History of the World
Description official descriptions
Based on the board game of the same name, players play against each other or AI opponents for "world conquest."
This is done by players each receiving an "empire", a major civilization during a time in history. Each player attempts to expand his civilization to gain maximum points for his turn. The next "turn" represents a new age, and the players are dealt new civilizations.
The player's goal is to extend his previous total control over the board each turn, taking control from players in previous turns, but trying to protect his own progress.
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Screenshots
Credits (Windows 3.x version)
52 People (46 developers, 6 thanks) · View all
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[ full credits ] |
Reviews
Critics
Average score: 55% (based on 7 ratings)
Players
Average score: 1.9 out of 5 (based on 14 ratings with 2 reviews)
The Good
Never played the board game, but found the concept facinating.
I play against the computer (me against 7 other AI opponents). The game has a random flavor to it, but play it enough times and the strategy starts to show.
Love to try it modem some time, but no one owns the darn game! (BTW, bought a second copy from Chips and Bits for under $10.)
The Bad
The game is a bit dry, and there are some drawbacks to the interface, such as not being able to view the map easily when choosing your empires.
The Bottom Line
Diplomacy meets Civilization.
Windows · by Tony Van (2797) · 1999
A failed attempt to port a great board game to the PC.
The Good
The subject matter (the rise and fall of historical empires) is inherently fascinating, and the underlying game design (taken directly from the board game) is solid and unique, with lots of interesting choices for the player to make. Simple and clean graphics, and some good battle sounds as well. Nice packaging and documentation.
The Bad
Terrible Windows 3.11-type, multiple-windowed interface. AVI video clips are faded and "washed-out" looking--highly unimpressive. HOTW would have been a great multiplayer game online, but it only had PBEM support. As a single-player game, it lacks the dynamic interaction/cutthroat negotiation element that makes the board game fun to play against humans. Some form of in-game diplomacy system might have helped, though.
The Bottom Line
If you are a huge fan of the board game and have some friends for PBEM gaming, then pick up HOTW. If not, then leave this one in the bargain bin of history.
Windows · by PCGamer77 (3158) · 2005
Trivia
Differences to the board game
Some minor changes from the board game rules were made to make the game faster to play: * The Trade Event was replaced by an additional Civil War Event * Players are limited to 2 fleets per ocean * The Incas and Aztecs in Epoch VI may expand from either Capitol with 2 units * The Automatic Retreat option was added * The Auto-Select Empires option was added * The Sumerians have been restored to their rightful place as a full fledged Empire rather than a neutral Minor Empire.
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Related Sites +
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Colorado Computer Creations
Programmers of the game, has some HOTW links -
History of the World OnThe Net
Place where players can meet for Play by E-Mail (PBEM)
Identifiers +
Contribute
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Tony Van.
Additional contributors: Patrick Bregger.
Game added December 20, 1999. Last modified August 14, 2023.