Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: Strategy

Minimum System Requirements
1.2 GHz Processor (Pentium 4/AMD Athlon)
256 MB RAM
64 MB video card with hardware T&L
DirectX 7 compatible sound card
CD-ROM drive
1.7 GB free hard disk space
DirectX 9.0c

Optimum System Requirements
1.8 GHz Processor (AMD Athlon / Pentium 4)
512 MB RAM
128 MB Video Card w/ DirectX 8 support
CD-ROM Drive
1.7 GB of free hard disk space
DirectX 9.0c

Test System
2.0 GHz AMD Athlon X2 64 3800+ (Dual Core)
256 MB PCI-E GeForce 7800 GTX
1 GB of Dual Channel RAM


So, if you read my original review of Civilization IV (www.exegamers.com/portal/story/31517), you'll know that the game is already a solid offering with an incredible fanbase. Most of us Civ fanatics revere Sid Meier as a simulation god and, if you're like me, once you get started it's hard to put the game down.

After many months of playing, the game gets stale and you learn most of the tricks necessary to win a game. As with previous versions of Civilization, expansion packs and mods spice up the game once again, adding additional gametime.

Enhancements

Civilization IV - Warlords offers some outstanding features. Before even starting game itself, upon installation the game patches up Civ IV and then checks for any updates. This is a time-saving feature you should value for people with less bandwith.


Once inside, you'll find new civilizations and leaders you can choose from. Now you can play as Carthage, the Celts, Korea, the Ottoman Empire, the Vikings, and the Zulu, each with their most historically important leader. New leaders have also been added to existing civs including Winston Churchhill, Augustus Caesar, Ramsesses II, and Josef Stalin. Due to the additions of Civs and Leaders, new leader traits are also included and they are Imperialistic, Charismatic, and Protective.

The most important update to the game is the addition of the Great General/Warlord Unit. Initially, you earn these by winning battles you fight, however there are some differences. The "Great General" can be eventually turned into a Warlord, which blesses your troops with additional abilities or experience. The Great General can also be used to become a Great Military Instructor or to construct a Military Academy.

There are literally tons of new units, like the Trebuchet and unique units such as the Camp Unit, each with its own particular advantages. I could go on for hours about all the units, but it's best to experience it for yourself!