Off Topic DO NOT BUY CIV 3

[Jourin]

I do agree that CIV III is a disappointment, but I still think it is a good game. Is it better than Civ II, yes. Does it have MAJOR problems, yes. Is it better out of the box than CTP I and II (both truely unfinished games), yes. Is it better then the modded CTP I, NO.

Problems:
1. Can not define historical starting positions for empires so can not play a historical Earth map or create scenarios. User mod fixes this bug.

2. Some of the features do not work. (although the patch did fix the precision bombing bug)

3. Game is VERY unstable and crashes constantly. Patch was supposed to address this problem but did not.

4. Patch:
Pros: Gives user more ability to fix problems with game.
Cons: Majority are just cosmetic fixes like spelling errors, does not fix MAJOR problems. Does fix precision bombing bug, but adds new bugs.
Assessment: If you want to try to mod the game to fix problems, install patch. If you want to play the game with no mods, do not install patch as additional bugs are not worth the precision bombing fix.

5. Pros: Firaxis has committed to fix the game with patches. As long as the company is willing to support the game with patches to fix the problems I am willing to buy the game. I refuse to buy games when the company refuses to support the game with patches. I did not buy CTP II and I will not buy IGIII as the companies refused to support CTP I and IGII but released flawed games, one or two minor patches and that was it. I will not be burned twice.

I was more disappointed with CTP I and II then with CIV3. CTP had great potential but was rushed to the market and totally unplayable out of the box. Activision also refused to support the game. Saving grace was ability to mod game. EXTENSIVE user mods over next two years turned CTP I into a very good game. CTP II was a step backwards and again Activision refused to support the game, so I say stick with CTP I modded. Luckily I did not buy CTP II.

Civ3 is playable out of the box (I think). Unfortunately once you get a good game going, it crashes. I have not been able to get past the middle ages yet. Tech suppost has been no help, as all crash problems are the OS's fault. They also state that only limited help will be available because of the holidays.

If you can wait don't buy CIV3 now, but wait for the patches.