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Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Gold Editionx$29.99
  (40 reviews)
Best Price: $39.99 $29.99
The classic strategy game combined with its incredible expansion pack, for the Civ IV strategy action you crave. / Rated T: Teen Sid Meier’s Civilization IV is the ultimate strategy game offering players the chance to lead their chosen nation from the dawn of man through the space age on a quest to build the most powerful empire and become the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Now, Civ fans can experience more world domination than ever before with Civilization IV: Gold Edition, which includes both Civilization IV and the combat-focused Warlords Expansion Pack! Box Contents Include: - Sid Meier’s Civilization IV - You won’t want to miss one of the most critically-acclaimed PC games ever from legendary designer Sid Meier. Play as one of history’s greatest leaders and battle, negotiate, strategize and explore your way to world conquest. All of human history is at your fingertips.
- Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Warlords - In this first expansion pack to Civilization IV, players have even more options to win by military might – including the devastating Warlords unit. Six new civilizations, ten new leaders and eight additional scenarios just scratch the surface of new content added to the already massive core game.
- Gold Edition Bonus Items:
- Fantasy-style poster set within the world of Sid Meier’s Civilization from Greg Hildebrandt, the illustrator of the world famous 1977 Star Wars fantasy-themed movie poster, the Clash of the Titans movie poster, various Lord of the Rings calendars and posters and many others.
- Behind-the-Scenes DVD featuring developer interviews, insight into the Civ IV development process and featurette on Sid Meier’s history in the gaming industry.
- Tech-tree poster featuring the paths to researching and discovering all of the technologies needed to advance in Civilization IV.
- Civilization IV Manual
MPN: 710425311833 - UPC: 710425311833
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Customer Reviews
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Stick With Civ 3 Instead
By A26G35WR7QCFR2 on 2007-08-20
As much as I love the Civilization franchise and for as long as I have been playing it (since the beginning, I've played every format made available), I have to say that Civilization 4 is a dud. I say this from two distinct standpoints.
First, up until now, modifying the game was quite easy. Before, simple cut and paste functions could be performed and you could put special things into your game to customize it. Now, Civ 4 makes it so that you must know computer programming (XML, Python) just to alter things like governments, technologies, and simple game concepts. Good luck, unless you have the money and desire to get a professional degree.
Second, Civ 4 is just starting to be expanded. This means that we can expect a relatively long line of "expansion packs" that each cost about $30. After you play them (and I recommend that you don't), you will wonder, "Why didn't they just put that simple feature into the main game?" Your answer will be, "Oh, yeah... they want to make money off me." This is frustrating when you think in terms of shameless marketing.
In terms of this package, Civilization IV: Gold Edition, you get the core game plus the Warlords expansion pack included for what the original sold for about two years ago. Eventually, however, we can assume that all expansions will be rolled into one package, so I advise you to wait for a couple years until that happens. Buying this Gold Edition for $50 is ridiculous, especially with so many more expansions coming out. If you want to get started with Civ 4, again, wait for the price of everything to be $35 or less.
The good part about Civilzation 4, in general, is its classically addictive nature as are most of Sid Meier's games. Building up your own civilization as other civilizations are trying to do the same is quite intruiging and fun. It is a great concept, and the playability is certainly endless. But this leads me to explain the title I give this review.
If you buy Civilization 3 Complete right now, you will notice a couple things. (1) It is completely expanded - no more money-making attempts. (2) It costs less than half of any Civ 4 title. And (3) it is as super-addictive as any Civ title out there. So I advise everyone to purchase Civilization 3 Complete instead of wasting your money on Civ 4. You will appreciate this advice if you've had the time to compare these titles.
Closing thoughts: wait until Civ 5 comes out to see if Firaxis is willing to be fair with its fans; forego Civ 4 any way you can; and make sure you get Civ 3 Complete - it'll change your (video game) life for the better!
Compared to III - a great improvement
By A3415T1QIOGMD1 on 2007-10-15
I find that the improvements outweigh the negatives in Civ IV. I've played Civ III for a while, and was always frustrated with the unrealistic means of making it more difficult at higher levels - such as warriors defeating Knights in battle, other Civs building wonders in record turns, things like that. In Civ IV, those issues seem to be repaired. I've found that the rules they give us for combat movements, cost, etc., are not bypassed to make the game more difficult at higher levels.
I like the added variety of leaders and their abilities, seems more realistic and helpful for long term strategy. I also like the addition of more wonders, though they have changed some of the benefits of certain wonders so I needed to get used to the same thing being different.
I also am enjoying the new "Permanent Alliance" option. I just finally used that and really liked the dimension it added to game play.
The graphics do bother me a bit - too bouncy. I've changed settings as much as I can to get away from it, but it is still a bit bouncy and makes me dizzy.
I'm also not pleased with the bug that makes the game not work with my graphics card - which I have yet to find a fix for. I am playing it on another computer. One of my son-in-laws also can't use the game since his graphics card doesn't seem to be supported. He has a much bigger, badder, multimedia computer.
It also has a problem with the online updates. I updated and had serious issues which I had to call the manufacturer to fix - couldn't start the game, couldn't uninstall the game, couldn't reinstall the game - totally useless. A Direct X fix repaired that, but I don't think I even got the update after all the work! I'm quite leary of trying again. Then my son, who also has the game, updated his and it caused serious corruption for him too. I told him what my fix was, and it didn't work for his. He has to call and see what to do now. Updates aren't supposed to break the game, they are supposed to fix it. The game works fine without the updates, so I'm going to forego any future attempts to update.
Error ridden for Vista
By A3GWX8RWSS0S0L on 2007-12-09
I have attempted to update the game but I get an error when I try that. I have uninstalled the game, reinstalled it several times. I have made sure that direct x and other things are completely updated before reinstalling. I have followed all instructions that the company has given me to fix the issue..(to include removing the game from the registry) and STILL I get the same error. I can not install ANY patches because it says that there is NO previously installed version of the game. No patches. They keep telling me to install patches in a particular order...NO PATCHES WILL INSTALL... I can not update the game or upgrade to the next version. Overall this game is good but I am not happy about the Vista incompatibility.
Still can't top Civ II
By A12IBM1PV7JWEM on 2008-01-07
Sure, in terms of graphical sophistication and rules, this latest Civ is the most impressive yet. But in terms of sheer escapist fantasy power, it doesn't hold a candle to Civ II.
The problem with making things gorgeous to look at, especially at high resolution and in detail, is that the game slows down considerably. By the time you have invested 8 hours playing a round, and your little empire has grown, you want the game to proceed a snappy pace. Rendering all that detail, however, has a cost, even on a higher-end home system. Civ IV's big weakness is that game play becomes very slow.
Others certainly disagree and prefer the eye candy of animated rivers and watching individual units flex their muscles in combat. I've turned off all the detail and as much animation as I can get away with, but the game still isn't as much fun as Civ II, which I still play. Your mileage might vary, so give it a shot--the 'gold' edition is certainly a good deal.
They always change the wrong stuff
By A6BBRNT7BGG4 on 2007-10-14
Instead of spending all their time and energy on improving the graphics, which was NOT really needed, so far as I'm concerned, I wish the designers would concentrate on improving the GAME, especially the movement and combat systems, which are pathetic. Even 40-year-old board games had better systems, and they didn't have the advantage of a computer to figure out all the ramifications of terrain, numbers, etc. Why can't we have combat where whole stacks attack whole stacks? Why can't we have lines of supply for units in the field? Why can't we have a limit on how many units can be stacked in one square? Why can't they use a grid of hexagons instead of squares? Come on, guys! If I want fancy graphics I'll get a movie DVD; give us a GAME!
While they're at it, I'd also like to be able to choose the color for my units.
So far, after a few games, I don't think Civ IV is any more fun than Civ III; and isn't fun what's its all about?
- Awesome game, if you have a FAST computer
By A1KXJ1ELZIU05C on 2008-06-17
I've been playing Civilization Games since the game first came out. Even when there were two different brands Sid Meier's and non-Sid Meier, I bought both to see which was better. (Obviously Sid Meier's versions was ;)
This game is FANTASTIC! The requirements are incredably high though and often my PC would lag as the game progressed, taking longer and longer for the computer to compute each turn. I upgraded my computer's RAM though and that largely solved the problem.
If you like ANY of the other Civilization games, you'll love this one. I wouldn't say this is a sequel though, because it's more like a whole new Civilization game.
Also, I would recommend getting the Beyond the Sword expansion along with this for a life changing experience.
Lastly, make sure you check out "Sid Meier's Alpha Centaury." It is INCREDIBLY hard but is FANTASTIC!!! It has Customizable Units and you can even take control of the native flora and fauna.
Make sure you have a lot of time on your hands if you're going to play this game though, as it can easily consume 8 hours of you day without you even realizing it.
- Awesome
By A249848L38YAPI on 2007-08-19
The only thing I miss from civ III to Civ IV is the 'go to city' (control shift G) control. The game is just perfect!
- Civilization IV
By A16VMYZU7ZK40S on 2007-10-06
Good game. Takes a long time to get anywhere. Would've been helpful for a technology tree for what military or civic thing you wanted to construct showed you the fast technology route to get there. Also would be nice to set the parameters of certain units strength to your desire. Finally, still seems pretty unrealistic of a modern technological unit losing to a B.C. capability say Calvary vs. Warrior, etc... Time running out on you sucks, it 2050 and I'm the most advanced nation on the planet yet I still don't have airplanes and tanks. Although I've played through several games, no matter what my score I never seem to surpass D. Quayle on the rating scale. Overall, still a fun game and the graphics and L. Nimoy voice are great.
- Second Time Around
By AVYA6L94BD4QU on 2007-11-20
I started last year with Civilization 3: Gold Edition and at first glance had some mixed feelings for the genre. However, I tried it again this time accepting the game for what it was rather than what it was not and found it rather enjoyable. Now, I've recently bought Civilization 4: Gold Edition and have found I instantly loved the game. The game runs much smoother and runs at a much faster and more involved pace - this game has truly come miles since Civ 3 in my opinion. The new graphics and animations have been vastly improved upon and personally, this is an essential back-bone to a good game. I'm not entirely sure what all the expansion adds to the game, but whatever it may be, the game is that much more enjoyable.
Oh, and I just thought I'd add I've lost my first time around with the Romans under the thinking I'd be able to easily crush my Chinese neighbors..it turned out the complete opposite. Since then, I've started with the Greeks and have finally made it to the AD's : )
Overall, I've found game very enjoyable and maybe a little more challenging than I first though. I can't wait to continue playing more, and so, adios!
- A Giant Step Down
By A3IJKSEPDUP4JS on 2008-03-26
I was extremely disappointed in Civ IV compared to Civ II and III. Civ IV plays extremely differently than its previous versions. Did Sid have a conversion experience because Civ IV seems to be all about religion? I bought my computer a year ago and it wasn't a bare-bones model but the videos are choppy and the graphics are awful. So unless you have spent thousands of dollars on a sports car of computers, don't waste your money on this one.
- A solid improvement over the earlier versions
By A19WN54ZMCNS3B on 2008-01-08
I've played each of the previous versions of this game, including the variants like Call to Power. The game has always been interesting to me and this latest version really does make playing the game more fun. There is less tedium from managing your civilization and more action as you decide which path to glory you're going to pursue.
One thing that I miss from some of the earlier variants is the ability to proceed well into the future. That allows the game to run a lot longer and thus makes it more interesting. This newest release provides more ways to achieve victory but a side effect of this is often a shorter game.
The game play balance has clearly been refined from earlier games and is right on the money.
- excellent expansion
By ATWM8YH2KB7N7 on 2007-09-12
Beyond the Sword has been a sheer joy. The additions to the game add a bit more realism and roleplaying to the game. The Civilization series started out as an imersive strategy game, and still is, but this expansion adds features to make this strategy/simulation game a bit more simulation and slightly less strategy.
- excellent
By A3CE32WVNNQUIU on 2008-03-05
This is a superb visual and stunning achievement in gaming, with amazing flexibility of use! It's mods are myriad and removable, able to do just about anything. The units are more balanced and powerful than CIV III, and the governments seem to work better. I took me back to the enjoyable simplicity of the first CIV's, with available complexity that does not intrude, like specializations for units you can use or ignore. Very intuitive, even for a part-time gamer like myself. Highly recommended, Sid is back!
- Sid Meir's Civilization IV
By A1RVPR6XNR1H6B on 2008-04-14
Don't like the graphics or movement of the various people, animals, etc. The tutorial is not the best. After numerous tries to understand the game I un-installed it and put it on the shelf.
- SUPER Addicting!
By A1XJ1SPC87Y909 on 2007-11-10
Ok, this game is super addicting once you figure out how to load, run and play it. Took me a couple of hours to load it and get through some errors. I still have never gotten an icon on my screen or on the menu bar. Started playing it immediately and found that it could have used a few more details in explaining stuff. Played it 6 hours the first night and by the end of the 6 hours finally finished learning how to do I think most things. Wished it had a short tutorial game just to get new comers to civilization use to things. My roommate continued to play it till 6 in the morning and I see he has surpassed me in talent and his citizens love him dearly.
I have not had this project long just a mere few days and I can't seem to put it down. I wish inside the city shots were a little better but overall all the other visual items are way to cool with this game.
A definite buy. Though it saddens me a bit that there will be several more editions I will have to buy because only the Gold Edition is yet available. What comes next platinum edition? LOL
- Interesting and realistic
By A13FKMQ5TTL7MR on 2007-11-22
I am a fan of civilization series. I bought this game a few weeks ago. It is a fun and interesting game, quite realisic. Many new factors one has to juggle with, the game has never been so complex and captivating (but not complicated).
Personnally a student of international affairs, I find it quite amusing that I can practice many of the concepts I learned in this rather realistic simulation. Like: irredentism, balance of powers, etc.
This game can be played so many times. Everytime the conditions change and the way you have to manage your civilization also changes accordingly.
It is a good game all in all.
- CIV 2 Fan's Review
By A2VXDBKRBQ0Q2Y on 2008-01-04
I have for many years enjoyed the Civ 2 version as it always provided just what I wanted. You got the addictive game play, with the right amount of plotting and planning. Sure, the graphics compared to what we have today are no where the same, but you never cared when the game was so good.
I have played Civ III but it just did not hold me the same, so I skipped it and continued with the previous version happy with what I had. Let me tell you now is the time to leap frog into the next rendition of this game. It has all of what you enjoyed in Civ II and so much more, distancing Civ III by leaps and bounds.
Do not get me wrong, you will need to have your system up and running well but the time and effort will be well worth it. There is so much more to this game and it will tax you to your limits in attempting to win and grow your civilization. I downgraded the fun level one star only because of the time involved in updating your system if you are not accomplished at that.
I had to update my video card driver (needed too anyway), then removed some old software that monitored my system for me as it did not like this game. Now it runs flaweless at it's maximum configuration. So really enjoy the graphically rich gameplay and the taxing thought and planning that goes into it. If you do not, then just be prepared to save often and exit the program about every hour so it does not leave you staring at a blank screen.
If you are new to Civilization do not worry there is a great tutorial though my style tends to the just start at the easiest level and then move on from there so you can learn your way around.
This game is worth the money you will spend and it is normally cheaper here anyway on Amazon so do not delay, because if you do, you will wish you had not.
- Best. Civ. Ever.
By A2A663AKTD9KWV on 2008-01-30
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll kiss many late nights glued to the Civ screen goodbye!
- Good as Gold
By A1CGQ8VLVE0UZ3 on 2008-03-03
Civilization IV: Gold Edition is one of those rare gems that make you remember why you play games. For newcomers to the series, Civilization is a board game like strategy game-- just imagine Risk on steroids! The signature symptom of this series is the "just one more turn" factor. Civ gives you absolute control of one civilization throughout the ages. Discovering technology, managing cities, building world wonders, commanding armies, fighting other civs, and interacting with other world leaders through diplomacy, you need to guide your civilization from the stone age to the space age. When all's said and done you have a game that is part Risk, part sim-city, part Axis & Allies, and part Diplomacy, all done with the complicated parts kept track of by the computer. I've been a big fan of this type of game, having played Civ I, II, and III, although I fell out of the series on the 3rd title. Now Civ IV: Gold ups the ante over it's predecessors with new game mechanics, better 3D visuals, and more leaders, civs, and units than you can shake a stick at. Yet it retains the same addictive formula as the first iteration. Plus this Gold edition gives us the Warlords expansion. I have rekindled my love of this epic game and am quite pleased with the purchase. The only caveat, is that there's a Civ IV: Complete out there that also adds the Beyond the Sword expansion. Of course, having gotten Gold on sale, I just grabbed a separate copy of the BTS add-on to fuel my addiction. For the price, this is one of the best games to grace my hard drive in awhile.
Highlights include: the tabletop miniature style units that represent your armies; variety of victory conditions (space race, cultural, domination, etc); variety of civilizations and leaders complete w/ different bonuses/traits; bonus scenarios; turned based strategy at it's best. I highly recommend this game.
And if you're not completely satisfied with the variety this game offers, check out [...] for all sorts of add-ons (many of which are incorporated into the expansion discs!).
- Great game
By A2GQIH9XJ2PEC7 on 2008-04-04
Wow such a great turn based game. I am so happy with this game. You build your society and as you increase your level of sophistication you branch out and grow. You deal with it all economics,religion,military.You get to interact with other societies around you and can conquer them using brute strength or just being a better society they will come over. Man great game this guy is genuis. This is a really good buy
- Civ 4 gold
By AV969NA4CBP10 on 2008-04-16
I personaly own this game and I am proud of it. Like all the civilization games before it, this is just the latest and greatest version out. I recomend trying the demo before buying. But I like editing the xml files for bigger cities and more gold. The mod options are great. And the in game map editor is a handy addion compared to previous games. I got this a christmas gift in 07. It is worth 4 stars if you a fan of these games.
- Sid has done it again! Great Game!!
By A1JCL1P9VTNLP0 on 2007-09-17
Wonderful, anyone who is a fan of this game will love this current version. It is as addicting as the others with even better graphics and interfaces. Be ready for hours of fun....with lots of coffee, ;-)
- Sid Meier's Civilizations IV: Gold Edition
By AMLR6753JXYN3 on 2007-12-23
I was very impressed with this game and so glad that it was designed to be Windows Vista compatible. There are a few things that I liked better about Civilizations III better, for example you can battle just one country at a time. Overall Civilizations IV is much more entertaining to play with better graphics and more world leaders to choose from.
- Civilization IV is FUN
By A13VRVNLM965MJ on 2007-12-29
I bought this game for my 13 year old son and I have a hard time pulling him away from it. I keep him to 1 hr per day instead of TV. He showed me several scenario's and I can see that it could be addicting. But I think that it also can help him to learn to organize and plan.
- Too addictive.... don't get this game if you want to get anything done.
By A1YE2JZI6OKFUW on 2008-03-03
You will easily play this game for hours before you realize that it is 4 in the morning and you have to get up in a few hours for work/school... buyer beware :)
- Civilization 4 Gold Edition
By A61ITECTYJ8LN on 2008-03-19
Great game with tons of replay value and endless components of strategy. You can never play the same game over again because of the randomness of the AI and how, with increasing difficulty, it seems as if they are ganging up against you, making it a wonderfully difficult experience.
- AWFUL
By A36O49L1ARKVRR on 2008-03-29
i loved playing civilization when i was a kid but omg all this time has passed and instead of using the technology they really moved back in time. the scenario in this game is so awfull that there is no way you can enjoy it. There are not a lot of improvements and the game is very stupid! definatly not worth the money. go buy age of empires, at least they have improved their games alittle
- Beginner in a serious game
By AH1VU2KWWZ8U0 on 2008-04-14
I bought Civ IV on recommendation from my son. He thought I would enjoy it as a time filler now that I am retired and have time to do these things! Well, time is not that free, but I do find the game a lot of fun. You can really get into it, but don't try to jump right in, like I did! I didn't even know how to begin till I went through the tutorial, it is a must for first timers. Then I spent 2 days on the first game, really intense!! LOL
- Great game, wish I'd bought the Complete Edition
By AK0A6M020WDXJ on 2008-07-01
I got to this game a few years after it came out, but I am not at all dissapointed in the content. The only thing I wish is that I'd have bought the complete edition (which I didn't know existed), instead of buying this edition and Beyond the Sword separately.
- Not as good as Civ 3
By A2Y5RX7VF4UCTT on 2008-08-05
i would rather play Civ 3 than CivIV.I like the graphics better on Civ 3 better as well.Civ seems to have losts its way.
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Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Gold Edition Accessories
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| Product Features |
- The ultimate strategy game, offering players the chance to lead their chosen nation from the dawn of man through the space age
- Build the most powerful empire and become the greatest ruler the world has ever known
- Civilization comes to life in a beautifully detailed, living 3D world--with all-new easy-to-use mod capabilities and intense multiplayer modes and options
- Includes both Civilization IV and the combat-focused Warlords Expansion Pack
- Gold Edition bonus items include fantasy-style poster, behind-the-scenes DVD, tech-tree poster, and Civilization IV manual
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