Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing A Playable Nation – Greek Empire

Sid Meier's Civilization was THE computer game when it was introduced in 1994 and was the first real turn-based strategy ever. The game had several versions, with the latest PC playable one called "Civilization IV".

Several years have passed, but Civ IV is still a very playable and enjoyable game with decent graphics and AI tactics. With the victory options and pre-game selections (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)) previously discussed, we continue with a review of playable civilization choice. The next nation to be looked at is Greece.

The Greek nation has the Phalanx as its unique unit, replacing the Speaman. The Phalanx is superior to Spearman in terms of strength (5 versus 4), making it a serious threat in the early stages of the game.

Until Axemen are built this is a most powerful unit. Guarding cities with Phalanx is a good idea as well as it has a +100% versus mounted units (common to Speaman) – making it closer to Pikeman, which requires Feudalism, a relatively advanced technology. Phalanx also has +25% hills defense. As Hunting is the Greek starting technology, Phalanx can be built as soon as copper is discovered (research Bronze working).

The starting technologies for the Greeks are Hunting and Fishing. This means that Archery, Animal Husbandry and Sailing can be researched straight away. Mining should be given a priority to enable Bronze Working - which will give you the unique Phalanx.

The civilization has only 1 leader – Alexander.

Alexander the Great is “Philosophical” and “Aggressive”

“Philosophical” means having 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. As such, writing has to be researched at the early stages.

Being “Aggressive” means that you will have a bonus of free promotion (Combat I) for all melee and gunpowder units – making your Phalanx, Swordsman, Musketman etc. 10% stronger from the very beginning. This makes even more sense to build Phalanx. Barracks are constructed at double speed – something you would want to build in all your cities as it requires no technology at all. And with barracks your units are even stronger (free promotion of your choice). Drydocks are sped up as well, giving you an option to build naval units twice as fast and giving them more experience. Steel should be discovered to take advantage of this building. However, beware – drydocks reduce your city health.