Mastering Civilization IV – The American Empire in Civilization IV

Civ IV is a very popular and enjoayble game.With the victory options and most the pre-game selections (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)) covered previously, we are now reviewing the aspects of civilization choice.

Choosing the nation in Civilization IV has to be done in context with each nation's unique advantages. The first nation that we are going to analyze is the American Empire.

The American nation has the Navy Seal as their unique unit (replacing the Marine) with advantages of 1-2 first strikes and the free “March” promotion (along with the Marine common “Amphibious” promotion). As the unit requires Rifling and Industrialism technologies, it is wise to study them as soon as possible (beware that Chichen Itza is being obsolete by Rifling and Industrialism cancels Ivory).

The starting technologies are Fishing and Agriculture, meaning Sailing and Animal Husbandry are available instantly, and Pottery is very close (with Mining).

The civilization has 2 possible leaders – Washington and Roosevelt.

Playing with George Washington will mean you are “Financial” and “Organized”. Thus, you should research “Banking” as soon as possible, as the Banks are constructed at double speed. As you will probably have many banks – consider building the Wall Street wonder as well. Also, you should concentrate on terrains which produce more commerce, as you have a bonus of +1 for each square that generates 2.

“Organized” means you have to pay less for your civics – making the usually expansive Police State, Vassalage, Environmentalism and Organized Religion less painful. It also enables you to construct the “Courthouse” and “Lighthouse” at double speed, making the discovery of Sailing and Code of Laws logical. The latter is generally more important as the first to discover founds “Confucianism” religion. Courthouses will also lead you to the Forbidden Palace – reducing the corruption in your empire. Sailing, on the other hand, is enabled immediately, as you already have Fishing.

Playing with Franklin Delano Roosevelt means you are “Organized” and “Industrious”. Organized has been covered in the above paragraph, while “Industrious” will mean you have a double speed production of all Wonders and Forge. The latter must lead you to discovering Metal Casting (requires Pottery and Bronze Working) as soon as possible, with Crossbowman (enabled by Machinery) just one technology away.