Being the old Colonization fans that we are, the booth presentation of the modern version, Civilization IV: Colonization by Take 2 / Firaxis was of special interest to us. Yes, the game looks a lot like Civ IV, but it has been enhanced graphically. For example, there are real-time shadows now, and a much higher poly-count (for example, if you look at the buildings). Also, lead designer Jesse Smith told us, the AI is much faster in between turns. But the main reason for calling it "Civilization IV" is the well-known name: Neither is Colonization an addon, nor will Civ IV be needed to run it (although pricing is not yet final). Yes, it uses an enhanced engine of the turn based strategy bestseller, but it adds many "new" screens like the "Europe screen", the "Settlement Screen", the "Founding Fathers" and many more.

Colonization is a game about trade, about bringing new settlers and important resources from Europe to the New World, and filling the ships with wares that make good money in the Old World on their return voyage. It is also about constant moral questions: Shall I take that land from the Indians, resulting in more economic power? Or do I act nice and am rewarded with help from the Indians? As in the old game, you can "grow" settlers from lower to higher education: While a former slave is not a good carpenter, a normal settler is, and a master carpenter again has a much higher output. Give weapons to a civilist, and he will become a soldier. Give horses to that soldier, and he transformes into a cavalry unit. Unlike the old Colonization, losing battles means losing the unit, so you can no longer use horses as replenishable "hitpoints".

There are many small or medium differences in the new version. For example, when you finally declare independence, starting the climax of the game, the independence war against your motherland, you'll get to choose your constitution. Also, the modern Colonization features multiplayer with up to 4 colonies (English, French, Spanish or Dutch) -- before, you had to choose one of those nations, but played alone against the AI.

We are looking forward to this game. Very much so!