Advice needed - utter Civ. NOVICE!

[michael4000]

Although I can appreciate the overall aim of the game, I just can't get past first base with regard to some of the basics like how do you actually know you've lost/losing and how is the margin of victory/defeat computed.

Welcome to CIV, Mikelaz.

CIV is a little like long distance running in that you can set your own standard for success. (Also, they both eat up a hell of a lot of time.) When you are beginning or moving up a level, you might set a goal like "I hope I can survive until 1000 A.D." The next game, you might want to try for being in the top three when time runs out. Then, victory. Eventually, you might be challenging yourself to win a culture victory before 1500 A.D. without ever starting an aggressive war.

Enjoy your empire!

 

[Strontium_Dog]

Hello Mike

I'm a newbie too, been learning as I go. Although I had some experience of Civ2.

From your posts, I take it you're in the U.K. (you quoted that price for the guide in GBP), and if you bought the game recently, like I did, we probably have the same version. It comes in a cardboard box, with 2 amaray cases inside, one with Civ3, one with the Play The World and Conquests add-ons.

No sign of a manual, just a fold out with a tech-tree and a keymap. The manual is there though. You have to put the Civ3 cd in, and explore it (right click/ Explore). The manuals in the folder named, Manuals (I know, it's obvious ), in .pdf format (needs Acrobat Reader, but it's there too, if you don't have it).

You can print it out, but it's 248 pages long , so may be better to have a quick look through, then have it open and switch between the game and it, looking up relevant bits.

That guide sounds like a rip, especially if it's just the manual re-done. Cheaper to buy a ream of paper.

Anyway, hope you get to grips with it, it's a good game. This place helps a lot too.

 

[mikelaz]

Thanks Strontium Dog - I've got the online manual. I agree that this site is absolutely great - you sure don't need any guides because it's all here! Maybe you do need a ream of paper however ...