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Let it be said, if you hated Civilisation II, you will probably hate Alpha Centauri. I personally liked Civ II, so you can bet this is one of those "good reviews."

First things first, the learning curve is much steeper than Sid Meier's prevouis resouce exploitation/conquer the world games. But in the games defence, the documentation is good and you can tweak you culture as much or as little as you want in regards to its social laws and mores. The factions all have their advantages and disadvantages. I have played the Spartans for one game and the Morganites for another. For the first time through I recommend the Spartans as violence will rear its ugly head sooner than later.

The development of technology is wonderful and reminds me somewhat of the oldish PC game called Ascendency. Like Civ II developments lead to further devlopments, etc. But in the case of Alpha Centauri it is split up into four research catagories. It can be a tough balancing act, but you can develop in up to four or just one. But either you advance quickly in one and dwindle in others or slowly learn many things at once.

As well many of the advancements make sense as you go along, but some seem a little wierd and arbetrary at first. But it is slickly done and it is amazing what one enhancement can do to your faction!

One of the more interesting bits in Alpha Centauri is that you can customize your units (or let the computer do it for you). If you need a inexpencive amphibious unit, you can design one. Assuming you have the tech!

Like Civ II there are special building projects, dubbed secret projects. Though all will know you are building it. There are quite a bit more than previously seen in Sid Meier's previous works and a few seem redundant. For example there are two projects that allow +100% labs at a base. But many are handy and well worth the time and resources to build.

Game play and combat very much like Civ II and odds are if you are playing Alpha Centauri you have played its predecessor. One of the neat items a unit can be equipped with is artillery. While not too deadly it does rain death and destruction from a fair range.

The diplomacy in Alpa Centauri is one of the better ones in this genre of games. It almost feels like an RPG. The faction leaders are much more defined than in Civ I or II. They have goals and best yet their tactics are almost human. As well there are elections for governor of the colony and the ability to pass planetary measures such as make me supreme leader or collect the spaceships reactor.

Alpha Centauri is a slick game. If it is your bag, buy it. You'll be up till 2 am on a work night, like me.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri
Author: N/A Category: Computer Game/Addictive Substance Company/Publisher: Firaxis Cost: $45.00 Page count: n/a Capsule Review by Wes Johnson on 03/17/99. Genre tags: Science_fiction	Let it be said, if you hated Civilisation II, you will probably hate Alpha Centauri. I personally liked Civ II, so you can bet this is one of those "good reviews." First things first, the learning curve is much steeper than Sid Meier's prevouis resouce exploitation/conquer the world games. But in the games defence, the documentation is good and you can tweak you culture as much or as little as you want in regards to its social laws and mores. The factions all have their advantages and disadvantages. I have played the Spartans for one game and the Morganites for another. For the first time through I recommend the Spartans as violence will rear its ugly head sooner than later. The development of technology is wonderful and reminds me somewhat of the oldish PC game called Ascendency. Like Civ II developments lead to further devlopments, etc. But in the case of Alpha Centauri it is split up into four research catagories. It can be a tough balancing act, but you can develop in up to four or just one. But either you advance quickly in one and dwindle in others or slowly learn many things at once. As well many of the advancements make sense as you go along, but some seem a little wierd and arbetrary at first. But it is slickly done and it is amazing what one enhancement can do to your faction! One of the more interesting bits in Alpha Centauri is that you can customize your units (or let the computer do it for you). If you need a inexpencive amphibious unit, you can design one. Assuming you have the tech! Like Civ II there are special building projects, dubbed secret projects. Though all will know you are building it. There are quite a bit more than previously seen in Sid Meier's previous works and a few seem redundant. For example there are two projects that allow +100% labs at a base. But many are handy and well worth the time and resources to build. Game play and combat very much like Civ II and odds are if you are playing Alpha Centauri you have played its predecessor. One of the neat items a unit can be equipped with is artillery. While not too deadly it does rain death and destruction from a fair range. The diplomacy in Alpa Centauri is one of the better ones in this genre of games. It almost feels like an RPG. The faction leaders are much more defined than in Civ I or II. They have goals and best yet their tactics are almost human. As well there are elections for governor of the colony and the ability to pass planetary measures such as make me supreme leader or collect the spaceships reactor. Alpha Centauri is a slick game. If it is your bag, buy it. You'll be up till 2 am on a work night, like me. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri