Alpha Centauri

The Civilization series is on anyone's list of the top ten software programs of all time. In many cases it sits right at number one or two! Several years back, Sid Meiers (the creator) set off on his own. Many wondered what would happen to the series, and what he would do next. Sid Meiers has brought the Civilization team back together to create a spectacular turn-based strategy game that will knock your socks off.

Alpha Centauri does more than just re-create an old classic. It improves upon the old, keeping what was wonderful, and adding many new technological features that were not possible in the 'old days.'

The main drawback to this program may be its steep learning curve. Civilization fans will find much that is familiar here, but it will still take awhile. Proficient gamers found the learning curve a bit steep, but worth the climb in the end.

The storyline involves a ship of survivors who leave the planet Earth in the year 2060 for the distant Alpha Centuri. Along the way they encounter problems, which result in a mutiny. Seven leaders, each with a different philosophical background, cause the crew to split into seven factions. The addition of the political, religious and economic philosophies was interesting. Upon landing on the planet, each sets off to create his or her own 'Utopia.'

Once you have selected which faction you will control, you will begin exploring, developing, and building. You can play alone, or against opponents on the Internet or a network. This one plays just fine as a single-player game. The 'turn-based' aspect refers to the fact that you first make your move, and then other groups of people (controlled by the computer) make their move. If you are playing against an opponent, this person controls a separate group of people. As the groups of people encounter one another, you must decide how they will interact. Will they be at war, make treaties, share technologies etc.? Rather than a game like Jedi Knight where you 'become' one of the characters, think of this more as a complex, living chess game.

This is a spectacularly done game, but one that will take some patience to learn. If you have never played Civilization before it will take even longer. If you have the patience to persevere through the initial learning, you will be well rewarded.

Bottom Line: A program worthy of Sid Meiers name. Spectacular, but very steep learning curve.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 4

BrainGain: 3

FunFactor: 4

EasePlease: 2 1/2

Buy Alpha Centauri for Windows at Amazon!

Buy Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (Mac) for Mac at Amazon!

 

Click second image for Mac version