Civilization: The Board Game

The Civilization board game is a must for any CIV fan. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of it crossing over to a board game, but I must say, I am very happy with the results. Eagle Games did a great job with the detail and in making it fun. It does take a while to learn the rules, so be patient. My wife and I are both addicted to it and can't wait to invite some friends over to play it with us. This is one game you will NOT be disappointed with. It's well worth the money. The ONLY suggestion I would have is investing in some drawers or trays for the game pieces as there are A LOT of them. We purchased some plastic or rubbermaid containers to store the pieces in. It makes it much easier to keep them together and to sort out when necessary.

For starters this game is HUGE. The board is divided into 3 large cardboard folded pieces you need to lay side by side. You need lots of time to both prepare and play this one. Once you have set it up you need lots of time to learn the rules. They are very scattered throughout the rule book and very complex. The first game Hubby and I had took us 6 hours, learning the rules as we went, and we didnt finish the game. This is great for a cold wet wintery day, not for after dinner socialisation. Once you pick up the basics in the "Basic" rules the game can go a bit faster. When you first cut all the plastic play pieces out of thier holders I recommend you put them in seperate "era" bags for easier finding during the game. This is a fairly strategic game that has a bit of luck involved and you really have to think about what you are doing and it uses lots of brainpower. All in all I enjoy this game but as it takes so long we dont play it often and its so complex that its difficult to teach others. I think this is truely a game for those geeky people who love to be challenged.

I was a very late convert to the computer version and the board game version of Civilization. I was always a huge fan of Avalon Hill's version, however instead of ending in the stone age this game goes into space. Like the avalon hill version you start with a small area and try to build a more advanced future , like the avalon hill version it is fun and interesting. a great group game and a fine time. Unlike the AH version you play on a map of the entire world rather than just Europe, unlike AH this gives you various resources that you might find, unlike AH you don't deal with diplomacy between players in the same way. The game as faithful as possible to the computer game and the decision on what to buy and when are much more interesting when trying to outfox other players. The trading system is sleek, If you wish to enjoy the advantage of trade particularly in the early game you have to risk capture of your city by being close. The only drawback of the game is time. The AH game took at least 12 hours to finish (well worth it but only playable maybe every other year) This version might take 6-8 hours. Still kind of long but you don't have to forfeit a night's sleep. Either way you will find it worth it, but play with at least 5.

I was excited to play this game when I first bought it. However, after on eplay, I will probably never play the game again. I am a big fan of the pc game and assumed I would be able to play the board game with little difficulty. However, there were just so many issues. First, the instructions are pathetic. It lists game pices that don't even exist. For example. It told me I could build chariots, but there are no chariots included in the game. Second, trying to keep cities and improvements in order was confusing and usually got messed up during game play. If you are thinking of purchasing this game, don't bother. Play the pc game again instead.

This game is similar to risk. It has lots of rules and versions of play. My son is always eager to play it, but it takes literally days and days, so its one of those games you need a place to leave it set up. It has some history and strategy to teach about past technology and military strategy. Lots of small pieces. Its a cool game, but as a busy family we have never had the chance to finish it even when we have devoted a full weekend...maybe if we get snowed in this winter?!

Exciting and fun, but yet hard to play and set up. Civilization the board game has many pros and cons: -Pros: It's a wonderful action packed strategy game, with a realistic approach. -Cons: Takes ages to set up, let alone play it. A good long while to play Risk or even Monopoly will not be suficiant for this game! -Overall vertict: If your a person who has a lot of free time on thier hands, and has friends that like long strategy games, BUY THIS GAME! But if you the kind of person who really likes other strategy games like Risk, but barely can find enough time to play them, DON'T BUY THIS GAME! I'd recommened something like Risk 2210 A.D. OR Diplomacy.