Mastering Civilization IV – Mongolian Empire in Civ IV - Choosing the Nation to Play in Civ IV PC Game

Sid Meier's Civilization was THE computer game when it was introduced in 1994. The first ever turn-based strategy, game has been a huge success. Several sequels have been released, carrying on the successful series. 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 – even today it is a very playable and enjoyable game. With the victory options and most of the pre-game selections (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)) already covered in earlier articles in this series, we continue with a review of civilization choice for players of the game. The next nation is the Mongols.

The Mongols have the Keshik as their unique unit (replacing the Horse Archer). The Keshik is very much like the Horse Archer (+50% attack with catapult, requires Horses resource and Archery and Horseback Riding technologies). In addition, the Keshik ignores terrain penalties (making it very useful in Jungle, Tundra Forest and Hills) and has 1 First Strike. Overall, the unit is not giving you a serious advantage – but is a serious threat to enemies' Archers (even in cities).

The starting technologies for the Mongols are Hunting and the Wheel. This means that Archery and Animal Husbandry can be researched straight away – leading to Horseback Riding, which provides the Keshik. Pottery is also just one tech away (with Agriculture or Fishing).

The civilization has 2 leaders – Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan.

Genghis Khan is defined as “Aggressive” and “Expansive”

Being “Aggressive” means that you will have a bonus of free promotion (Combat I) for all melee and gunpowder units – making your Axeman, Samurai, Musketman etc. 10% stronger from the very beginning. 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 speeded 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.

“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. Discover Pottery and Compass to take advantage of those buildings.

Kublai Khan is “Aggressive” and “Creative”

With the benefits of “Aggressive” explained above, “Creative” means you have +2 culture in each city per turn. This will lead to your territory (defined by “Cultural borders”) growing rapidly and can save you building obelisks in your cities. Theatres are built at double speed as well, giving you even more culture, and Coliseums (also double speed) will make people happier in your growing empire. Discover construction (a valuable technology in any case) as soon as possible, and acquire Drama when you can. The Globe Theater is easily achieved.