Back to Basics

Of course, the DS does not have the same processing power of the current PC's. As a result, the Civilization Revolution development team have chosen to design the game from the bottom-up to make use of the DS' capabilities, as well as cater for the inadequacies to the handheld when compared to the PC. Controls have been limited to just the small number of buttons on the DS, but having said that, they have been well used. The A and B button are used for most of the options, whilst the L and R buttons are used for scrolling through cities or units. The stylus can be used for most functions, but can basically be left sitting in the stylus holder, as the buttons work adequately.

Some of the gameplay mechanics have also been given a makeover. One handy feature, that will be unnoticeable to some, is the automatic turns function. At times, especially early in the game, there will be no moves to be made whilst armies or buildings are being completed. Instead of needing to press the 'End Turn' button during each of the non-movement turns, the game will automatically move to the next period in time requiring interaction. This certainly helps to speed up the pace of the game. Combined with the fact that there is only one (on the small side) map size means that games can be completed in just a couple of hours. Personally, I'm happy with the smallish map size, as I cannot image how small a mini-map would be on the DS.

Viewing the troops

Visually, the game does well, but won't win the award for 'Best visual display on Nintendo DS'. The map itself is fairly detailed, with mountains, deserts, forests and waterways easily recognisable. The special resource icons slightly detract from the map graphics, but are there to stand out. Civilization leaders as well as the helpful advisors are drawn in a quasi-realistic style. The units are slightly more cartoonish and this is further emphasized when watching a battle unfold. The battling units will fight it out on the top screen, with the winner giving a huge victory cheer.

The victory cheers bring me to my next point - the audio. The acoustics are actually pretty good. Units have appropriate sound effects, with the clanging of swords for Legion units, the blasting of the Cannon units, and the crashing of waves against the Galley units. Meeting opposing leaders results in conversations with them in what sounds to be their native tongue. I'm not fluent in Russian or Zulu, so I couldn't tell you if what Catherine or Shaka say actually means anything, but for the other languages it is just a form of gibberish with an accent. This really gives a flavour to each of the nationalities of the game. Also, when conversing, if the AI is not happy with your choices, they'll let you know. They'll express anger at not getting want they want, but by the same token, when agreements are made the AI's demeanour is quite pleasant.

Music is another fine feature of the game. Background music is unobtrusive, but during talks with AI leaders, the music becomes peaceful when peace agreements are made, but becomes more like a war-drum beat when peace talks break down and war arrives on the agenda.

Will it stand the test of time?

I've always loved playing the Civilization series of games - ever since I played the original on the Amiga. And having it on the DS means that I can take it with me everywhere. So the graphics aren't up to scratch with the PC counterparts, the tech tree and number of unit types have been watered down, maps are all one size and some game mechanics have been left out altogether (pollution, for one). Does this mean that the game is no fun to play? Definitely not - it is heaps of fun. Those gamers who have been brought up playing Civilization 3 or Civilization 4 may think this game is a step backwards for the series. But for those who have not yet got into the series, this is definitely a good place to start. And with games lasting only a few hours, that 'one more turn' characteristic of Civilization games will not have you playing an all-nighter. You'll be thankful for that.