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

Sid Meier's Civilization was introduced in 1994, becoming the first real turn-based strategy game ever. The latest PC playable version of Civilization, "Civilization IV" was launched in October 2005 and has many fans across the world.

The game is highly rated among strategy players and is a real joy to play. With the victory options described previously 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 other articles, we continue with a review of civilization choice for players of the game. The next nation to be examined is Mali.

The Malinese empire have the Skirmisher as unique unit (replacing Archer). Available with the discovery of Archery, the unit has the same attributes (+50% city defense, +25% hills defense) as Archer. However it might get more first strikes (1-2 vs 1) and, more importantly, has more strength (4 vs 3). This makes skirmisher an excellent defender (Axemen and even Swordsman are almost sure to fail when attacking a city defended with Skirmishers; this should be pf particular importance when dealing with barbarians).

The starting technologies for the Mali are The Wheel and Mining. This means that Masonry and Bronze Working are available instantly, and Pottery is easy to achieve (either Agriculture or Fishing will do).

The civilization has only 1 leader – Mansa Musa.

Mansa Musa traits are "Spiritual" and "Financial".

“Spiritual” means you have “No anarchy” during revolution. This means that you should change your civics and/or religion frequently (there is a general limit of 1 revolution in 5 turns however). Of course, when doing so you must take into account the effects of the chosen Civics and Religion. Temples are constructed at double speed, meaning that you should discover Priesthood and maybe think of founding several religions (discovering Polytheism is beneficial as it gives you both the Hinduism Religion and the path to Monotheism technology (with Masonry), which is required to Judaism). You should consider building missioners to spread religions, as it will lead to more happy people when switching to “free religion” civic in modern times.

“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.