I have the ps3 version of this game and I'm dissapointed. This game is alot of things all at once but in the end it's just not something i'm happy I bought. The gameplay is methodic and repetitive which is simply caused by a lack of options. When starting a new game you automatically face 6 other civilization's on a random map on a VERY SMALL globe. You don't have the option to adjust # of opponents or select a particular world map size or even set a win condition. Your also given your choice between around sixteen leaders ranging from China's Mao to Abe Lincholn. Each leader gives a different kind of bonus some even giving special units. Except the special units look the same are worse then normal units and seem pretty much worthless.
The most annoying thing about this game beyond all that is the combat. You start with a warrior with an axe and as time progresses you get newer units archers to airplanes and tanks. Sounds cool? Yeah it's great until Civil War riflemen kill off hordes of your tanks. Or when a lone archer beats off your six horse calavary unit. I've seen some pretty funny things in this game. A group of cannons kills my army of marines, then my tanks and finally finishes off my artillery. WTF? Yeah I've had my Japanese Zero Fighters shot down by tanks and seen my Val Bombers get killed by riflemen.

I'm sure this formula could have worked, well probably not. See the whole game is based on position of your city. The area around you determines what resource you can collect, they are gold, science, food, and production. Basically you need food to make population grow science to study certain things in history, production or having alot determines the speed that you build certain buildings or Wonders, and gold can help you buy units faster or buildings.

Thats not all I mentioned a small map size didn't I? Well your facing 6 other civilazations who can have as many cities as they please and there is no room to them. You will find them teaming against you I've fought off all six alone at times when I'm not even in the lead.
Added upon all that the diplomatic system is a joke they basically make you give them whatever technology they want if you don't it's war. No matter how long you've been at peace and no matter how many times you attack them and make a new peace nothing changes. There are no long term effects no depth involved simply attack and when you start losing offer your enemy a nice tech and the fight is forgotten.


The Graphics are cool, the leaders look authentic in the game you even have a Condolezza looking advisor which is cool. The game is smooth in that category. But falls off again in the sound dept. with stupid sim voices and forgetable music. I just turn it down and listen to my ipod.

It might sound like alot but after 1-3 games you will have it mastered each game being about two hours long. The game is a good rental I wouldn't buy it because after awhile it's boring with no unlockables no matter how you beat the game, besides pictures and facts about the leaders which is easier and quicker to see on wiki.