Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Your Nation – English Empire

Sid Meier's Civilization was THE computer game when it was introduced in 1994 and was first real turn-based strategy ever. The latest PC playable version of Civilization is "Civilization IV". It was released in October 2005 and has many fans across the world.

3 years is an a lot of time for any computer game to exist - but not for this one , as it remains one of the best strategy games to this day. 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 in previous articles, we continue with a review of civilizations to choose from. The next nation to be examined is England.

When playing as the Enland nation, you will have the Redcoat as your unique unit (replacing the Rifleman). The unit is more powerful (16 instead of 14) and has +25% strength with gunpowder units – making it far less vulnerable to Grenadier attacks. It does not require resources and has +25% strength with mounted units (both common for Rifleman), making it a very good contestant versus Cavalry. Having such a powerful unit as early as possible in the game is a must – so do research Rifling (beware that Chichen Itza is being obsolete).

The starting technologies for the English are Fishing and Mining, meaning Sailing, Masonry and Bronze Working are available instantly.

The civilization has only 2 leaders – Elizabeth and Victoria

Elizabeth is defined as “Philosophical” and “Financial”. This means you will have a bonus of Great People appearance (+100% birth rate). However, doubling zero is still zero – so you should either build wonders or create specialists in your cities. Universities (that speed up your research by 25%) are built with double speed, so discovering Education and building Libraries (required for University) is very logical.

“Financial” should make you research “Banking” as soon as possible, as the Banks are constructed at double speed. As you will probably have many banks it will bring you closer to the Wall Street wonder. Also, you should concentrate on terrains which produce more commerce, as you have a bonus of +1 for each square that generates 2.

Victoria is “Expansive” and “Financial”.

With the effects of “Financial” explained above, being “Expansive” means you construct Granary and Harbor at double speed. This enables quick population growth and prevents health problems – especially since you also receive a +2 health per city. Discovering Pottery and Compass will help you to take advantage of those buildings.