Civilization V!

We've always had this, but it was done through traits, so that even if one civ got screwed over, there was no single amazing civ.

 

I believe direct specialization may prove to be more unique, if done right. It would be nice to be able to choose the specialization at the beginning though.

 

So he can be overpowered.

 

Because in multiplayer, some other player can choose the specialization you are familiar with before you?

 

In Fall From Heaven 2 (the Civ IV mod), Perpentach of the Balseraphs has a unique trait called "Insanity" which shuffles your traits every ten or twenty turns.

It's pretty hardcore.

 

Traits really matter, can't imagine how it would be to play with a nation that has to adapt to a different economy every once in a while.

 

I don't know, just play civ 2 or 3 then.

 

Yeah, but you can have Zerg vs Zerg, or Terran vs Terran matches in Starcraft multiplayer, right? You cannot have that in Civilization at the moment.

 

The map is random, though, so the Mongolians could easily be on the shoreline, while the English are in the centre of pangaea.

Actually, a trait that gives you naval superiority would cripple you as a civ half the time.

 

Or just make you target shores for expansion.

 

Yep, fair and balanced gameplay equates to giving one civilization powerful armies or expansion abilities, and forcing another one to expend their resources pushing past them.

 

Actually, in most maps in Civ IV it is fairly easy to reach a shore and found a city there with your settlers before all lands on the continent is taken.

Also, there is one another important factor - diplomacy.

 

18 civs map - Russia, to build a city that far north is a waste of resources.

 

Diplomacy doesn't work well for expansion. In fact, it's been the bane of me several times when enemies across the map have signed open borders agreements with my best friends and walked their massive armies across them.

Also, the AI likes to waltz into holes in the center of your territory and build cities there, just to piss you off.

"Oh, hey, the Romans are trying to connect their borders. Hmmm, what would be a good addition to this region?"

 

I doubt walking past massive armies through other civilizations will be this easy with the new game, with the new combat system and all.

As for the founding cities, you should crush the head of the snake when it's young and weak.

 

I'm not sure how often you play this game. The AI does not condone you destroying their new cities.