Is "CIV III COMPLETE" for Noobs?

[derenthal]

I don't get it. If this game is not immensely difficult, why would one need to come here and study strategy, etc. for months just to excel?

Because the game is very addictive, and being able to share strategy ideas with other players is helpful when trying to move into the higher difficulty levels. It is possible to play and win at the beginner difficulty settings using just the fundamentals that are available through the manual and some playing experience. It's fun to play at any level that offers a challenge. I had a great time playing at the easiest level in Civ3 for at over a year.

A manual tells you how to play, but does not cover the same range of strategic ideas that are available from a large, active, dynamic player base. Think of chess as an example. The book that comes with a starter chess set explains the rules of play and how to win, but volumes of books have been published discussing different tactics, styles of play, strategies, etc.

 

[thestonesfan]

Days to learn, years to master!

 

[JackRules]

I had never played computer strategy games of any kind before picking up CIV111. It really is tough to get good at unless you have nothing else to do besides play. I was stuck on Chieftan/Warlord forever but started improving recently after reading the War Academy articles and especially following some Succession/Training games on this site. So many people on these forums have a solid grasp of the nuances of the game; just learn from them.

 

[crimson238]

Civ is a game that is easy to learn, but you'll always be looking for new ways to do things. with civ 3, the different victory conditions simply create more and more new ways to win to master.. i'm working on conquest victory right now for the first time...and it'll be awhile, im sure, before i get the right tactics together to make it work flawlessly.
but definitly.. go get a copy;dive into it. It's great for anger management. If oyu've had a bad day at work; go invade a civ!. tiered of people getting to you; nuke a small village!

 

[crazyluke2001]

lol I remember I used to find it hard winning cheiftain. Damn those Roman warriors beat my hoplites every time