Sid Meier's Civilization II

The Good
"Civilization" and "Civilization II" (they are essentially the same game) are, without question, the best video games ever made. No other PC game even approaches them for replayability, fun, depth and sheer addictiveness.

The game is perfectly paced and balanced, offering the player a test of planning on several different levels, challenging without confusing. Every aspect of the game combines perfectly with everything else and with the game's overall direction. It's never boring, never repetitive, and works perfectly in every way. Eleven years after the original was first published, every other global conquest game just pales in comparison. This is truly the standard to which all strategy games must be compared.

No serious gamer can be without "Civilization II" on the hard drive.

The Bad
There is nothing not to like about the game. It has no weaknesses. It's old, of course, and yet the graphics are entirely functional.

Players new to the game should avoid buying the "Test of Time" version, however, which has radically changed (and atrocious) graphics.

The Bottom Line
Civilization II is the absolute pinnacle of computer gaming. Anyone who enjoys computer games must get Civilization II.