It can be difficult for a game maker to extend a game to create a successful sequel but to make an expansion pack for the fourth sequel must be a real challenge. Fortunately Civilization IV provides a great platform on which to build such an expansion pack.
Warlords adds six new civilizations (Carthaginians, Celts, Koreans, Ottomans, Vikings, and Zulus) each of which has their own custom tailored speciality units. In addition to the new civilizations there are also some new buildings, wonders, and items available to be built.
Each of the civilizations (including the six new ones) now has a special building that only they can build which acts as an enhanced version of the regular building. For example, England has the stock exchange to replace the bank, the American empire has a shopping mall to replace the supermarket, etc.
Another new aspect introduced in the expansion pack is the Great General unit. It acts in most ways like a regular great person unit, joining a city as a specialist or building a military academy, but it can also take a more hands-on approach to helping your armies by leading a unit as a warlord. Once the great general has joined a unit it adds 20xp to the units present in that space to be used to promote various facets of each unit. In addition, when a unit with a warlord is eligible for an upgrade it doesn't cost any gold, as well the unit has special promotions which become available to it such as CombatIV, Medic III, Tactics, Leadership, and Morale.
There is also a new diplomatic option available with the Warlords expansion pack. Vassalage allows one state to have another swear allegiance to it which means that the master state will protect and defend the vassal in exchange for access to the vassals resources with half of the vassals land and population being credited to the master state for the purposes of calculating the victory conditions.
If all the expansion pack offered were the new items and civilizations, it would likely not be worth purchasing it, except for the hard core civ fanatics who clamor after anything civ related. However, the aspect which really sets this expansion apart from merely a minor incremental upgrade are the new warlord scenarios.
There are six historical scenarios: 450BC Chinese Unification - unite seven feudal kingdoms, 444BC The Peloponnesian War - Athens vs Greece, 336BC Alexander the Great - sweep across Asia, 300BC the Rise of Rome - which of five cultures will control the destiny of civilization in the mediterranian, 800AD The Age of the Vikings - sack towns and ransom them back to their owners for plenty of loot, and 1206AD Genghis Khan - conquest and destruction in the mongolian steppes. As well, there are two alternate history scenarios. Omens is a religious war scenario between Britain and France set in the new world with the native aboriginal population providing an extra element of chaos. The Barbarian Horde scenario lets you finally act as that group of barbarians who have been menacing you throughout your civilization playing days swooping in and the most inopportune times to ravage your unprotected cities while you wage war. Now it is your turn to act the role of the barbarian and to
try and destroy civilization.
How much enjoyment you get out of the Warlords expansion pack depends a lot upon your style of playing. If you like to play a single player, conquer the world campaign, you will likely find this to be only a minor enhancement. On the other hand if you like a challenging preconstructed scenario, some with historical overtones to them, you will find this expansion pack a great addition to a great game.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Sid Meirs Civilization IV required
CPU: 1.2Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon or Equivalent
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Memory: 256mb
Disk Space: 1.7gb
Video: 64mb video card with Harware T&L (GeForce2/Radeon 7500 or better)
Audio: DirectX 9.0c compatible
Controls: Windows 2000/XP compatible mouse and keyboard
WHAM! Rating: |
8 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
E (Everyone) |
Official Web Site: |
|
|
