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Genre: Turn-based Simulation

Format: DVD

Developer: Firaxis

Mac Publisher: Aspyr Media

Minimum System Requirements: Mac OS X v10.3.9, 500MHz G4/G5, 256MB RAM, 2GB free disk space, 1024x768 monitor, DVD drive, LAN or Internet Connection required for some multiplayer modes, broadband Internet connection is recommended for five or more players

Review Computer: 800MHz iMac, 256MB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce2 MX video card; and 1.5GHz 17" PowerBook, 512MB RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 (AGP 4X) graphics processor with 64MB of DDR SDRAM

Network Feature: Mac to Mac only via GameRanger

Price: $49.99

ESRB Rating: E (animated blood, violence)

Availability: Now

Official Website: www.civ3.com

The Civilization series is, to my mind, the best that computer gaming has to offer. With every iteration they grow deeper and more nuanced, and now, while we wait for Civ IV (roundly praised in the PC world), we are finally given Civ III: Complete (C3C), which is more aptly titled Civ 3.5.

C3C contains the award winning game of global conquest, along with all the extra supplements made for it. In addition to new tribes, units and scientific discoveries, there are also several new scenarios, as well as the long-awaited online version of the game (released under the title of Civilization: Play the World).

First, to the meat of it. C3C's basic game remains unchanged: you start with a small tribe, a single village, and attempt to build it into the greatest culture the world has ever known by amassing an army, economic power and/or scientific knowledge. Of course, the other tribes are all trying to do the same thing, and your ability to react to them will determine the course of the game. Trade, or battle? The other tribes will be watching, and will base their attitude towards you accordingly. And now, there are additional tribes to play or oppose, each with its own unique unit.

But that's not all. A subtle addition to the game is new types of special terrains, such as sugar and tobacco, which give your villages additional bonuses if you can claim theme before the others.

Now to the new material. Conquests, a series of scenarios that focus on historical conflicts, is included in the game. Focusing primarily on army-building and warfare (like, say, Age of Empires), it works well for those who view history from the POV of armed conflict. Personally, I prefer using economic strong-arm tactics to keep everyone in line (and avoid costly wars), but that's just me.

The real draw of C3C then, is Play the World, which allows you to go head-to-head with other Mac players (strangely, there is no cross-platform support) in hotseat or play-by-email mode. I'm reminded of the board game Axis and Allies: games that could take entire weekends or longer. I'm not saying it's not totally worth it, I'm just saying it takes a honking long time to play a game. You know the frustration that sets in at the end of the game, while you wait forever for the computer to make up its mind about what moves to make? Imagine that with six other humans.

In short, C3C is "More of Civ 3," which is great, great news. Unless you've already bought Civ 3. Then you have to pony up the full price of a game again. Kind of a dumb marketing decision, especially considering that the release of Civ IV is just around the corner. If you're a Civ fanatic (and we are legion), you've already got Civ 3; is additional material worth a $50 upgrade? I'm not so sure.

Strengths: It's a big, heapin' helping of Civilization. Multiplayer.
Weaknesses: Pricey. Civ IV right around the corner.

Bill's been using Macs since the late 80s. When he's not making smartass remarks to amuse Kirk Hiner, he enjoys fighting for the user.