Entry #5- Civilization IV

Preliminary Elements:

Title: Civilization IV
Publisher: 2K Games and Aspyr
Release Date: 2005
Game Type: Turn-Based Strategy/ Historical

Game Summary:  This is the fourth installment of the very popular Civilization series.  The player is tasked with building a society from its first settlers up through the race to space.  The player begins by choosing the culture that he/she wishes to follow.  As players build cities, they have the opportunity to develop new technology which, in turn, allows for better buildings and an increased civil and military industrial complex.  As the civilizations advance and explore, diplomacy plays a role as the player encounters other societies and the choice is made to build alliances or move toward war.  This is only the tip of the iceberg as players strategize over every decision from city locations, to building and unit choices and to even keeping the citizens of each city happy.  The possibilities in this game are endless and no two games are ever alike.  


Educational Value:  This game is loosely based on the development of cultures throughout the world and can give students an excellent idea of how we, as a society, advanced through the ages.  The cause and effect of which discoveries and sciences led to which advanced discoveries and sciences is a really crucial aspect that I think students can learn much from making these choices.  The game includes critical thinking and much analysis as the player determines which move will benefit and which moves will bring severe consequences.  While the students must be of an appropriate age to understand this game (at least 8th grade if not high school), there is more than sufficient educational value for all who play.


Opinion:  I truly enjoyed playing this game.  The Civilization series could potentially bring a new level of enthusiasm and excitement to any relevant history class.  The game play is slower than other games I've tried for this diary, but the moves you make must be more deliberate and thought out.  I particularly enjoyed figuring which sciences and technology studies had the greatest benefit to my civilization.  Between building cities, exploring the map with my military units and engaging in diplomacy with other civilizations, I found myself playing this game for hours without even realizing it.  The turn-based approach was helpful in slowing down the game enough so that I could really understand what I was doing and truly make the best decision possible.  I cannot say enough positive things about the game and really would love to see it used in the classroom.