Civ4 for less adaptive players

[SlippinSisyphus]

My dad really loves Civ2 and I'm getting him Civ4 for Christmas. Unfortunately, he has a lot of great qualities but he isn't very good at adapting to change. I've played the game (Civ4) a few days now, and I'm a veteran of Civ2&3. Obviously, this game is much more complex than Civ2, and I'm worried he is going to get lost and confused.

He didn't like Civ3, and prefers to play Civ2 or Test of Time. He doesn't play the alternate versions (Fantasy, Sci-Fi or Alpha Centauri) of Test of Time, just the vanilla version.

Can you think of any way I can get him to ease into Civ4? I've also heard that the game is very mod-able. Could I give the graphic interface a switch to a Civ2 style?

 

[microbe]

Well, why should you? Just let him enjoy what he enjoys. At your father's age it's probably the best thing to do.

 

[Ranos]

The main differences that I remember between 2 & 3 were the artillery combat system, resources and the unit experience. Well, the major ones anyway.

If he didn't like them for those reasons, then he probably won't like Civ 4. artillery combat has gone back to the units actually attacking instead of just bombarding. Resources are an even more major factor in Civ 4 and the addition of religions could make it really confusing for him. The promotions can be tricky but are easy to learn.

I would recommend going to his house a few days before Christmas, if you are planning a visit and not just mailing him his present, and playing Civ 4 on his computer and seeing if he likes it or not. If he does, go buy a copy for him and wrap it and your done. If not, already have an alternative gift in mind.

 

[Armr]

how about just give it to him and let him decide 8). that's half the fun of it...

 

[Instant_Cereal]

Lol, man, y'all are acting like this guy has a chimp's brain. Since he's a dad, I assume he's at least 40+. The game hasn't become more complicated, not much at all.

I'm 20 and my father is is 56. We've both been playing Civ games since the very first. If there are some things your father will possibly have a hard time adjusting to, they'll be the new graphics, look, and interface. I kind of know what it's like 'cause I went straight from Civ2 to Civ4, where as my dad has played Civ3. Make sure your father's computer can handle the game. My dad's adamant and cheap about upgrading (something you used to be able to get away with back in the day), and his machine didn't take kindly to the game. So, oddly, the new look of Civ4 is suppose to be user-friendly and immersive, but it had the opposite affect on my dad. He still doesn't "approve" of the "bigger look". Fortunately I convinced him to upgrade soon and I'd help him with a few parts for Christmas. I guess Civ is becoming too 'new school' for some.

I never really got into Civ3, maybe played it for 10 hours total. The leap from Civ2 to Civ4 caught me a little off guard. Some things changed for the better and some changes aren't that great, imo. For example, I think the combat system in Civ4 blows donkey bells, but I love the resources, the promotions, and many other concepts (ESPECIALLY THE MUSIC!!!). But I enjoy the game for what it is and what it tries to be.

Basically, don't be suprised if your dad likes it or dislikes it. Maybe get him to play the demo first?

 

[TrailblazingScot]

I guess we'll have your dad flaming the forums about how this or that doesn't work like in Civ 2/3 etc etc

 

[Bard]

I tried to introduce my father to civ3 once... him being a retired history professor I thought he would like it.
But he was totally shocked that I would think of him playing kids games... then he continued his online bubbles game.

 

[vbraun]

You might as well try. Who knows he might like it!