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| | Genre: Strategy & War | | | Min OS X: 10.6 |
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Civilization V: Babylon & Nebuchadnezzar
November 6, 2011 | David Wilkin | |
Requirements: Must have Civilization V installed in order to use this additional contentReview: Recently I reviewed for IMG some of the map additions that Firaxis and Aspyr Media have given us for the Civillization V franchise. In this review I take a look at the Babylon expansion civilization that lies at the heart of humanity's own expansion. It could be argued that the Tigris-Euphrates valley is the birthplace of modern civilization. Certainly in grade school it is what I was taught. Western Civilization comes bursting from this fertile area, followed by that of the Nile. Then we see the Empire of Alexander come from the Greek cultures much later. Rome follows, and we have Western Civilization mapped out quite well. Thus, if playing a game of Civilization V, and its predecessors, having this area as the map to begin should place in context how all of Western Civilization will grow. With the appropriate map, then a few ancient civilizations should bring the history lesson to the game table and give us modern dynastic rulers a chance to make our manipulation of the ancient civilizations longer lasting then the original ruling families were able. As I said I reviewed the maps earlier and one of the problems I cited then was that historical civilizations do not have an option to start where they were based. Playing as the Babylonians, I actually ruled Libya and Egypt (very poignant to do so as the Libyans have been fighting for Independence from a horrid dictator) and in Alexander’s Thrace. I can set that feeling of dislocation aside, though I would rather not. I want my Babylonians by the waters of Babylon. I have the music to set me in the mood and everything. (For those too young to know of what I speak, Babylon by Don McLean from Psalm 137 is a rather nice song IMO.) In any case we don’t have that, we have 3 differentiations to make the Babylonians stand out from the rest of the cultures that one plays. Bowmen are the unique unit, the walls of Babylon serve as the unique building, and last, what is labeled Ingenuity - a way to speed science research. The strategy with this civilization, and it is an early game civ, is to rush writing as a technology. That is where you get the Ingenuity bonus, a Great Scientist. And further Great Scientists at double the normal rate. That puts one on the course for perhaps a scientific victory. But there are other early items to take advantage of as well. The Bowmen are one of the strongest premodern units around. +2 ranged combat and defense. That adds up, especially when fighting barbarians. And in the premodern world, the AI is thinking more about itself then attacking you all the time, so it will be quite beneficial. As will the last differentiation for the Babylonians, the Walls of Babylon, which make your cities stronger. Just let those Barbarians come into range and you surely will see them destroyed. There is also a nice graphic to go with erecting walls around your cities. But aside from that is it worth the price? I don’t think that it does add enough gameplay accept for the purist. You have a lot of civilizations to play already. If we did have historic starting locations, then perhaps I would urge you to get this DLC pack. But as it stands, I can’t give it my wholehearted recommendation. I think I should listen to Babylon a few more times and think back to the long ago lives of our ancestors. Not that it will help me with the review, but I can think of how the ancients came forth from between the two rivers. Pros: • Powerful Archers Cons: • No new wonders or technologies
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