Sid Meier's Civilization: Revolution

PlayStation Illustrated (96 out of 100) (96%)

If you're looking for the multiplayer aspect, I can't really recommend Civilization: Revolution at this time. If they release a patch or something and the multiplayer works, I will update this review. If, however, you're looking for a great Civ game on your PS3 and you can be satisfied with the varied, challenging A.I. opponents, then I highly recommend Civilization: Revolution... unless you want to actually get things done in your real life.

Game Informer Magazine (9.25 out of 10) (92%)

Online games move at a nice brisk pace, and Civ's "just one more thing then I'll quit" addictiveness will keep you playing long past dinner, bathroom breaks, and sleep. You've been warned.

Game Informer Magazine (9 out of 10) (90%)

My longstanding love affair with the Civilization series is well documented, and I approached this console re-imagining of the PC franchise with no small amount of trepidation. Sid Meier and the talented team at Firaxis Games have proven me wrong and crafted a unique and compelling strategy game that retains Civilization's core ideals while stream-lining everything about the gameplay. Civilization Revolution can't hold a candle to the labyrinthine complexity of Civ IV, but the experience is none he worse for a certain measure of simplicity.

Eurogamer.de (9 out of 10) (90%)

Die große Tiefe im eigentlichen Spiel blieb unangetastet, nur presste Firaxis sie diesmal in ein zeitgemäßes, lockeres Design, das immer wieder zu einer Runde einlädt, für die Ihr Euch nicht mehrere Tage Zeit nehmen müsst. Ihr baut schneller, kämpft schneller, erobert schneller, siegt und verliert schneller. Nur noch einen Zug, nur noch eine Einheit bauen, nur noch ein Weltwunder, nur noch eine Runde. Civilization hat sich dem Mainstream geöffnet, ohne dafür seine Seele verkaufen und verraten zu müssen. Ein fast perfektes Strategiespiel mit Tiefe und Anspruch, vor dem sich trotzdem niemand fürchten muss. Ein kleines Kunstwerk und ein echter Sid Meier.

ZTGameDomain (9 out of 10) (90%)

Those new to the series will likely discover a tantalizing world of possibility, and while they may never leap over to the PC, Civ Rev provides a largely satisfying and successful iteration, only marred by longing for more. I'll vainly encourage my hardcore strategy-loving brethren not to dismiss the game, but love it for what it is. Compromised might be the suggestion, but compromise has won the day and much of the changes in Civ Rev are of the give and take variety ultimately streamlining gameplay with little sacrifice.

Worth Playing (9 out of 10) (90%)

Revolution's biggest issue is that it really does simplify things to the point where it might turn off loyal Civilization fans. Games are quicker, shorter, and on the whole, less tactical than those played on the PC. This makes it a perfect fit for console gamers, but eager Civilization fans looking for a fix might be disappointed by these changes; if they're willing to accept a different kind of game, they'll find lots of fun in Civilization Revolution. Newcomers will simply find a grossly addictive game that will eat hours and hours of their lives, both on- and offline.

Gameplanet (9 out of 10) (90%)

All in all, Civilization Revolution is an absolutely fantastic game which has lifted all the best attributes of previous Civilization titles, and left behind the majority of the bad. If turn-based strategy games must be ported to the console market then they can't do much better than this, so if you're an old Civilization freak who has made the switch to console gaming, this is an absolute must-play.

Cheat Code Central (4.5 out of 5) (90%)

When all is said and done, Civilization Revolution is an exquisite experience for strategy junkies. PC purists may turn up their noses at it, but I dare them to play through multiplayer with a pair of headsets on and not get giddy. It’s true, Civ Rev is not as deep as its PC counterparts; in fact, there are only five levels of difficulty (what happened to Sid difficulty?), and the maps can feel somewhat uninspired. Nevertheless, advancing through the four eras of history, developing your civilizations, dominating the battlefield, and setting off for Alpha Centauri is an experience that console owners simply should not miss!

GameSpot (9 out of 10) (90%)

Played against human or AI opponents, Civilization Revolution is an excellent game that will let you plumb different strategic depths each time you play. It's incredibly easy to get engrossed in the rhythm of expansion and evolution, and you can happily lose hours and hours at a time. Sid Meier and Firaxis Games have done a fantastic job of streamlining many of the key game mechanics, and they've cut out some of the micromanagement without gutting the strategic options. If you enjoyed Civilization on the PC and are worried that this version might feel stripped down, fear not. Although it does seem simpler at first, you'll soon realize that it's the same signature gameplay you know and love. If you haven't played a Civilization game before, you should get your hands on this worthy new entry in the Civilization canon.

Gamer 2.0 (8.9 out of 10) (89%)

Civilization Revolution is a benchmark in the turn-based strategy series for console games both now and in the future. With so many options available for you to peruse over, and the ability to crush enemies with a simple click of a button, dominating the world has never been this easy and fun. PC gamers might find the lack of certain features a bummer, but console gamers will find this iteration of the Civilization series the best they could have hoped for and so much more.

GameLemon (8.8 out of 10) (88%)

Now then I have to go. Gandhi is demanding I teach him one of my most advanced technologies and I'll have none of his bullying. Time for him to learn that non-violence is absolutely futile in the face of overwhelming violence.

Extreme Gamer (8.8 out of 10) (88%)

I could go on and one probably for pages talking about all the ins and outs of Civilization Revolution. Civilization for the consoles might be dumbed down, but compared to other console titles there is a lot to get into... Bottom line, if you enjoy strategy games then you can not miss out on Civilization Revolution. Civilization Revolution packs the strongest elements from the long run PC franchise while keeping the pace quick and graphics to a console friendly audience. Hardcore Civ fans might want to give Revolution a glance, but it will never replace your love for the PC version of this iconic strategy game. Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is the most immersive strategy game on the consoles to-date that can offer up this much fun, offline or online and for multiple skill levels. Now back to my latest addiction... it’s time for one more round.

IGN (8.8 out of 10) (88%)

This is the console game Civ fans have been waiting for. Although Civilization Revolution lacks much of the depth its PC progenitors are famous for, it mostly makes up for that in economy, personality and speed. Not to cop out here, but gamers of various stripes are going to be all over the map on this one. The hardcore PC nerds will be disappointed, truly casual gamers may still be overwhelmed, and some will probably fall neatly in the middle. The developers of Civ Rev made some tough but smart compromises, which resulted in a great console strategy game that could do with just a bit more depth. Overall though, this one’s a winner.

gamrReview (8.7 out of 10) (87%)

All in all, Civilization Revolution does exactly what Sid Meier and co. set out to achieve. Although some key components are missing, and the game is hampered by slight technical issues, the core civilization experience enjoyed by people for years remains for a much broader audience to enjoy. Despite the problems I encountered, I would definitely recommend this game to newcomers and veterans of the series alike who have jumped ship to the HD consoles. I have to give Sid Meier the praise he deserves; he has been able to achieve what many, including myself, would have deemed impossible.

V2.fi (87 out of 100) (87%)

Civilization Revolution osoittaa, että pelistä voidaan tehdä kevytversio pilaamatta sitä. Revolution leikkaa liikarasvat pois juuri sopivista kohdista, jotta pelin mainioksi osoittautunut ydin pääsee tekemään taikojaan. Kuten useimmat loistopelit, ei Civilization ole lopulta mitenkään monimutkainen, joten sen opetteluun ei kulu kauan - osaamiseen taas sitten kuluukin. Revolutionissa on mukana yksiköiden järjestely armeijaksi, varsin monipuoliset hyökkäys- ja puolustusbonukset sekä historian eri aikakaudet, joten vaikka kyseessä ei olekaan mikään täysiverinen strategiapeli, toimii se monelle hyvänä johdatuksena olohuonekenraalin ammattiin - toisille, kuten minulle, taas mukavana muisteluhetkenä nuoruuden suosikkipelin parissa.

GameZone (8.7 out of 10) (87%)

The game is a familiar one and while the next-gen iteration does not seem to have the depth of the PC counterpart, what has been accomplished here is remarkable. It plays very well on the PS3 with intuitive controls, solid graphics, and streamlined game mechanics that ensure entertainment value. Kudos to Firaxis for a job very well done.

Fragland.net (86 out of 100) (86%)

There is absolutely no game that blows your perception of time away like Civilization does. The seduction of making a last move after playing an everlasting game session is so big that one last move often ends in the middle of the night. Before you know five hours have passed, your telephone rang a couple of times, you forgot lunch and dinner time and on top of that you need to get up within two hours to go to work. Civilization Revolution plays extremely well on the console. The one who still says that RTS games should be played with mouse and keyboard must try this game out!

Gamesmania.de (85 out of 100) (85%)

Ein Rundenstrategiespiel auf PS3 und Xbox360, zumindest leise Zweifel, ob das gut gehen kann, waren im Vorfeld sicherlich schon berechtigt. Doch Civilization: Revolution zerstreut die Vorurteile schon nach wenigen Minuten. Mit der tollen Steuerung habt ihr eure Zivilisation stets unter Kontrolle und schnell kommt das typische Civ-Spielgefühl auf, so dass man seine Konsole am liebsten gar nicht ausschalten möchte. Für die Konsolenversion sind die Einschränkungen gegenüber dem PC-Original zudem geglückt. Nur langjährige Civ-Fans werden sich, empört über die Einschnitte, wieder Civilization IV auf dem PC zuwenden. Genreeinsteiger und Gelegenheitsspieler bekommen mit Revolution aber den vollen Spielspaß auch ohne große Einarbeitungszeit und dank der schnellen Rundenzeiten macht selbst der Mehrspielermodus viel Laune.

1UP (B+) (83%)

But Revolution's greatest omission is testament to just how addicting the game is. It's disappointing not having the option to play "one more turn..." after a victory condition is achieved and continuing to build (or rebuild) your empire. Yes, I may have lost the space race to Catherine the Great, but my battleship fleet is itching for a little payback from a dustup 600 years ago. You want to keep playing it well past the completion of any objectives or reasonable bed time -- that's Civilization's hallmark, and Revolution cultivates this same addiction.

UOL Jogos ( ) (80%)

"Civilization Revolution" é um ótimo exemplar da clássica série que chega aos consoles, tentando agradar aos fãs antigos e, ao mesmo tempo, conquistar novos jogadores, inclusive aqueles chegados a experiências mais casuais. Ainda que se apresente de uma maneira bem menos complexa do que nos computadores, o jogo ganha uma agilidade inesperada e mantém o interesse prolongado através das partidas multiplayer e conteúdo online.

PlayLipse.fr (16 out of 20) (80%)

Pas très attendu au passage, Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution parvient à créer la surprise en cette période estivale. Disposant d’un joli moteur graphique, jouable en ligne et proposant un gameplay tout en finesse, alliant diplomatie, gestion et stratégie, le titre de Firaxis se distingue clairement des autres productions du genre et démontre surtout qu’il est possible de créer un jeu de stratégie spécialement conçu pour les consoles. Malheureusement, aucun réel mode solo n’a été intégré, raison pour laquelle ceux qui ne disposent pas d’un accès à Internet risquent de vite tourner en rond… Dommage, car le titre ne souffre d’aucun autre défaut de taille…

videogamer.com (8 out of 10) (80%)

Civ Rev is certainly a game that console-owning strategy fans should at the very least try out. We also reckon fans of the PC versions should give it a go, especially for the online multiplayer, which is a vastly different beast to what they will be used to. There's definitely room for improvement and, if Civ Rev proves a success, perhaps Firaxis will get the opportunity to refine the Civilisation console experience even more in follow up titles. For now though we're happy to dip in and out of this re-imagination of one of the greatest, most durable strategy games ever released, and have some innocent, no nonsense fun. Put that in your online FPS pipe and smoke it.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (8 out of 10) (80%)

Unfortunately, I'd be lying, as the many punches Civ Rev pulls means its exhilaration is so often followed by slight dissatisfaction. An 8 may not be enough to convince cynical minds to suck it and see, which is a terrible shame. This slick new Civilization may be more reduction than Revolution, but it's easily one of the most distinctive games on 360 and PS3. I can't see myself playing much more of the single-player, but I genuinely cannot wait to war over landmass with a few like-minded chums.

AceGamez (8 out of 10) (80%)

Sid Meier's Civilization: Revolution may not be world beating but in the land of the consoles it's certainly a march in the right direction. It presents a solid, fairly streamlined experience that's accessible to console players while still providing an engaging layer of depth. Playing with friends, as with most games, seems to be its lasting legs, as the standard single player affair is a fairly limited experience. No unique content is provided in the sit-alone sessions - just a shackled sandbox environment. The fact that success is narrowly defined as the soldiers with the sharpest sword is a surprisingly refreshing experience and offers those who love god games a long sought after experience, and one that's impossible to find anywhere else on console.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (8 out of 10) (80%)

Sid Meier's Civilization: Revolution is easily the most effective and most addictive strategy game ever to be released on a console, and is worth a shot for anyone interested in the franchise or genre at all.

Gamereactor (Finland) (8 out of 10) (80%)

Civilization Revolution ei ole sarjan aiempien osien vertainen ikiklassikko, jota pelataan vielä vuosienkin päästä suurella hartaudella. Pelinä se on kuitenkin erittäin onnistunut, raikas kokonaisuus ja kevyesti konsolistrategioiden kirkkainta kärkeä. Uudet civistit saavat huoleti lisätä pistesaldoon ne puuttuvat kaksi pinnaa lisää, mutta konkariakaan ei Revolution hyljeksi. Taidankin tästä lähteä näyttämään Kleopatralle, mistä se jenkkikana oikein pissii.

PlayFrance (8 out of 10) (80%)

Premier vrai représentant du genre gestion/stratégie sur PS3, Civilization Revolution s'impose d'emblée comme une référence. Certes ses possibilités sont plus restreintes que Civilization IV sur PC et son approche tendant à raccourcir la durée des parties en privilégiant les combats pourra gêner les fans de la première heure, mais le résultat n'en demeure pas moins très convaincant et surtout adapté aux joueurs sur consoles. Si vous avez toujours rêvé de dominer le monde en faisant jouer vos méninges plutôt que vos muscles, ce titre est fait pour vous !

4Players.de (80 out of 100) (80%)

Ich liebe Civilization IV am PC. Und ich mag dieses Civilization - vor allem eine kleine Welteroberung zwischendurch mit Freunden. Sid Meier inszeniert ein lebendiges Theater mit 16 Völkern und voll animierten Figuren von Napoleon bis Kleopatra. Und das Schöne ist, dass die Stärken des Rundensauriers teilweise aufblitzen: blindes Erobern ist nicht möglich, man kann auf vier Arten gewinnen. Aber alles geht hier so verdammt schnell. Alleine vergeht mir nach zwei, drei dieser strategisch komprimierten Couch-Speedruns die Lust. Es ist auf der Konsole einfach nicht mehr das, was mich am PC jahrelang so begeistern, so fesseln konnte. Diese unterm Strich gelungene Auskopplung hat zwar etwas sympathisch Buntes und Humorvolles an sich, aber leider auch etwas unfreiwillig Kitschiges.

Giant Bomb ( ) (80%)

While Sid Meier has been quoted as saying that this is the Civilization game he always wanted to make, Revolution's got plenty of shortcomings, and the scope of its vision can sometimes outstrip its mechanics. That said, this is a really satisfying strategy game, and though it might be old hat for PC players, there are few experiences quite like it on consoles.

Computer Bild Spiele (2.11 out of 6) (78%)

Der revolutionäre Gedanke, eines der besten Strategiespiele auf Konsolen zu übertragen, hat also nur in Grenzen funktioniert. Der beliebte Effekt "noch mal eben ein paar Runden spielen" tritt zwar durchaus in Erscheinung, doch der rigorose Abmagerungskurs reduziert den Spielspaß deutlich. Ein Ziel wurde allerdings erreicht: Der vereinfachte Spielablauf macht Online-Partien gegen andere "Civ"-Fans erfrischend unkompliziert. Gut gelungen und dem abgespeckten Spielablauf angepasst ist die Steuerung per Gamepad. Wer Strategiespiele mag, Konsolenfreund ist und gerne mal eine schnelle Runde Civ spielen möchte, ist mit Civilization - Revolution "gut" bedient.

Jeuxvideo.com (15 out of 20) (75%)

Malgré certaines concessions inévitables en matière de jouabilité, Civilization Revolution sur PS3 reste le jeu de stratégie complet et prenant que nous avons connu. On apprécie d'ailleurs particulièrement que la profondeur de jeu n'ait pas été sacrifiée sur l'autel de l'accessibilité. Il reste que certains défauts gênants, comme ces ralentissements systématiques dès qu'un grand nombre d'unités sont présentes à l'écran, l'empêchent de devenir sur console la référence qu'il était sur PC. D'un autre côté, la concurrence ne se bouscule pas au portillon : vous auriez donc tort de vous priver.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (B) (75%)

That's Civilization Revolution. Fans of the PC versions had best prepare for a shock, because the series' usual practice of adding features to sequels is reversed here. The game in its console form is streamlined, perhaps excessively so, for better or for worse. On the whole, what's included outweighs what's diminished but longtime fans may still be turned off by the changes. Civilization Revolution isn't the best entry in the series, but it manages to be the most unique while maintaining all of the fundamental features of a Civilization game.

GameSpy ( ) (70%)

While Civilization Revolution does a great job of introducing the concept and gameplay of Sid Meier's classic PC series to the consoles, it falls just short of true greatness due to a lack of depth in the AI and multiplayer options. It's still lots of fun, but that fun is somewhat stunted in terms of its long-term appeal. So while Civ Rev definitely delivers an addictive gameplay experience in the short run, there are only so many games you can play before the underlying mechanics become completely transparent in much the same way that you eventually realize that The Sims is just an elaborate facade for what is really a game about keeping status bars full. Even so, the console-friendly analog stick-based interface is nothing to scoff at, and as the first and only game of its type to make the transition, Civilization Revolution makes the jump fairly well, if not as gracefully as we might have hoped.

Game Revolution (B-) (67%)

Whatever the notable flaws in the PS3 version, they obviously weren’t enough to keep us from playing several times on each of the difficulty levels (although some of those brutal ‘Deity’-level solo games ended pretty damned quickly). It’s decidedly a slight depth-step down (up?) from the micromanage-o-rama PC precursor, but it’s still your best current bet for couch-general strategy. If you want to be any more comfy than this while forging an empire through the chaos of human history, you’ll have to check out the admirable Nintendo DS version from the Dorito-dusted, comforter-draped folds of your Sleep-Number bed, probably in your skivvies—and frankly, if you’re gonna go that route, we don’t need to know about it.