Why is CIV4 still the best civ game?

[AspiringScholar]

I guess it's nice to see Civ 3 having a champion, at least. Been the neglected stepchild of the series for too long.

My hot take is that while there is probably a Civ game that has the most depth, people are probably going to associate that more with the one they've invested the most hours in. I think Civ 4 is by far the deepest game in the series - but then again, I've also played it far more.

There is something endearing about Civ 3 aesthetically, and I get a childhood nostalgia kick from his coverage of and fondness for it; but I agree that Civ 4 by far is the deeper and more interesting game.

 

[JDCP]

There is something endearing about Civ 3 aesthetically

Exactly my thoughts with CIV2 and Alpha Centauri, mechanically they're outfaced by CIV4 in nearly every aspect, but they still hold up amazingly well. In fact I'd say SMAC was the best thing Firaxis ever produced, and if it wasn't for the amazing quality of many CIV4 mods I'd be playing that instead. That said, the city view screen from CIV3 is one of the most epic things I've seen in a game.

people are probably going to associate that more with the one they've invested the most hours in.

Yep that's completely normal, in a few years I'm sure you will find people who have CIV7 as their favorite.

 

[MilesBeyond]

I find it's particularly noticeable with terrain improvements. There's a whole lotta people out there who seem to think their personal favourite Civ is the only one where Worker choices (or Settler choices for the OGs) are deep and meaningful. In every other Civ game, they're so shallow you just mindlessly spam one or two improvements.