Yarp
Chieftain
The hex grid is turned off in these screenshots
I really regret forgetting to put that in the article! Yes, the game is completely playable in this view (I personally spend most of my time in this view) and one of the coolest parts about it is that yes, the video card does a lot less work while in this view.
Greg, does this include simpler diplomacy screen? Personally, I would like to play in this minimalistic design but I don't want to wait for minutes (as in C-IV on my old machine) to get glancing animated Montezuma's head telling me he has declared war...
Will it be possible to turn off diplomacy leader animations and get quick static portraits instead?