note: This is The Column, a part of Apolyton where primarily Markos and Dan write whatever we want :). Well, not just the two of us. The Column is open to everyone. If you feel like writing submit your article to civ2@gamestats.com

PREVIOUS ARTICLES

#21 LOSING FAITH Monk issues MPS an ultimatum regarding their next installment of the Civ-series #22 TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MULTIPLAY Discover how holy thou art in thy multiplayer practices as cited by DanQ COLUMN ARCHIVE

INTRO
After the delay of both C:CTP and SMAC, along with CivII: MGE being found only in the U.S. at the time, the SMAC demo was the best gift Civ'ers could ask for Christmas. As I was in my hometown for Christmas and had left Dan to handle things around the site, I had plenty of time for SMAC, so much that I have things to write for two articles!

GOOD OR BAD? CAN'T TELL....
And I can't because the demo is a limited version of the game. You can't get the full experience of SMAC. Less techs, only one option in the Planetary Council, limited number of units(I'm not certain on that but it seems that way) and most important, only one way(conquer) instead of five to win. Many were disappointed by the demo, but I think they're wrong because they played the demo not the full game. I'm not saying of course that I didn't find things I didn't like, but that's something for part II :)

VS. C:CTP?
It seems to me that SMAC and C:CTP shouldn't be compared in the sense that "it's the one or the other". They are similar, but they will most probably be two very different experiences. SF instead of mostly real science, "social engineering" instead of

SIDE NOTE

5 MONTHS OF APOLYTON It's been 5 months. and 2 days since we started Apolyton and we would like to thank our visitors for their support. The following numbers (unique visitors to the first page) only begin to tell us what a great idea Apolyton was...   Aug.:   9148   Sep.:   13776   Oct.:   15979   Nov.:   16143   Dec.:   20797 MarkG & DanQ

specific governments, customizable units instead of "normal" ones, less importance of trade instead of big trade model, excellent instead of just improved diplomacy(I'm guessing about C:CTP, we don't know much), "normal" instead of revolutionary stack combat system, should I go on?

SEQUEL?
Hmmm... I wouldn't call it exactly a CivII sequel for two reasons. One, because it is not based on earth and all technologies and units are science fiction ones. And two because it is different from CivI and CivII in several fields(customizable units, terraforming and weather model, trade, etc). I would rather call it a 'Civ-genre game'.

END FOR NOW...
What ever it is called, SMAC is a great game. I don't know if it will be as succesful as CivII, or if it's life will be as long as CivI's and CivII's. I know that the SMAC demo was a great Christmas gift from Firaxis. :) To be continued...

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of Apolyton CS or GameStats. They are just the personal opinions of the writer.