I really like civilization and have been playing it since the first civ. I was eagerly awating civ IV and bought it the first day (I upgraded my computer just to play it). Unfortunanetly, however, the game just plain sucks. The interface is HORRIBLE!!! Civ III's interface was so much better. The game is just not fun to play anymore; its hard to see what's going on and hard to play. I really hate Civ IV, and wish they just had improved Civ III. I'm really upset, and I can't believe the reviews of this game have been so high.
Civ IV doesn't compare to Civ III
- Thread starter massemo
- Start date
There seems to be a trend of people complaining about how awful the interface is and how hard it is to play. If you are finding it hard to see what is going on, maybe you are running too low of a resolution. I'm running at 1280x1024 with antialiasing enabled (makes a big difference in this game) with all details on and it's just beautiful and very easy to see what's going on even while zoomed out quite a bit.
Everything seems slow, and I have a very good computer. In CIV III, I could see everything that's going on much better -- in Civ IV either I'm too close to the action (and can't see anything aroud me) or too far away (and I can't tell one group of 3 warriors from one group of 3 archers).
Also, there are far too many pictures in CIV IV -- I have to scroll my mouse over 1,000 freaking pictures to tell them apart; very annoying. Sometimes, when chaning my city's production, the only way to pick the production that I want is to scorll my mouse over 8 or 9 different pictures. CIV III had nice drop down menus that really saved a lot of time.
CIV III's interface seems a lot more polished. Civ IV has a cheap feel -- its hard to describe but its obvious to me. For example the tech tree -- I think if you were to compare them side by side you'd think CIV III was the more advanced copy.
Units in 3D just plain suck in this type of game. They are too large at times and too small at other times. I really think the move to 3d was a big failure.
Also, every time the turn ends the game sends me back and forth all over the world -- it makes me dizzy and a little sea sick. Like I'm caught in Katrina or some terrible tornado.
All the words are so small -- and there's words and small icons (to press) EVERYWHERE. I'm having to read a million messages in small text because the game progresses so fast that every turn 20 things happen.
These are only a few thoughts. I'm really disappointed in this game. THIS IS LIKE STAR WARS EPOSIDE I ALL OVER AGAIN!!!
Also, there are far too many pictures in CIV IV -- I have to scroll my mouse over 1,000 freaking pictures to tell them apart; very annoying. Sometimes, when chaning my city's production, the only way to pick the production that I want is to scorll my mouse over 8 or 9 different pictures. CIV III had nice drop down menus that really saved a lot of time.
CIV III's interface seems a lot more polished. Civ IV has a cheap feel -- its hard to describe but its obvious to me. For example the tech tree -- I think if you were to compare them side by side you'd think CIV III was the more advanced copy.
Units in 3D just plain suck in this type of game. They are too large at times and too small at other times. I really think the move to 3d was a big failure.
Also, every time the turn ends the game sends me back and forth all over the world -- it makes me dizzy and a little sea sick. Like I'm caught in Katrina or some terrible tornado.
All the words are so small -- and there's words and small icons (to press) EVERYWHERE. I'm having to read a million messages in small text because the game progresses so fast that every turn 20 things happen.
These are only a few thoughts. I'm really disappointed in this game. THIS IS LIKE STAR WARS EPOSIDE I ALL OVER AGAIN!!!
jedimogg said:
I just don't identify with the Civ commercial anymore about having a lust for "one more turn" with Civ IV. The magic is gone. I really can't imagine anyone liking CIV IV better than Conquests -- AM I WRONG ANYONE? P.S. I really wanted to love this game, but I just can't. I've been playing Civ since it was first released and I've loved it all -- except now. WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME!!!
Vraslosken
Warlord
It seems your complaints are only about the graphics.
Heck, I couldnt tell a worker from a settler from a warrior when I first played CIVIII, so that is just something you get used to.
Anyways, I willbe playing C3C a couple of more years, since I have a crappy computer. So I guess I'm luckier than you.
Heck, I couldnt tell a worker from a settler from a warrior when I first played CIVIII, so that is just something you get used to.
Anyways, I willbe playing C3C a couple of more years, since I have a crappy computer. So I guess I'm luckier than you.
most of you complaints seem to be superfical, which means they will likely subside when you get used to the new interface.
i have little problem with the interface and in fact prefer it to civ III's. but even if i didn't, i would deal with, since the core gameplay and balance has been improved so much. i think civ IV is more intuative, but only if you approach the game with an open mind. if you approach it like its a civ III expansion it will only be frustrating.
i have little problem with the interface and in fact prefer it to civ III's. but even if i didn't, i would deal with, since the core gameplay and balance has been improved so much. i think civ IV is more intuative, but only if you approach the game with an open mind. if you approach it like its a civ III expansion it will only be frustrating.
I share some of your feelings about civ IV massemo, but I think you (and me) should not rush to judgment. We are too used to civ III so we want everything in Civ IV to be similar. But you have to try and see with time what civ IV can really do once you get to know it well. You might discover interesting things about it. Gowever at the moment the game needs at least 2 patches, it's full of bugs. For example, I don't know if you have the same problem but the terrain tiles only show food on them, but no coins or hammers, which makes the game almost unplayable.
Also some of the advisors seem useless oe not very well done.
My advice is wait for the patches, that will hopefully also improve the advisors, the interface and the civilopedia. You can still like this game if you are patient. I hope so.
Also some of the advisors seem useless oe not very well done.
My advice is wait for the patches, that will hopefully also improve the advisors, the interface and the civilopedia. You can still like this game if you are patient. I hope so.
bshock727 said:
Do you like CIV IV better than CIV III, or II for that matter? Can you honestly tell me CIV IV is more fun and more addictive? I just cannot believe there is anyone out there that likes CIV IV better -- please post if you do (and, for the sake of my understanding, why).
I do agree with massemo on one thing: apparently someone at Firaxis so in love with his or her icon creation skills, that they went overboard and used them without any visible text. The idea that we should be able to tell what something is by a little square picture and no text is ludicrous. I should not have to use mouseover tooltip information just to be sure what I am clicking on.
They are getting so many complaints about the icon driven interface that I am nearly positive this will be corrected in the first major patch.
They are getting so many complaints about the icon driven interface that I am nearly positive this will be corrected in the first major patch.
Can't really say if Civ IV is more addictive since I've only had the game for 2 days.
Of course, yesterday I stayed up til 5 am playing the game and today til 4 am playing it when I haven't played Civ III that late in over 2 years.
So I'll let you know in a couple days
(I'll pretty much be saying I like it more)
Of course, yesterday I stayed up til 5 am playing the game and today til 4 am playing it when I haven't played Civ III that late in over 2 years.
So I'll let you know in a couple days
(I'll pretty much be saying I like it more)
Stilgar08
Emperor
massemo said:
I can!!!
It's a lot of fun, it has more depths and is clearly awesome. I made a mistake in the first game I started. I jumped right in and the game tends to push you into a hurry... Don't let this happen! Take your time then everything gets better! 
I played my second game very slowly (haven't finished yet), took my time, checked a lot of times twice and three times what to do next and it's far better this time... The icons to identify everything on the map (down right above the minimap) are a huge help... I assume you turned on "show movement for everybody" just like I did? If it makes you sick getting flown all over the map so fast, zoom out until you are more used to it...
Geez, everyone, stay cool
and relax! The game is out for a few hours! You have to get used to it and learn. Give it some time and try a slower approach... 
P.S.: Graphics are fine, IMHO. I can see clearly what's going on and the zooming in and out is awesome! I'm happy with the product!
(hopefully the diplo-bug from China turns out to be untrue, though
)Cheers, gotta go, gotta play...
Stilgar
Snoopy
Prince
It's going to take some time getting used to.
The interface is actually very flexible so it can be modded easily. (And I think they made it flexible so that modders can mod it without issues).
You want text for each icon? Well, you do realise that if Firaxis put the text along with the icon, you will end up with an even messier interface.
I plan to change Civ4's interface graphics (not icons coz they are good enough) in the future to something more interesting, rather than something general.
The interface is actually very flexible so it can be modded easily. (And I think they made it flexible so that modders can mod it without issues).
You want text for each icon? Well, you do realise that if Firaxis put the text along with the icon, you will end up with an even messier interface.
I plan to change Civ4's interface graphics (not icons coz they are good enough) in the future to something more interesting, rather than something general.
I disagree for the most part here. My initial impression is that Civ4 has better mechanics than Civ3. I hated the ICS and how it's the dominant strategy in Civ3. Corruption, pollution, etc. are also improved in Civ4 for me, so far.
What I agree with, though, is the complaint about the icon driven interface. I prefer the old Civ3 and before build system where they use words instead of icons. The absolute worst part is the Civilopedia. It's so hard to use now because of all the icons. An alphabetical listing would be tons better.
What I agree with, though, is the complaint about the icon driven interface. I prefer the old Civ3 and before build system where they use words instead of icons. The absolute worst part is the Civilopedia. It's so hard to use now because of all the icons. An alphabetical listing would be tons better.
Runriot
Chieftain
First off, I want to make it clear: I do not have the game yet, will be picking it up in about 3 hours. But I have to wonder if any of you complaining about the icon driven interface have played any RTS games?andrewlt said:
MOST all of your RTS production, research, and construction is icon driven without text to identify what, who, when, where, or why. You mouse over the icon for the info, and continue on your way. After time, you know what the icons are, where they are, and what order you click them for your specific strategy.
I find it a quick, and streamlined way to do things in Starcraft, DoW, C&C, etc etc. Having civIV move towards this approach is actually very appealing to me.
I personally think you all should just give the game some time, get used to the new way of doing things. I mean, we've all known for a long time now that civ IV wasnt going to be C3C with a graphics face lift
--RR
