Sid Meier's Civilization III

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 378 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 296 out of 378
  2. Mixed: 65 out of 378
  3. Negative: 17 out of 378
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  1. MitchK
    Mar 18, 2008
    10
    The people that rate this game poorly because of the tank/spearman issue likely do not know how to play the game. The game does not determine battle outcomes by icon, it uses a number system. So in the case where a spearman is attacked by a tank: Spearman (in city, fortified, on a hill, across a river, etc. etc.) will be pumped up quite drastically and make it feasible to beat a tank. The people that rate this game poorly because of the tank/spearman issue likely do not know how to play the game. The game does not determine battle outcomes by icon, it uses a number system. So in the case where a spearman is attacked by a tank: Spearman (in city, fortified, on a hill, across a river, etc. etc.) will be pumped up quite drastically and make it feasible to beat a tank. Awesome game, endless fun.… Expand
  2. EdY.
    Jan 4, 2002
    7
    Everything is nice but one thing I don't like is that the computer controlled players are too unfairly powerful (in harder levels). It seems they don't need an effort to produce a large army in a short time and and maintain it. I like everything in the game except that I feel the challenges should be on AI but not on the "unfairness."
  3. Braccheus
    May 24, 2011
    10
    To date, this is my favorite game hands down. You have the freedom to expand how you want. Will you win by military domination? Will you win by scientific development or a cultural victory? Will you win through political intrigue? You decide! This is by far one of the best games I've played. While graphics aren't the best when compared to modern games, it is an excellent game for those whoTo date, this is my favorite game hands down. You have the freedom to expand how you want. Will you win by military domination? Will you win by scientific development or a cultural victory? Will you win through political intrigue? You decide! This is by far one of the best games I've played. While graphics aren't the best when compared to modern games, it is an excellent game for those who wish to focus on the overall campaign instead of individual battles or graphics. To date, this is the only game I've played throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning. This game was definitely an epic win for Sid Meyers. The biggest problem with the game is the lack of a dedicated online community (if multi-player is your thing.… Expand
  4. jrschoolname
    Jun 15, 2013
    8
    This game requires a MASSIVE learning curve for people who haven't played Civilization before, but for the people who have played before, it's a fun and deep game.
  5. KevinH.
    Jul 6, 2004
    0
    This game was a complete disappointment. Get SMAC instead.
  6. CivFan
    Nov 10, 2002
    3
    I loved Civ 2, too bad I had to learn to loathe this one. Flawed gameplay, bugs, clumsy interface. No big hit, just a big piece of sh.t.
  7. CivFreak
    Jul 14, 2002
    3
    Compared to the other games in this series, it sucks. There are no scenarios that come with the game and it is exactly the same as the secound installment (without the cool scenarios).
  8. RickyW.
    May 10, 2007
    4
    Not good i hate this game i have tanks losing fights to archers they worst game ever.
  9. DonF.
    Nov 14, 2003
    5
    Great graphics, how the.....do you delete excess saved games,and your patch screwed the game up, they should`nt be able to do you can`t.
  10. TomC.
    Mar 8, 2007
    6
    I liked it quite a bit until competing civilizations started completing wonders 1 turn before I did (on regent level).
  11. YM
    Aug 1, 2007
    0
    An at first addictive game, but the absurdity of losing a battle between tanks and bronze welding warriors. Not to mention taking a couple of hundred years to sail around the world.
  12. DeuxexMachina
    Dec 4, 2002
    2
    The game is tedious in actual play, and this comes from someone who LOVED Civ2 and SMAC. The frequent patches to lower corruption and make wining possible at the higher difficulty setting prove the game was not adequately play tested. Even Civ2 had wonder movies, but not Civ3! The nationalities are not much varried. Espionage is too expensive and too limited to be any fun. The most The game is tedious in actual play, and this comes from someone who LOVED Civ2 and SMAC. The frequent patches to lower corruption and make wining possible at the higher difficulty setting prove the game was not adequately play tested. Even Civ2 had wonder movies, but not Civ3! The nationalities are not much varried. Espionage is too expensive and too limited to be any fun. The most disappointing game I have ever purchased.… Expand
  13. PingSquirrel
    Mar 13, 2009
    3
    When I purchased this game, I was looking forward to it. I can recount the time I have spent playing Civ II with my friends and just having a glorious time of it. Then, I got to this. I don't know what happened. The corruption is stifling, no matter the government you choose, the combat seemed lack luster at best, and the AI did all it could to abuse the cultural boundaries. In When I purchased this game, I was looking forward to it. I can recount the time I have spent playing Civ II with my friends and just having a glorious time of it. Then, I got to this. I don't know what happened. The corruption is stifling, no matter the government you choose, the combat seemed lack luster at best, and the AI did all it could to abuse the cultural boundaries. In short, it felt like this installment was a test for ideas for Civ IV. If you like it, more power to you, but it just feels like it was released incomplete. Feel free to skip over it to the far more enjoyable Civ IV,… Expand
  14. Xemawth
    Dec 12, 2009
    10
    Fantastic, to say the least. The third installment into the civilization series really lives up to the praise and aspiration that Sid Meier's games always seem to have. I personally prefer this game over Civ IV because it goes back to the basics and if you don't have a hardcore gaming rig you can play the game with relative ease. Despite some... questionable... battle outcomes Fantastic, to say the least. The third installment into the civilization series really lives up to the praise and aspiration that Sid Meier's games always seem to have. I personally prefer this game over Civ IV because it goes back to the basics and if you don't have a hardcore gaming rig you can play the game with relative ease. Despite some... questionable... battle outcomes (the classic tank losing to the knight on horseback scenario) it is something you get used to the game really brings to light what should be expected from a turn-based strategy game. In my opinion Civ III really emphasizes the reality of raising a civilization and grooming it to become the conquerer of the world.… Expand
  15. Comanglia
    Dec 20, 2011
    5
    Well if you haven't already got this game don't get it, instead get Civ II or Civ IV both of which are light years better than this bargain bin game. This is basically a 2nd release of Civ II but with more bugs, still isn't "horrible" but it's a waste of money when you can just get Civ II. My ranking of the civilization series
    Civ IV (95/100)
    Civ II (92/100) Civ I (88/100) Civ V (76/100)    Well if you haven't already got this game don't get it, instead get Civ II or Civ IV both of which are light years better than this bargain bin game. This is basically a 2nd release of Civ II but with more bugs, still isn't "horrible" but it's a waste of money when you can just get Civ II. My ranking of the civilization series
    Civ IV (95/100)
    Civ II (92/100)
    Civ I (88/100)
    Civ V (76/100)
    Civ III (54/100)    … Expand
  16. skibbi
    Dec 30, 2012
    6
    Not particuarly great. It does have colonies, which I love, but it is too expansive for me. Combat is annoying due to one unit who fights is destroyed. The scenarios, however, I enjoy! Once again, numbers required to win pisses me off! I like doing it germany through russia style!
  17. scenimafan
    Jul 22, 2015
    10
    Ciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiv!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  18. FabricioNery
    Mar 7, 2022
    9
    Very good game, with excellent evolution. A good diplomacy interface with other civilizations. The only reason I don't give it 10 is because it's very slow when the whole map is revealed, the NPC's play calculation time starts to take a long time
  19. RegnardR.
    Jan 7, 2002
    10
    Be forewarned: This game is is more addictive than crack!
  20. MattR.
    Apr 2, 2003
    9
    This game is great. While it's true that there is a lot in common with Civ 2 (units, overall interface, etc), that's not necessarily a bad thing. Its greatest strength is its amazing addictiveness. More options/scenarios/units would be welcome, as would different visual options.
  21. DejimmyD.
    Feb 21, 2005
    8
    A nice game witout an population limit.
  22. WillyB.
    Sep 5, 2003
    10
    This game is terrific. I've played and won the earlier Civs or the hardest difficulty and the first time I played Civ 3, it kicked my butt! "Mike" says it is too hard, even for Civ experts. Well, then I think you are in a rut strategy-wise. I changed my play methods and now have a great time giving the computer a run for its money. This series is the best of all time.
  23. HenryThoreau
    Dec 31, 2001
    10
    Refined, refined, refined. MicroProse has perfected the Civilization series with Civ. III. I did not think they could have improved over Civ. II much but, I was very wrong. The game is now faster and easier (and more addicting) to play. I hate to get up from the game to eat, "Just one more turn..." Also, I have learned more about history and politics from Civilization than from my history Refined, refined, refined. MicroProse has perfected the Civilization series with Civ. III. I did not think they could have improved over Civ. II much but, I was very wrong. The game is now faster and easier (and more addicting) to play. I hate to get up from the game to eat, "Just one more turn..." Also, I have learned more about history and politics from Civilization than from my history classes! :)… Expand
  24. BryanG.
    Apr 27, 2002
    10
    Addicting.
  25. TonyW.
    Aug 4, 2002
    10
    Very Awesome, Addictive, Great Graphics. That was the good news, the bad news no multiplayer or internet play, but i still give it a 10:)
  26. WhiteEmperorTC
    Apr 29, 2003
    10
    Simply great.
  27. EricG.
    Jun 30, 2005
    9
    Simply great, you'll still be playing it years after you bought it.
  28. SamT.
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    not only the best series of games ever, but the best single game ever. notice that the biggest complaint of the people whom brought the metascore down were whining about the fact that there is not enough difference between it and civ2. they should be rating games vs one another, not vs previous versions....
  29. JeffreyT.
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    Incredible... the unique player units and dependance on resources is a great addition to the game... Hard time fighting for aluminum... but that's part of the game!
  30. Joshua
    May 23, 2008
    10
    This game is as good as strategy gaming gets, and deserves full marks. Civ 3 and its expansions provide seamless and highly refined game play, culminating everything that this ground-breaking series has brought to gaming in the 21 years it has been in existence. A must-play for strategy and history enthusiasts. Put your plan to take over the world into action!
  31. JeffA.
    Mar 16, 2002
    10
    The game rules!
  32. MelchisedecH.
    May 19, 2006
    10
    Quite honestly one of the best games in its time. It is ridiculously addicting and will keep you from even the most necessary of things including 3 squares a day, unless of course you can manage your empire and get one more bite of pizza at the same time.
  33. IoeT
    Apr 15, 2008
    10
    Civilization III is the best strategy game, turn-based or otherwise, that I have ever played. Civ 3 is easily one of the most re-playable games around, especially for people who love empire builders, next to CS:Source and the Super Smash Bros. trilogy. Another outstanding feature of Civ 3 is the editor, it allows users to very easily change all aspects of their gaming experience in Civilization III is the best strategy game, turn-based or otherwise, that I have ever played. Civ 3 is easily one of the most re-playable games around, especially for people who love empire builders, next to CS:Source and the Super Smash Bros. trilogy. Another outstanding feature of Civ 3 is the editor, it allows users to very easily change all aspects of their gaming experience in lay-mans terms, unlike python from Civ 4. The game also includes tons of accurate historical information for history buffs, like myself. The only weak points of the game are the multiplayer aspects, with the exception of hotseat, but who needs the real world when you have the entire span of human civilization at your fingertips?… Expand
  34. [Anonymous]
    Dec 31, 2001
    9
    I love Civilization II, so I will love III.
  35. Drakan
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    Without doubt my favourite installment within the Civilization franchise.

    The fact that almost a decade after it still sucks me in like the first day is a testament to its ever lasting appeal. You only know when you start a game but you never know when you'll put it down or finish it; it's just so addictive unlike Civ V which has no lasting appeal. For me Civ 3 felt like digital    Without doubt my favourite installment within the Civilization franchise.

    The fact that almost a decade after it still sucks me in like the first day is a testament to its ever lasting appeal. You only know when you start a game but you never know when you'll put it down or finish it; it's just so addictive unlike Civ V which has no lasting appeal.

    For me Civ 3 felt like digital chess. It's a game that has you continually thinking what your next moves will be and rewards handsomely forward-thinking and carefully planning ahead. I even like the graphics which are not as cartoonish as Civ IV. Along with Brian Reynold's Alpha Centauri, Civ 3 is my all-time favourite game. The amounts of hours I've poured into it can be tallied by the thousands.

    If you like 4X TBS games you owe it to yourself to play this classic. The Conquests expansion infused new life by way of historic scenarios which are fleshed out very nicely. Special mention goes to Rise of Rome and the Napoleon scenario where you relive the glory and bloodshed of the lost Empires. Civ IV has overshadowed its predecessor significantly but Civ 3 will always have a place in my heart and harddrive and I return to it at least twice a year.    … Expand
  36. YeshuaAgapao
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    Good game. Great scenario editor for non-coders. Civ IV is more customizable, but it requires more of a coder mentality (and optimally, be a coder that is willing to code outside of work). Great game for those with older computers (5-8 years old).
  37. Arthor
    Jan 2, 2012
    7
    A fun game that you will want too keep playing even though your AI opponents seem to be able too accomplish feats you would never be able too. The graphics are good and the user interface has been improved. But still the game play is not as good as Civ II.
  38. Claytality
    Nov 26, 2016
    8
    A great strategy game made mediocre by luck. There were matches I lost simply from bad luck. When your units fight, a calculation is made based on their stats, the land they are on, who is attacking versus defending. Much of the time my chances of winning a fight were 66% or higher but I frequently lost those fights. It is frustrating to work hard to gain superior technology to anotherA great strategy game made mediocre by luck. There were matches I lost simply from bad luck. When your units fight, a calculation is made based on their stats, the land they are on, who is attacking versus defending. Much of the time my chances of winning a fight were 66% or higher but I frequently lost those fights. It is frustrating to work hard to gain superior technology to another civilization only to lose what should be a winning fight. Even playing on the easiest difficulty isn't very easy.

    That said, the game looks good (for 2001), has compelling history and scenarios, interesting micromanagement of cities, and great diplomacy interactions. I very frequently found myself completely immersed in a match, always pressing for the next turn or my next big move. So much so that I forgot to eat sometimes!

    Bought the Complete Edition on steam sale for $1.24, played 80 hours, recommended.    … Expand
  39. gracjanski
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    This is where Civ3 starts shining: There are many core gameplay mechanics, that started here and which improved the game a lot: ivs with own traits and unique units, better diplomatic possibilities and so on.
    I played Civ 2 and 1 and maybe they were great in their time, but today they are outdated and the fun begins in Civ 3.
  40. iddqd4
    Jan 23, 2018
    6
    このテキストは私のプロフィールにスコアが表示されるようにここにあります。
  41. whitesun11
    Feb 18, 2014
    10
    It's a great strategic 4x game, nice graphics and very addictive gameplay. That 'one more turn' thing appears almost at the very beginning. It's definitely a must play.
  42. goldenelk
    May 16, 2016
    8
    I would have to say this game, overall is great. The only main complaint I have with it is that you can have an infinite amount off units on one tile, as the AI tends to always produce so many units. It can be really annoying if you don't have animations turned off.
  43. UncleEd
    Oct 12, 2021
    8
    I chose Civilization III as my first Civilization game because I wanted to see how the series evolved over the time. As a newcomer, take my review with a grain of salt since there may be some concepts I did not fully comprehend.

    Civilization III had big ups and downs. It’s an aesthetically beautiful time sink and similar to Heroes of Might and Magic and X-COM (although mechanically I    I chose Civilization III as my first Civilization game because I wanted to see how the series evolved over the time. As a newcomer, take my review with a grain of salt since there may be some concepts I did not fully comprehend.

    Civilization III had big ups and downs. It’s an aesthetically beautiful time sink and similar to Heroes of Might and Magic and X-COM (although mechanically I would say Civilization is more similar to Settlers), it hypnotizes you every time you play it. You lose concept of real life and time and end up playing for several hours non-stop. I’ve had the feeling it plays very much like a board game and I wouldn’t be surprised if Civilization series were heavily influenced by them.

    There is no real campaign. You decide the rules (map, weather, victory conditions etc.) and start your custom game which can easily take dozens of hours. There are many civilizations to choose from but they are diverse enough to offer unique gameplay. You start in ancient times, build cities, research technologies, conquer other civilizations.

    There are some aspects I did not really like though. Firstly, some early strategies have too much influence on your fate. Don’t build enough cities or invest enough in technology, you may find yourself in an unwinnable state. AI obviously cheats in harder difficulties so you’ll have to play in specific strategies in order to win rather than a flexibility on strategies. Diplomacy is pretty much broken and the AI never accepts your fair proposals, making the entire game mechanic obsolete. Corruption may sound like an interesting idea but in the case of Civilization III, it does more harm than good. Also, in mid to late game, you end up micromanaging hundreds of units and one turn can take quite a long time. I think it would be fair to say a game in Civilization III takes way too long with plenty of downtime.

    I would say Civilization III aroused my interest to the series and I will definitely be playing other titles. On the other hand, I can’t ignore its flaws and I’m pretty confident I won’t return to Civilization III specifically.    … Expand
  44. NightGeisha
    Jan 5, 2019
    8
    Sid Meier's Civilization III, and all the remain franchise games, are all that a turn-based strategy game should be. For me, as a fan, they are a reference to the genre.

    I played a lot more than Steam registered because I played before Steam, a physical copy that I bought in 2001 when the game was released. Old ages, physical copies, games in CD, no one remember them... But now, in    Sid Meier's Civilization III, and all the remain franchise games, are all that a turn-based strategy game should be. For me, as a fan, they are a reference to the genre.

    I played a lot more than Steam registered because I played before Steam, a physical copy that I bought in 2001 when the game was released. Old ages, physical copies, games in CD, no one remember them...

    But now, in 2018 I replayed it, and without noticing the passing time I almost played 10 hours in a row. I still loved it.

    Of course the CiV V is for me the pinnacle of the franchise, but for the 2001 game, it is still better them some other games of the genre. I get a few resolution issues but nothing serious for a game of this age, totally understandable.

    Fully recommend it, it's a classic for a bargain price, a "must have" to any Steam collection.    … Expand
  45. Sandro86
    May 15, 2019
    10
    Superb game! Literally SUPERB! Days I spent playing this masterpiece. I liked every part of this game.
  46. Babutto
    Jan 20, 2022
    8
    It was the game I played for hours back when I was a kid.

    Now, it's different. Pros.: - It was a huge step forward after Civ 2. - Graphics, layouts, maps - all was good. - New unique features of the civilizations. - Different victory types and automatization. Cons.: - Weird face animation that became a meme. - Always backstabbing. Everyone ALWAYS backstabs. - It was hard to    It was the game I played for hours back when I was a kid.

    Now, it's different.

    Pros.:
    - It was a huge step forward after Civ 2.
    - Graphics, layouts, maps - all was good.
    - New unique features of the civilizations.
    - Different victory types and automatization.

    Cons.:
    - Weird face animation that became a meme.
    - Always backstabbing. Everyone ALWAYS backstabs.
    - It was hard to actually win and advance in a diplomatic way. There was always a moment when your neighbors, even friends will betray or just start hating you.
    - As a small nation - very low chances to win. If you're squeezed between neighbors - you're done.
    - Always needed to fight at the beginning made the game quite annoying. Resource problem happened multiple times with the coal.    … Expand
  47. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 20, 2020
    8
    OVERALL - 84%

    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics (for time) - 6/10
    Story - 6/10
    Game Length - 9/10
    Characters - 7/10
    Level/Area Design - 8/10
    Atmosphere - 6/10
    Sound Effects - 9/10
    Soundtrack - 8/10
    Replay Value - 10/10

    A good addition to the series.
  48. Nick7000
    Mar 11, 2023
    9
    Это цивилизация, и она прекрасна. Все и так это знают.
  49. dr-kenobi
    Sep 7, 2022
    7
    Класика дитинства поруч з AoE та Героями. Складна порівняно з рештою, але вже з виробленим підходом і впізнаваними фічами. Не найкраща з цивілізацій проте.
  50. Keron_Heruman
    Aug 24, 2023
    10
    Best grand strategy game of all time... New versions are more fine-tuned and with more beautiful graphics but neither version of the game impact as Civ III impact in his release time.
    Infinite options with simple concepts

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2001
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
15
#15 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    If you're a fan of the series or of the genre, then I can readily recommend picking up Civilization III -- just keep in mind that it may not be all you expected, especially later in the game.
    Read full review
  2. Computer Gaming World
    100
    It was difficult to write this review, because each time I started the game to check on some detail, six hours mysteriously vanished. [Jan 2002, p.92]
  3. FiringSquad
    96
    Complex combat, climbing the tech tree, and resource management (commonly found in RTS games) make Civ III a deep strategy game – far beyond a simple Simulation game.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »