Civilization building games have always been a favorite among gamers. The satisfaction of building and managing a vast empire, watching it grow and evolve, and conquering other civilizations is unparalleled. As a graphic designer, I have always been drawn to the visuals and aesthetics of these games, and their ability to transport players to different eras and worlds. In this review, I will explore the different aspects of civilization building games and share my thoughts on some of the best games in the genre.
From the early days of Civilization and SimCity to the modern-day classics like Age of Empires and Total War, civilization building games have come a long way. The genre has evolved to include more complex gameplay mechanics, better graphics, and more immersive experiences. What sets these games apart from other genres is their ability to give players complete control over their virtual world. Players get to decide everything from the layout of their cities to the type of government they want to run. This level of control and customization is what makes civilization building games so addictive.
City Building
City building is one of the primary aspects of civilization building games. The ability to plan and construct a bustling metropolis from scratch is an experience like no other. In games like SimCity and Cities: Skylines, players get to design and develop their cities, attracting new residents, managing resources, and dealing with all the challenges that come with running a city. The level of detail in these games is incredible, with players having to consider everything from traffic flow to pollution levels. The sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing a thriving city that you have built from scratch is unmatched.
SimCity
SimCity is a classic city-building game that has been around since 1989. The game has evolved over the years, but the basic premise remains the same. Players get to design and manage their cities, dealing with everything from zoning to natural disasters. One of the things that set SimCity apart from other city-building games is its focus on realism. The game simulates real-world problems and challenges that cities face, making it both educational and entertaining. The graphics and visuals of the game have also improved over the years, making it a visually stunning experience.
Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines is a more recent addition to the city-building genre, but it has quickly become one of the most popular games in the genre. The game allows players to design and develop their cities, managing resources, and dealing with all the challenges that come with running a city. One of the things that set Cities: Skylines apart from other city-building games is its focus on modding. The game has a thriving modding community, with players creating new assets, mods, and maps for the game. This has made the game even more immersive and customizable, allowing players to create their dream cities.
Empire Building
Empire building is another primary aspect of civilization building games. The ability to build and manage an empire, expanding your territory, and conquering other civilizations is a thrilling experience. In games like Civilization and Total War, players get to lead their armies to victory, negotiate with other leaders, and make strategic decisions that will shape the course of history. The level of depth and complexity in these games is impressive, with players having to consider everything from diplomacy to resource management.
Civilization VI
Civilization VI is the latest installment in the Civilization series and one of the best empire-building games on the market. The game allows players to build and manage their empires, expanding their territory, and conquering other civilizations. The game has improved graphics, better AI, and more complex gameplay mechanics than its predecessors. The game also has a vast tech tree, allowing players to research new technologies and unlock new units and buildings. The game's focus on diplomacy and cultural development is also a welcome addition, making it a more immersive experience.
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms is a recent addition to the Total War series, set in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms period. The game allows players to build and manage their empires, leading their armies to victory, and conquering other factions. The game has stunning visuals and a vast map, allowing players to explore the vast territories of ancient China. The game also has a more in-depth diplomacy system, allowing players to negotiate with other factions and form alliances. The game's focus on character development and storytelling is also a welcome addition, making it a more immersive experience.
Survival Building
Survival building is a sub-genre of civilization building games that focuses on surviving in harsh and hostile environments. In games like Banished and Oxygen Not Included, players must manage resources and build their settlements, dealing with all the challenges that come with surviving in harsh conditions. The level of depth and complexity in these games is impressive, with players having to consider everything from food and water to temperature and oxygen levels.
Banished
Banished is a city-building game set in the medieval era, where players must manage resources and build their settlements. The game has a unique focus on realism, with players having to deal with harsh weather conditions, diseases, and other challenges. The game's focus on survival and resource management is what sets it apart from other city-building games. The game's graphics and visuals are also impressive, making it a visually stunning experience.
Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Included is a more recent addition to the survival building genre. The game is set in a sci-fi world where players must manage resources and build their settlements, dealing with all the challenges that come with surviving in space. The game has impressive graphics and visuals, with players having to manage everything from oxygen levels to food and water. The game's focus on science and technology is also a welcome addition, making it a more educational experience.
Conclusion
Civilization building games have come a long way over the years, evolving to include more complex gameplay mechanics, better graphics, and more immersive experiences. The genre offers something for everyone, from city building to empire building and survival building. The ability to create and manage your virtual world is what makes these games so addictive. As a graphic designer, I have always been drawn to the visuals and aesthetics of these games, and their ability to transport players to different eras and worlds. I hope this review has given you an insight into the different aspects of civilization building games and helped you discover some of the best games in the genre.
| Game | Genre | Features |
| SimCity | City Building | Realistic city simulation, focus on zoning and natural disasters |
| Cities: Skylines | City Building | Modding support, customizable assets, maps, and mods |
| Civilization VI | Empire Building | Vast tech tree, focus on diplomacy and cultural development |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | Empire Building | Focused on character development and storytelling, in-depth diplomacy system |
| Banished | Survival Building | Focus on realism, harsh weather conditions, and diseases |
| Oxygen Not Included | Survival Building | Set in space, focus on science and technology, impressive graphics and visuals |