Before I get ahead of myself, I want to re-introduce “Yin's Incredible Review Machine,” which is a crude device that allows YOU to rate CivIV on your own terms. I have tried to weigh things here as objectively as possible, and the system is just trying to give you a rough idea of what CivIV might mean to you. For anybody trying to decide whether or not to buy CivIV, this system is as good as any.

Keep a running tally of the scores, which will produce a review result below:

1) OVERALL EXPECTATIONS

1. [-1] I want CivIV to revolutionize the genre.
2. [0] I want CivIV to revolutionize itself.
3. [+1] I want CivIV to improve some old stuff, add some good new stuff and get rid of some bad old stuff.
4. [+2] I just want CivIV.

2) THE MANUAL

1. [-1] The manual should explain all important concepts in detail. Also, I need an index (or searchable PDF version).
2. [0] I think a manual should be thorough, accurate and stuffed with vital information about the main aspects of gameplay. An index or PDF is great but makes no difference to me.
3. [+1] I'm just glad to get a printed manual these days, especially one that's spiral bound!
4. [+2] I don't ever read manuals.

3) TUTORIAL

1. [-1] Considering that the tutorial can form your first impression of the game, it should be helpful and inspiring.
2. [0] It's a tutorial. Who cares?
3. [+1] A tutorial that covers some basic concepts so I can at least start the game with some momentum is good enough.
4. [+2] There's a tutorial!?

4) GRAPHICS and SOUNDS

1. [-1] Good graphics and sounds in a strategy game should never come at the expense of computer performance from beginning to end.
2. [0] I appreciate good graphics and music, but if not implemented well (stuttering video or music that hardly plays), then it's kind of a wash.
3. [+1] I think good graphics and sounds are important parts of the game and will put up with some performance issues while patches further optimize the code.
4. [+2] I have waited years for CivIV to make the leap to 3D!

5) THE INTERFACE

1. [-1] I think the interface should make my attempt to do or find something effortless and intuitive.
2. [0] I think an interface can be greatly improved with player feedback and know that a patch will likely make things better.
3. [+1] I think the interface is good enough if I can learn it rather quickly, even if it's quirky.
4. [+2] I used keyboard shortcuts and/or have a high tolerance for these issues anyway.

6) UNDERSTANDING GAME CONCEPTS

1. [-1] I want all game concepts to be readily understandable and open to strategic manipulation in a clear and intuitive way.
2. [0] I do not expect to understand everything all at once, but between the manual, forum discussions, and feedback from Firaxis, I hope eventually to understand everything in detail.
3. [+1] I don't mind having a bit of mystery behind some game elements and even enjoy coming up with odd or counter-intuitive solutions on my own if need be.
4. [+2] I only need some basic idea of what's going on and will simply just ignore things that I don't like or don't readily understand.

7) ARITIFICAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

1. [-1] I like an AI that, if it has an advantage, always presses it.
2. [0] I like an AI that presses its advantage only when its chances of success are high.
3. [+1] I like an AI that abides by friendships earned over the course of the game in understandable ways, even if this means games can end up being very friendly. The reverse should also be true: enemies should stay enemies.
4. [+2] As long as there is MP and varying levels of difficulty in SP, I'll find the challenge I need anyway.

8) BUGS

1. [-1] I want the game out of the box to be without any major bugs.
2. [0] While I'm patient, I don't tolerate broken games either. The game needs to be very playable with only the occasional issue.
3. [+1] I accept bugs as part of the process and am willing to wait for patches.
4. [+2] I am used to bugs and don't really care if a patch is released as long as it's playable.

9) MULTIPLAYER and EDITOR

1. [-1] I think full and stable Multiplayer/Editor ability out of the box is very important, particularly if we have been promised it!
2. [0] Give me most of what is promised and I'll wait to some reasonable degree for things to get sorted out.
3. [+1] I don't mind the absence of MP/Editor elements since I am confident they will come later, and I am happy with single player now.
4. [+2] I will only play single player, so with MP/Editor or without, I will simply play.

10) SERIES INNOVATION

1. [-1] We've had Civ now for years and years. If CivIV doesn't really push beyond its basic formulas, then I'll be disappointed.
2. [0] I don't expect Firaxis to reinvent the wheel, but I expect a few radical departures from the formula by now.
3. [+1] Civ's core elements have clearly stood the test of time. Sure, innovate in a few areas that need attention, but keep Civ basically intact.
4. [+2] It's Civ. I'll take any version. Any time.

Please add up your points and find your score [below].

[-10]: Shouldn't surprise you that CivIV will have you horribly disappointed in every way important to you since you have very, very high (unreasonable?) expectations. Nothing will save it. Not ever.

[-10 to -6]: There's a good chance that even patching CivIV a few times won't make it the game you hoped it would be. You'll have to be patient but probably will never be completely satisfied despite patching or even expansion packs. At its core, CivIV probably just isn't the game for you.

[-5 to -1]: The negatives currently outweigh the positives, and while you'll find the game pretty fun in the first several weeks, you know only some solid patching will keep you playing in the future. You'll have to be patient but have reasonable hope for something much better thanks to patching. CivIV might have to cool off a while on your shelf, though, until things get sorted out.

[0]: In general, you'll find some good stuff and nothing really to complain too hard about. At other points, though, you'll find yourself a bit bored or bothered. But patching will likely really turn things around for the better.

[+1 to +5]: CivIV has hints of brilliance and overall solid gameplay that will really intrigue you. A few patches will almost certainly make the game much better --even great-- for you.

[+6 to +10]: CivIV is just a patch or two away from greatness beyond your expectations.

[+11 to +15]: CivIV either meets or exceeds what you want in the game, and you will have a great experience out of the box. Patches will eventually make this game one of the best you've ever bought.

[+16 to +19]: CivIV might well be one of the best games you'll ever play. Firaxis focused on all the important stuff and produced one hell of a game without any patching really necessary. Patches at this point are merely gifts from the gaming Gods.

[+20]: Shouldn't surprise you that CivIV meets all your expectations since you seem willing to take anything you can get.

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