Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play – Incan Empire

Sid Meier's Civilization was THE computer game when it was introduced in 1994 and the series have retained popularity ever since. The latest PC playable version of Civilization is "Civilization IV", launched in October 2005.

3 years is an eternity for a computer game - but not for Civilization series release. Civ IV remains a very playable and enjoyable game. With the victory options described previously alongside most the pre-game selections (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)), we continue with a review of civilization choice. The next nation is Inca.

The Inca have the Quecha as unique unit (replacing Warrior). No technology is required to train Quecha and it has 25% city defense (as has warrior). Probably you won’t win the game with Quechas, but in the early stages it can be of use. It has +100% power against archery units – meaning it is actually stronger than archer (4 vs 3) and if you construct big number of Quechas (very cheap unit, only 15 shields required) you can capture archer-guarded cities.

The starting technologies for the Inca are Agriculture and Mysticism. The latter suggests it would be wise to discover Polytheism or Meditation (founding Hinduism and Buddhism respectively) right away, and afterwards turn to and Animal Husbandry, Masonry and Archery

The civilization has only 1 leader – Huyana Capac.

Huyana Capac is defined as “Financial” and “Aggressive”

Being “Aggressive” means that you will have a bonus of free promotion (Combat I) for all melee and gunpowder units – making your Quecha, Swordsman, Musketman etc. 10% stronger from the very beginning. This makes even more chance of your Quechas capturing cities in the early stages of the game. Barracks are constructed at double speed – something you would want to build in all your cities as it requires no technology at all. 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.

“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.