Sid Meier's Civilization IV

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 926 out of 1176
  2. Mixed: 148 out of 1176
  3. Negative: 102 out of 1176
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  1. JeraW
    Nov 2, 2009
    10
    This game brought Civilization up to date, addressing many of the old issues such as city sprawl and other limitations that did not match the simulation of empires and advancement that Sid Meier's originally envisioned. Fireaxis had done a great job with the game. They stayed true to the spirit of the game while also starting afresh. The game is the only game I have ever given a 10 This game brought Civilization up to date, addressing many of the old issues such as city sprawl and other limitations that did not match the simulation of empires and advancement that Sid Meier's originally envisioned. Fireaxis had done a great job with the game. They stayed true to the spirit of the game while also starting afresh. The game is the only game I have ever given a 10 rating too.… Expand
  2. JasonB.
    Nov 16, 2005
    10
    I have been waiting over a decade for this game. Sure, in that time Civ 2 and Civ 3 came out, but they pale in comparison to the 4th installment. Civilization was the first game I was ever addicted to, and I plan on a Civilization game of the future being the LAST game I am addicted to as well.
  3. AlexM.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    This game is amazing, but even better than original content is the user community thats helped craft it into a game engine that can do anything.
  4. Anon
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    Really solid and fun turn based strategy game, and worthy sequel to Civ series. It's not perfect, though. It has few bugs, and the AI is not that good, but these are minor flaws, as the game itself is really enjoyable and replayable. I'd give it 8 or 9, but for the sheer despise for the ignorant people who gave this game 0-2 points, I'll give it a 10. Even disasters like Really solid and fun turn based strategy game, and worthy sequel to Civ series. It's not perfect, though. It has few bugs, and the AI is not that good, but these are minor flaws, as the game itself is really enjoyable and replayable. I'd give it 8 or 9, but for the sheer despise for the ignorant people who gave this game 0-2 points, I'll give it a 10. Even disasters like Halo 3 deserve more than 2 points.… Expand
  5. JohnR
    Dec 14, 2008
    9
    This is my first experience of Civilisation and I'm impressed. I love the 'Great Person' feature and the Golden Ages. There are some excellent unique units and buildings - I always play as Peter The Great because Cossacks give me a distinct advantage over Cavalry in the middle part of the game. There are some excellent wonders to build as well. Always save the Globe Theatre This is my first experience of Civilisation and I'm impressed. I love the 'Great Person' feature and the Golden Ages. There are some excellent unique units and buildings - I always play as Peter The Great because Cossacks give me a distinct advantage over Cavalry in the middle part of the game. There are some excellent wonders to build as well. Always save the Globe Theatre and National Park wonders until the end of the game when you'll have a large population (my biggest city had a population of 40) ! My only gripe is a complaint I would also level against games such as Rise of Nations : at the end of the game the original uniqueness of the different civs has disappeared and every civ is pretty much the same. I suppose this is realistic though. Also, micromanagement can get a bit tedious when you have 30 or 40 cities. However, this is a game that I'll come back to time and time again because it has plenty of depth and every game is different. I wish there were more old school PC games in development. We can only hope. Another winner from Sid Meier.… Expand
  6. Stylo
    Sep 18, 2010
    10
    By far the best Civ game. Everything, from the military aspect to managing your cities, feel so balanced. In addition, there are plenty of ways to win a battle. Every game truly feels different.
  7. Drissit
    Jul 20, 2011
    10
    Simple the best Civ in the entire series, and if Civ 5 is any clue, its also going to be the pinnacle of the series since the new one is completely awful, oh well at least this one has re-play ability similar to SMAC.
  8. YeshuaAgapao
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    The most moddable Civ game out there, if you're a coder. The last game distributed in a 'free' way (not forced to use steam, only DRM crap is the copy protection on the CD/DVD) and where the mods are also independently distributable. Lots more features and some eyecandy too. The last good Civilization game.
  9. ArtfulGamer8
    Feb 2, 2012
    10
    to all those who gave it less than 5-6 , the features are perfect u need to bring yourself up instead of sticking up with old features. and for those who cannot tolerate the game's slowness at least don't give bad ratings to ruin the games overall rating and mislead others.its nearly the best non-fight game out there.
  10. Cyrik
    Apr 30, 2012
    10
    This game is simply incredible I have played it often since I got it over a year ago if you have even the slightest interest in this kind of thing it is a must buy.
  11. mrmihailavdeev
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    When I found out that Civilization IV had been out for a couple of years, I was still playing its predecessor. And if it weren't for the dozens or even hundreds of hours I've spent playing Civ3, coupled with fatigue from its limitations and dumb AI — Civ4 could, potentially, became my favourite instalment in the whole series. Looking back, the fourth part seems to be the most polished andWhen I found out that Civilization IV had been out for a couple of years, I was still playing its predecessor. And if it weren't for the dozens or even hundreds of hours I've spent playing Civ3, coupled with fatigue from its limitations and dumb AI — Civ4 could, potentially, became my favourite instalment in the whole series. Looking back, the fourth part seems to be the most polished and competent iteration of the iconic franchise. Especially if you compare the basic versions, without the paid DLC and add-ons, which the creators of the series are so like to abuse nowadays.

    Sid Meier's Civilization IV inherited the best features of its predecessors, polished its mechanics and made a lot of small changes and improvements to the well-established formula. Thanks to a much more user-friendly and informative interface, fancier graphics, mature stylistics (hello to cartoonish Civ6 and Revolution) and FullHD resolution support — the project looks and plays pleasantly to this day. And the amount of starting content, old and new civilizations, as well as the presence of alternative leaders are surprising.

    Of the drawbacks, I could mention the traditionally inadequate behaviour of the AI (especially when playing at marathon speed on huge maps with the maximum number of opponents), as well as the "unfair" difficulty, which increases not via the "cunning" AI, but through a system of bonuses for computer opponents and penalties for the player. But both of these problems are the scourge of the entire series, which the developers have successfully ignored for over two decades.

    Despite its solid age, Sid Meier's Civilization IV is a great starting point for getting to know the series, especially if you're not interested in online multiplayer. Unlike the newer instalments, Sid Meier's IV is much less demanding in terms of hardware and finances but is just as addictive.    … Expand
  12. mikhail_lem
    Nov 17, 2012
    10
    This is the most refined and complex Civ iteration to date. Be prepared for some serious empire management, as religion and health provide some new challenges in your path to world domination. Enemy AI is, as always, really clever and its ruthlessness will make you think again before declaring war on someone. The game rewards a skillful diplomacy more than ever before, as allies now are aThis is the most refined and complex Civ iteration to date. Be prepared for some serious empire management, as religion and health provide some new challenges in your path to world domination. Enemy AI is, as always, really clever and its ruthlessness will make you think again before declaring war on someone. The game rewards a skillful diplomacy more than ever before, as allies now are a help more than a nagging nuisance. Graphics are not the best, but they look cool anyway. Absolutely recommended.-… Expand
  13. joeybear
    Dec 28, 2012
    10
    The best PC game of all time (given you include the expansions), the only drawback here is the game will destroy your productivity. Civ 4 is still the gold standard in 4X strategy; holding up well 7 years after its release.
  14. Sean-M
    May 27, 2020
    8
    This is probably the best entry in Civ series. Considering when you have all the expansions. 8 out of 10.
  15. danielrocks
    Feb 3, 2014
    8
    This game is very time consuming and can get frustrating at times but overall it is amazing.....
    It is worth getting defiantly but play other games.
    P.S. Play on the american revolution mod. Its good
  16. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    Very good and addictive game. Also very good in multiplayer. It has somewhat of a learning curve but stick with it.
  17. Robobob
    Oct 24, 2017
    10
    The best Civilization game at the time of this review. Some later installments might have added some better features or streamlined some aspects a little better but Civ 4 was the best complete package. If you can find the Beyond the Sword expansion you should try the Rhyse and Fall of Civilization mod: THE best Civ mod ever that totally recreates the game. Civilizations appear on theThe best Civilization game at the time of this review. Some later installments might have added some better features or streamlined some aspects a little better but Civ 4 was the best complete package. If you can find the Beyond the Sword expansion you should try the Rhyse and Fall of Civilization mod: THE best Civ mod ever that totally recreates the game. Civilizations appear on the date they did in history and each has 3 difficult to accomplish historically relevant victory conditions that make each civ a unique play through. I nearly played that mod more than the base game.… Expand
  18. Archoniz
    Jul 5, 2015
    9
    1 of the most anticipated game through my life, next to Starcraft 2 and Sins of Solar Empire. The game is quite a good time-consumer which are varied in different way to win or deviate a plan on every part of the game. Good time to spend on 6 hours ++, Good animation, less 'buggy' and its awesome. CIV IV is fun to be in multiplayer and Skirmish, even it doesn't have campaign. THE verdict1 of the most anticipated game through my life, next to Starcraft 2 and Sins of Solar Empire. The game is quite a good time-consumer which are varied in different way to win or deviate a plan on every part of the game. Good time to spend on 6 hours ++, Good animation, less 'buggy' and its awesome. CIV IV is fun to be in multiplayer and Skirmish, even it doesn't have campaign. THE verdict is, its a real-time long chess match to be honest.… Expand
  19. Wiebe
    Feb 25, 2020
    8
    Best of the Civs, an 8 for its time, even though the game play on the board with the tiles and army movement is quite limited (and the balance for the army part as well).
  20. Hotair
    Jul 25, 2018
    8
    I have played thousands of Civ IV games -- literally -- mostly at the low-moderate levels of difficulty, viz. 'Chieftain' and 'Warlord' levels. I've enjoyed the game immensely; this game certainly deserves its 8+ score, but is not without its aggravating AI aspects. It's pretty common to have high, i.e. relentless, levels of barbarian activity early in the game; this can greatly scoreI have played thousands of Civ IV games -- literally -- mostly at the low-moderate levels of difficulty, viz. 'Chieftain' and 'Warlord' levels. I've enjoyed the game immensely; this game certainly deserves its 8+ score, but is not without its aggravating AI aspects. It's pretty common to have high, i.e. relentless, levels of barbarian activity early in the game; this can greatly score you down and compromise your chance of eventually getting good score. Personally I pursue a strategy of peace and rapid educational economic growth, however almost inevitably another civilization will attack you unprovoked. Some opponent civs, notably Montezuma, will attach even without prospect of beating you; you will eventually hold them off but at the cost of a huge set-back to you score. The only way to perhaps avoid or hold off attach is to invest in huge military resource. Apart from these annoying AI quirks, it's a great game.… Expand
  21. Darkatom
    May 20, 2018
    10
    Great game.
    First actual match I played I wasn't paying attention, Walked through India and got demolished by Nuke-Gandhi.
    Full points for realism.
  22. Amorph0us
    Jan 11, 2022
    8
    Maybe the best installment in the series. The level of detail on strategy is satisfactory and I really enjoyed my time playing it.
  23. Babutto
    Jan 20, 2022
    9
    I hated this game after Civ 3. But now, I changed my mind.

    Pros.: - The main advantage - it's simpler and faster. Game mechanics now are super convenient. There is no need to make dozens of units. Just have one dozen and it's enough to advance your troops. - Religion made some problems but with the proper management it creates a deep boundaries between neighbors. - Sharing borders is    I hated this game after Civ 3. But now, I changed my mind.

    Pros.:
    - The main advantage - it's simpler and faster. Game mechanics now are super convenient. There is no need to make dozens of units. Just have one dozen and it's enough to advance your troops.
    - Religion made some problems but with the proper management it creates a deep boundaries between neighbors.
    - Sharing borders is not a big issue now.
    - Dimplomacy became significantly better.
    - More civic policies.

    Cons.:
    - Maybe the same as before. If you fail to invest in the army at the beginning - you're done. The neighbors will attack.
    - A bit complicated with the city attacks. But it elevates the role of the artillery. Developed further in the following games.

    So, it's almost a perfect game. Lol. 20 years ago I would have said it's a disaster.    … Expand
  24. MatveyShirshik
    May 4, 2019
    10
    Cult strategy. One of the best games of all time. And one of the best parts in the series. Graphics for 2005 is not bad. The gameplay is great. Additions to the game are excellent. This game has no bugs for me. In general, the game gets 10/10
  25. Ne_Eretik
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    В 2020, имея пс 4 про я поигрываю в эту цивилизацию. Не шарю в стратегиях, но по сравнению с 6 ой частью в которую играл, 4ая гораздо пизже, +не норм играется без длс, как не играется 6часть. Аргументы не будут, мне лень и я хочу спать)В 2020, имея пс 4 про я поигрываю в эту цивилизацию. Не шарю в стратегиях, но по сравнению с 6 ой частью в которую играл, 4ая гораздо пизже, +не норм играется без длс, как не играется 6часть. Аргументы не будут, мне лень и я хочу спать)
  26. Sprixy
    Sep 6, 2020
    8
    A good place to start playing Civilization and a fun gaming experience. Its strategy, history, and thinking all coming together to craft a masterpiece of a game. Overall, this game is something everyone should play.
  27. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 20, 2020
    9
    OVERALL - 93%

    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics (for time) - 6/10
    Story - 5/10
    Game Length - 10/10
    Characters - 6/10
    Level/Area Design - 8/10
    Atmosphere - 7/10
    Sound Effects - 9/10
    Soundtrack - 9/10
    Replay Value - 10/10

    The best Civ game since Civ II. Leonard Nimoy adds so much character to the game and I'd happily play this game even now.
  28. MPGSpotter
    Dec 12, 2020
    9
    By far the best Civilization game vanilla. With mods it takes on the entire 4X genre
  29. wf1675
    Jul 9, 2023
    8
    definitely one of my fav civs as of late but I don't like the happiness system feels like a bottleneck and I don't care for city-states and there's too many barbarians but its soooo much better than civ 6
  30. ertyz
    Jan 13, 2022
    9
    very addictive
    very nice game if I need to compare among all other games by the way.
  31. SebastiedJuan
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    Fantastic game. Rich, complex, profound, fun. A great game, maybe really amazing only with all the expancions, especially with Behond the sword
  32. RTCWFAN
    Aug 29, 2023
    9
    Civ IV is the best entry of the franchise. After getting into the mechanics, I played about six hours without a pause. Overall rating: 9.2.
  33. KTheSlayer
    Jun 18, 2021
    8
    Great game, with enormous amount of content and abilities to explore. Very high replayability
  34. ReviewsAreBS
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    Big upgrade from Civ3, which was excellent in it’s own right. Game nails pretty much everything. Even the add-ons are excellent. I haven’t played the sequels so I can’t compare with them.
  35. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Lots of fun nation building in this game. Interesting factions and development. Leaders ahd strong character and campaigns seemed well balanced
  36. Keron_Heruman
    Aug 24, 2023
    9
    As good as all previous civs, with beautiful graphics and more options... Objectively the best civilization of the saga, but each new version loses freshness step by step
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2005
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. IGN
    94
    While the game hasn't lost any depth or detail, every aspect of the design has been streamlined to make it easier for new players to jump in and less monotonous for veterans. Die-hard fans will definitely find that the game offers up so much more variety this time around.
    Read full review
  2. Yahoo!
    90
    Firaxis shows an impressively consistent grasp of what to abstract and what to detail, and a remarkable talent for presenting large-scale strategic challenges in a format that's easy to digest.
    Read full review
  3. 1UP
    90
    From the mellow sounds of Leonard Nimoy's narration to the polished world view that allows you to smoothly scroll from satellite view to up-close and personal, this is the consummate update of a classic.
    Read full review
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