- Release Year: 2001
- Platforms: Macintosh, Windows
- Publisher: ak tronic Software & Services GmbH, Infogrames Interactive, Inc., MacSoft
- Developer: Firaxis Games East, Inc.
- Genre: Strategy, Tactics
- Perspective: Diagonal-down
- Game Mode: Single-player
- Gameplay: 4X, Business simulation, Managerial, Turn-based strategy
- Setting: Totality of history
- Average Score: 82/100
Description
Sid Meier’s Civilization III is a turn-based strategy game where players lead one of 15 historical civilizations to global dominance. Through resource management, diplomacy, and conquest, players expand their empire, advance technologies, and strive for victory through military, cultural, or diplomatic means. The game introduces unique features like civilization-specific strengths, great leaders, and expanded diplomacy, offering a rich and strategic experience.
Gameplay Videos
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Sid Meier’s Civilization III Reviews & Reception
metacritic.com (90/100): Perfectly captures the epic sweep of the previous games but adds a bunch of new features that improve upon an already brilliant concept. It’s superior in every way to “Civilization II” and for that matter, any game of this type in recent memory.
bluntlyhonestreviews.com (60/100): Even 22 years later, it still stands out as one of the best titles in the series.
mobygames.com (86/100): Civilization III truly dominates, unlike many game sequels of its time.
gamespot.com (92/100): Civilization III is a triumphant proclamation that strategy gaming is alive and well and still able to keep you rooted in front of your computer for hours at a time.
gamepressure.com (86/100): The game is the third fully‑fledged edition of the popular series of turn‑based strategy games.
Sid Meier’s Civilization III Cheats & Codes
PC
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| Leemur | 100,000 gold |
| Save the game, Include the word multi in the saved game name. Load the game you just saved. | Reveal entire map and resources |
| trigger ‘DOR_T_Give_Gold’ when (IsHumanPlayer(g.player) && (player.1.gold<=200000)) { AddGold(g.player,1000000); } |
Unlimited gold (Only works in versions earlier than v1.16f. Edit the “script.slc” file in the “\ctp_data\default\gamedata” folder.) |
MAC
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| Leemur | 100,000 gold |
| Save the game. Include the word “multi” in the saved game name. Load the game you just saved. | Reveal entire map and resources |
Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Review
Introduction
Sid Meier’s Civilization III is a monumental entry in the legendary strategy series, expanding upon the foundations laid by its predecessors while introducing groundbreaking mechanics that continue to influence the genre. Released in 2001, it captivated players with its blend of historical simulation, turn-based strategy, and addictive gameplay that entrances even the most casual gamer with the promise of “just one more turn.”
Development History & Context
Developed by Firaxis Games East under the creative direction of Jeffery L. Briggs and Soren Johnson, Civilization III marked a departure from Sid Meier’s direct involvement but maintained the studio’s commitment to deep, engaging strategy gameplay. The 2001 release capitalized on improvements in computing power to deliver enhanced graphics, animations, and a more intuitive interface while maintaining the series’ signature gameplay loop.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
The game’s core narrative revolves around guiding a civilization from 4000 BC to 2050 AD, navigating through various eras and making strategic choices that impact cultural influence, technological advancements, and global dominance. Key themes explored include:
- Cultural Influence: The introduction of cultural borders transformed how empires expanded, adding a layer of peaceful conquest through cultural assimilation.
- Diplomacy vs. War: Expanded diplomacy options allowed for nuanced negotiations, alliances, and trade agreements, contrasting with the traditional military conquest approach.
- Technological Progress: The tech tree remained a central mechanic, driving civilization development through discoveries that unlock new units, buildings, and wonders.
- Historical Leaders: Players could choose from 15 diverse civilizations, each led by iconic historical figures like Julius Caesar, Gandhi, or Elizabeth I, each with unique attributes and units.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Civilization III refined and expanded core gameplay mechanics:
- Cultural Borders: Cities now exerted cultural influence over surrounding territories, expanding borders and assimilating rival cities through cultural dominance.
- Corruption System: A new mechanic where distant cities experienced reduced efficiency due to corruption, adding a layer of empire management complexity.
- Resource Management: Strategic resources (like iron, oil) became crucial for producing advanced units and technologies, requiring careful resource control.
- Unit promotions and Great Leaders: Combat units could gain experience and promotions, and elite units had a chance to spawn Great Leaders capable of creating Army units or completing city projects instantly.
- Diplomatic Victory: Added a new victory condition where players could win through diplomatic influence by becoming the leader of the United Nations.
World-Building, Art & Sound
The game’s world-building encompassed a vast timeline, with visual and auditory elements evolving alongside the civilization’s progress:
- Visuals: Isometric sprite-based graphics with animated units and improved city visualizations, providing a more immersive experience.
- Civilopedia: An extensive in-game encyclopedia offering historical context and information on every aspect of the game.
- Music: Dynamic soundtrack that adapted to the current era, from ancient tribal tunes to modern electronic themes, enhancing the sense of progression.
Reception & Legacy
Upon release, Civilization III was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, winning multiple “Game of the Year” awards. However, it also faced criticism for initial bugs and the lack of multiplayer (addressed in the Play the World expansion). The game’s influence is evident in subsequent Civilization titles and the broader strategy genre, particularly in:
- Pioneering cultural influence mechanics later seen in Civilization V and VI.
- Introducing the concept of “one more turn” addiction through不断的 strategic decisions.
- Providing a robust platform for mods and scenarios that extended its longevity.
Conclusion
Sid Meier’s Civilization III stands as a testament to Firaxis Games’ ability to balance evolutionary gameplay improvements with the timeless core mechanics of the Civilization series. Despite minor flaws and technical issues, its impact on the strategy game landscape remains profound, making it an essential entry for any fan of the genre.