on it -- the conversion process will just do that for you automatically." Presumably, the process will also translate the maps from squares to hexes, which means Shafer and everyone else's maps from the last Civ are just a conversion away from being playable in the new game. Which is good -- some Civ fans would have a tough time without their Middle Earth maps.

Civilization 5 will convert Civ 4 maps automatically originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization Anonymous is here to help

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST

At some point, every Civilization player has uttered the words: "Just one more turn." But, we all know that sometimes enjoyment of Civ can turn into addiction. For those who really need to learn that "one more turn" is already one too many, there's the Civilization Anonymous support group. Find an informational video about the organization after the break. Mainline Civilization V on September 21.

Continue reading Civilization Anonymous is here to help

Civilization Anonymous is here to help originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: Civilization V

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:20:00 EST

There's an email thread from 2K's public relations in my inbox with the subject: "So you want to touch Civ V, huh?" It's an ongoing joke I've got with the company -- how can you get a grasp of the latest entry in the epic Civilization franchise without actually touching it? Every hands-off demonstration we've seen of the game so far looks great, but touching Civ, spending eight hours with it, is the only way to get a real idea of the game players are in for. With that said, here's some of the stuff we saw in the latest hands-off presentation during E3 2010.

Although the most diehard Civilization players refuse to acknowledge the console-based Civilization Revolution as a real entry in the franchise, Firaxis certainly took several lessons from the console game and quietly implemented them in Civ V. One such lesson is the user interface, designed by the same person who did Civ Rev's, that cuts or pushes everything it can to the sides of the screen, making the main screen the star, rather than a co-star to the menus.

Gallery: Civilization V (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: Civilization V

Preview: Civilization V originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civilization V stands the test of retail September 21

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Civilization V will charge players to create an empire that will stand the test of time when it becomes available in North America and internationally on September 21 and 24, respectively. After a successful spin on consoles with Civilization Revolution, Sid Meier's epic franchise returns to its PC roots and tweaks the core gameplay -- casting a hex on the game board.

Sid Meier's Civilization V will be shown next week at E3 2010 and we'll be sure to kick the tires ... er, the stone wheels -- depends on what era in the game we get to see.

Gallery: Civilization V (GDC 2010)

Civilization V stands the test of retail September 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: Civilization V or 'I Wanna Hex You Up'

Kevin Kelly — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST

We already told you that Sid Meier's Civilization IV was finally getting a sequel with Civilization V later this year, and then we showed you the trailer that contained absolutely no gameplay. But now we've actually seen an early build of the game, and we can tell you how hexy it is. That's right, forget about old Civilization games which had four cardinal directions plus diagonals to choose from when moving your units; this installment ramps that down to to six. That's right! Two less directions! It's a brand new game!

In all fairness, it is Civilization but Firaxis made plenty of substantial changes to it. Besides hexing it up, they've also added ranged units (think archers, artillery, ICBMs, etc) and taken out the ability to stack units up into an army. Also, only one unit can occupy a spot at any given time, meaning you won't be able to bulldoze your opponent from one hex. They've also built an entirely new engine for this game, meaning you'll see some really nifty stuff ... provided you have a DX11 card and a multicore processor.

Gallery: Civilization V (GDC 2010)

Continue reading Impressions: Civilization V or 'I Wanna Hex You Up'

Impressions: Civilization V or 'I Wanna Hex You Up' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Direct2Drive discounts Civilization IV, Supreme Commander this weekend

Xav de Matos — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST

Perhaps in celebration of Civilization V's recent reveal, Direct2Drive is offering Civilization IV -- as well as the standalone Civilization IV: Colonization -- for 33% off. Other deals on the direct download service this weekend include Supreme Commander: Gold Edition, Majesty The Fantasy Kingdom Sim: Gold Edition, and more.

If you're one of the few who doesn't "get" the Civilization addiction epidemic, which has swept the world over the last two decades leaving workplace productivity in shambles, consider yourself luckier than the folks in the video after the break. Yes, Civilization Revolution was solid, but CivIV has the uncanny ability to turn the sweetest old lady into a crazed destroyer of all mankind. Basically, It's fun for the whole family.

Shortcut: See all weekend deals on Direct2Drive

Continue reading Direct2Drive discounts Civilization IV, Supreme Commander this weekend

Direct2Drive discounts Civilization IV, Supreme Commander this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civ V trailer lacks mind-blowing turn-based action sequences

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:01:00 EST

The trailer for Civilization V features what's quite likely the opening cinematic for the game. We can sort of feel 2K Games and Firaxis on the decision not to show in-game footage, as clips of the venerable turn-based strategy game don't really deliver a very sexy initial impact; however, some videos exploring the hextreme overhaul of the map and other changes implemented in the stalwart series' gameplay would be nice for the future.

Now to console some of the guys on staff. They were really hoping for Civilization Revolution II this year.

Civ V trailer lacks mind-blowing turn-based action sequences originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sid Meier's Civilization V coming to PC this fall

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:40:00 EST

In its latest, unyielding attempt to subvert societal productivity, 2K Games has announced Sid Meier's Civilization V, the latest entry in the venerable strategy series. Set to debut on PC this Fall, Civilization V brings "an astonishing new engine" to the polite, turn-based proceedings and promises to excel the franchise with "the introduction of hexagon tiles allowing for deeper strategy, more realistic gameplay and stunning organic landscapes for players to explore as they expand their empire." Most hexcellent news indeed.

"Each new version of Civilization presents exciting challenges for our team," said Sid Meier of Sid Meier's Civilization fame. '"Thankfully, ideas on how to bring new and fun experiences to Civ players never seem to stop flowing. From fully animated leaders and realistic landscapes, new combat tactics, expanded diplomacy and shared mods, we're excited for players to see the new vision our team at Firaxis has brought to the series."

And expect to share your vision with others, as 2K notes that Civilization V will feature an "extensive suite" of community, modding and multiplayer components. It just wouldn't be an accurate model of civilization if you couldn't diplomatically destroy your online friends.

Gallery: Civilization V (2/18/10)

Sid Meier's Civilization V coming to PC this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Civilization Network beta coming in June

David Hinkle — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

The problem with those hollow boxes littering the cubicles at your workplace is there isn't enough juice, enough substance, within to actually run any kind of program outside of Excel, Outlook or--when you're really bored--MS Paint. So if you're at work and don't really feel like working, you're forced to either scour the web for stuff or watch a neat screensaver. Then, there was hope: Civilization Network for Facebook.

However, it looks like Civilization Network is still a ways off. Variety reports that the beta for the new Facebook game won't actually start up until around June. This will likely come as a big let-down to fans, as the initial announcement back in October mentioned a hunt for beta testers would be underway "soon." We guess "soon" means "maybe in a few months or something."

Report: Civilization Network beta coming in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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