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Lead programmer Alex Mantzaris recently offered IGN an early look at Civilization IV: Warlords, the first expansion for the popular world building strategy sim. CIVW will introduce warlords to the mix. Among other things the new units will have the ability to join with regular military units and increase their effectiveness significantly. The expansion will also add six new civilizations, ten new leaders, and six new scenarios to the game.

Though it sounds like the expansion caters more to the warmongers among us, Alex is quick to point out that there are plenty of new tools and options for peaceniks. "Peaceful players should have no fear," he says "because we are very careful to balance the new features for all styles of play. In fact, because of the vassal states concept, they may even get the opportunity to win the game by domination."

The new system for vassal states sets up two nations in what Alex calls an "asymmetric alliance." Basically, one civilization serves as the master in the relationship and collects tribute from the weaker, vassal nation. The vassal nation is automatically at war with any of the master nation's enemies. Most importantly, the vassal's land counts as the master's land for domination purposes. Alex explains that you can get a nation to be your vassal if you can get them to "trust you enough to protect them or if they're scared enough of your power."

To read the rest of the preview click on the link below.

IGN: Civ IV Warlords Preview

Civilization IV: Warlords

Aspyr Media

Civilization IV

Firaxis Games

Buy Civilization IV

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