User Guide

PLAYERS’ NOTES
It is recommended that new players start at the Chieftain level of difficulty.
Move on to the higher levels after you have had some experience. The highest
level of difficulty, Emperor level, is only for the most experienced players and
those looking for a very tough challenge. Winning at this level is very difficult.
First City: Your first critical decision when starting a new game is selecting the site of
your first city. The sooner the site is selected, the sooner you can begin the growth of
your civilization. You should be able to find a reasonable site within the first several
game turns. If you take too long you may fall significantly behind your rivals.
The best squares for a city are Grasslands that show the resource symbol, Plains,
and River squares. However, only some River squares have resources. If you start
a city on a River square that doesn’t, the city’s early development will be slowed.
This means starting your first city on a River square is somewhat risky.
City site selection is interesting at the start because you know so little about the
surrounding area. If the immediate vicinity looks reasonable for a start, it is
usually best to accept the site you start on. A reasonable area for a start would
include a nearby river, special resources like the Horse or Game, or Grasslands
that show the resource symbol. Remember that Jungles and Swamps can
eventually be cleared and converted into productive terrain. Starting next to an
Ocean is good to allow for future ship construction.
A bad city area would include several Deserts and Mountains. While some
Ocean, Forests, and Hills squares are desirable, too many of these will restrict the
growth potential of the city.
Defense of First City: The experience of our playtests indicates that it is most
useful to build two Militia units immediately with your first city. When the first
one appears, move it into the four adjacent map squares to the North, East,
South, and West to discover the terrain your city can develop. Continue using this
first Militia unit to further explore the nearby area. When the second Militia unit
appears, fortify it in the city for defense.
A high priority thereafter, especially if you find or suspect nearby rivals, is to
acquire Bronze Working so that at least one Phalanx unit can be put in the city
for defense. Two Phalanxes are recommended for defense, especially in cities on
the edge of your empire.
Shaka (Zulus): The first king of the Zulus, Shaka united the tribal villages under
his rule and forged the Zulu army. In a short period he conquered all nearby
enemies and established Zululand. He and his descendants ruled uncontested
until Europeans arrived on the border. Though the Zulus were without peer as
individual warriors, they proved no match for well-led European armies with
superior weapons.
The Zulus are fierce warriors and are not afraid to pick a fight. Be wary if you
discover them next door. They are not fascinated by technology and you may be
able to gain a technological advantage over them.
Stalin (Russians): A long-time Bolshevik, he emerged from the power struggle
following Lenin’s death as the new leader of the Soviet Union, contrary to
Lenin’s wishes. He quickly implemented plans for the forced collectivization of
agriculture, rapid industrialization, and a huge military buildup. These policies
were made possible by a reign of state terror that led to millions of deaths. After
repelling the Nazi invasion of World War II, which killed 20 million more
Russians, Stalin was able to establish a hegemony over most of Eastern Europe
that lasted nearly half a century before disintegrating.
Under Stalin, the Russians are a dangerous opponent. They are capable of
aggressive expansion, but may fall behind in the development of cities and
technology.
Frederick (Germans): Frederick William II, known as The Great, ruled Prussia
for nearly fifty years. Displaying unexpected qualities as a leader and decision
maker, he became one of the great generals of history and made Prussia the
dominant military power of Europe. He also promoted important reforms at
home, patronized the arts, and was a champion of religious liberty. He was
considered the epitome of the enlightened monarch and warrior king.
Under Frederick, the Germans are very aggressive and a generally unpleasant
neighbor. Keep a wary eye on them and don’t hesitate if they let down their
guard.
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CIVILIZATION
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CIVILIZATION
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