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Really a revolution?
Having followed the Civilization series since its second game quite a few years back, I've often wondered if they could ever bring it to consoles. Sure, I prefer playing RTS games on PC's, but seeing as for the most part these 'Next gen' machines operate like computers (see the 20 mins install times for PS3 Lost Planet and DMC4), shouldn't the process of adapting a game to work on a set lot of hardware be easier than the variety that is afforded to PCs.
For those not familiar to the Civ series, you pick a civilization and a leader (in this installment). You then attempt to spread your cities, influence and military might, if you want to, over the randomly generated content, researching nation wide technologies and city based buildings and units. The main fun part of the game comes from the strategy from interacting with other Civs, who may attempt to be your ally, or threatening you into violence.
Previously, many console based RTS games have been forgettable. The 360 has recently seen a influx of such games, although nearly all have been the poor, inbred, stunted half cousin of the PC counterparts. More and more aspects of PC gaming are now moving over to consoles, with mouse support in games (such as UT3 for the PS3) and hard drive based installs.
So can the console version (which is also coming out on DS) of Civ IV, Civilization Revolution, really give the kick up the backside console based RTS games need. First, the DS version. Now the main limit with the DS is the memory required to load it all and the screen space. Now C:R attempts to pull the same tricks the Age Of Empires game did by stripping out a lot of the details of the game, but attempting to keep as much of the substance as possible.
The game itself controls itself a lot more, leading to far less micromanagement. For example, citizens automatically exploit resources such as farms and mines, and cities require far less looking after. However, the game still requires a keen tactical mind, as although the games are shorter (with your varying options of winning from world domination to cultural er..domination still intact), the CPU still attempts some cunning tricks. The touchscreen uses some point and drag systems, making it easier to control for those used to PC's.
The 360 and PS3 versions are as you expect, much more lavish on the graphical side of things. The characters are big and cartoonish and this is also mirrored in the overall environment presentation, which has very vivid colours and smooth animations. The game plays very similar to that of the PC versions, with you researching technologies through day one of your civ to the space age, but one main criticism at the moment was the lack of on screen text at various points. This is not too much of issue, but it may hinder various decisions as details are skimmed over.
Controls have been adapted to allow easy movement between cities, but getting around the world map seems sluggish at the moment, with no easy to navigate mini-map. Why they haven't put a keyboard input for the PS3 version I don't know, but hopefully Fireaxis may be persuaded to if they take a glance over some forums
Overall, it looks like Sid Meiers Civilisation: Revolution could be a console hit, hooking many console fans with its addictive, time sucking gameplay. The game is set for release on 360, PS3 and DS this June, but if you can't wait for that to play a civ game, Civilization 4 on the PC comes highly recommended.



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