Remaking Civilization In Your Own Image

Gamecloud has a piece on the moddability of Civilization IV. The article goes into detail about the numerous levels at which content creators can change the game of Civilization. From the article: "The next level offers Python and XML support, letting modders with more experience manipulate the game world and everything in it. XML (eXtensible Markup Language) files can be edited in standard text editors or in special XML file editors that have ease-of-use features like a grid view. Editing these files will allow players to tweak simple game rules and change or add content. For instance, they can add new unit or building types, change the cost of wonders, or add new civilizations." This is a more detailed look at a topic we've discussed before. Gamespot has a preview of the upcoming title, as well.

Standardization Makes Things Nice

[MiceHead]

Games have been moddable for some time, but the industry's recent adoption of general-purpose languages such as Python, Ruby, and Lua should make it easier for modders to pick up and play with a new game. Being a Python fan, I'd like to know more of the details about how they're implementing and exposing things. One interesting thing is that they're using Boost.Python [boost.org]. From the Civ IV Fanatics' website:

The game will be written entirely from scratch using flexible XML data files, as well as the Python scripting language. Boost.Python (this allows for seamless interoperability between C++ and the Python programming language) will be used as the interface layer between the C++ game code and Python. Python is used in the game for map generation, interface screens, game events, tools, tutorials, etc. If you want to see how this will affect customization of the game (or any other aspect relating to customization).. The new 3D engine will also allow for greater possibilities.

The open-source Vega Strike [sourceforge.net] also uses Boost.Python.
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www.dejobaan.com - Making games one game at a time.

Some things just work better in 2D.

[Elad Alon]

Some things just work better in 2D. Think chess. Think Baldur's Gate, and soon Fallout. Unfortunately, I believe Civ will soon prove itself worth of making this list. Going 3D will only complicate issuing the same orders, not to mention bump the hardware requirements. And it's just not pretty. Hopefully the game would have enough redeeming qualities (AI that doesn't build as big a fleet when you're playing in a Pangaea-like world, less tedious and more effective bombardment units, the new religion scheme) to merit the purchase. And also, hopefully Civ5 will return to its 2D roots.

Re:Don't forget FreeCiv (comes with SuSE 9' Pro),

[The Original Yama]

For the record (in case anyone gets confused) Advanced Civilisation is not Civilisation. They are entirely different games.

Freeciv is (for the most part) a Free Software clone of Civilisation 2. It can be found at http://www.freeciv.org/ [freeciv.org].

From my own experience, games like these are an excellent way to learn history and geography.