So you want to conquer the world again, take mankind on a test ride from the dawn of man until you reach the stars? Or perhaps you want to just take over a few continents for long enough to march across the world laying waste to your opponants in a feast of digital mayhem. Maybe stand a while in Alexander the Great's shoes, see if you could do better than Washington did in the American Revolution, or perhaps take control of North Africa at the beginning of WWII. All of this is available to the player who just reaches out and takes control of his or her destiny by playing the newest installment of the Civilization legacy--Civilization 4. What Sid Meyer began so many years ago keeps getting more and more elaborate, while staying true to its humble beginnings.

Installation:

Minimum Requirements:
1.2GHz
256MB RAM
64MB 3D accelerator
CD-ROM
1.7GB free disk space

Recommended Requirements:
1.8GHz
512MB RAM
128MB 3D accelerator

The game came on two CD's -- not DVD's. Nice to know a game can still not swallow up 2-3 dozen gigs of space to play. Install went without a hitch, the first time you play it you have to sit thru all the initial movies and such, but that is only for the first time.

Story 8/10

Granted, there isn't much of a story here. You pick a civilization and a leader, a world map or a campaign to play, the relative level of your competition, and start playing. I'll say it's good rather than say not applicable.

Graphics 9/10

Graphically, the base elements have changed dramatically since Civilizations 1. All the units are very detailed, the scenery is lush, the cityscapes are well done, and when each Wonder is constructed, there is a entire mini-movie dedicated to the manifesting of the finished wonder from the 'blueprints'. There really isn't anything that bothers the eye in any way.