Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game Part I – Selecting a Map (A)

It is widely known and recognized that Sid Meier's Civilization had become THE computer game when it was introduced. It was first real turn-based strategy ever. The latest PC playable version of Civilization is "Civilization IV", launched in October 2005. For a computer game 3 years is an eternity - but not for Civilization series game – it is very playable and enjoyable today. With game victory options described in “Civilization IV – Part I” article, we are now going to discuss the pre-game selection – choosing the map, and the consequences of the choice – the relevant strategy of playing.

Generally, there are 3 steps in map selection – selecting a map, choosing climate and size. For several maps the climate is predefined, for others more options exist.

This map will have little land and many ocean squares. You should construct a powerful fleet in order to control the seas. Discover fishing and as soon as possible. You can pick one of three landmass types – "snaky continents" (pretty large islands, usually "long" and "thin"), "archipelago" (islands situated close one to another) or "tiny islands" (this option is the ultimate "Sea world").

This will produce a map with two or more relatively large continents – and somewhat resemble our planet.

This is a map with almost no sea. Only small inland lakes will be present, with most of the terrain being grassland, plains and hills. The will be many rivers though, making it possible to "connect" cities with almost no roads. The world climate is predefined temperate and sea level predefined as medium.

Exactly as the name suggests, this map will have many mountains and hills. The land should be also rich with resources found in mountains: silver, gold etc. The world climate is predefined temperate and sea level predefined as medium. You can select one of three mountain patterns – "scattered" (small groups of mountains positioned randomly on the map), "ridgelines" (mountains and hills going form top to bottom of the map ,dividing the map into regions) and "clustered" (mountains come in groups, forming large impassable areas). Then you will be prompted for a mountain density – how many mountains will there be on the map (either "dense", "normal" or "thin" peaks). You last choice will be considering a water setting – do you prefer "small lakes", "large lakes" or "seas". If you are playing this map you should consider "Guerrilla I" and "Guerrilla II" unit promotions, giving your units an edge when in the hills.