Civilization VI for iPad heads Down Under

iPad, PC/Mac/Linux •

The only things I know about Australia I learned from Monty Python, Flight of the Concords, and Alex Connolly. In other words, everyone there is named Bruce and teaches philosophy, they like to mock New Zealanders’ accent, and [redacted due to NDA]. Obviously, this is a well-rounded and comprehensive litany of everything Australia has to offer, but Civ VI is here to fill in all the empty spaces (even if it seems there aren’t any). I can’t think of a better teacher of real-world history than Civilization (how else would I have learned that Teddy Roosevelt founded America and will colonize space in 2023?) and now that Australia has become available in the iPad version of Civ VI, I can’t wait to learn more about Vegemite and Bloomin’ Onions.

When the Mac/Linux version of Civ VI added the Rise and Fall expansion last month, we wondered what it meant for the iPad version and if it would ever catch up to its big screen brethren. Today’s addition of the Australian civ and scenario pack brings it just a bit closer. This is the Summer 2017 expansion, so we’re only about 2 or 3 updates behind.

You’ll be interested to know that the leader of the Australians isn’t Max Rockatansky nor Hugh Jackman. Nope, it’s some dude who was Prime Minister, which is the Australian word for President, in the 1940’s.  His name was John Curtin and, apparently, he discovered Australia back in 3000BC. Then some stuff happened. This history stuff is easy! Oh, and I learned that Australia is between Spain and Greece, so I’m tackling that pesky geography thing, too.

The new Australia pack includes both the Australia civ as well as a scenario pack and is available for $5 via IAP. The update also has the mandatory bug-fixes and whatnot, but what exactly was fixed is hidden under a general “bug-fixes” bullet point. From my experience, there aren’t too many bugs in the iPad version, so [insert shrug emoji here].

Includes the Australian civilization with John Curtin, the Digger unique unit, Outback Station unique improvement and a new Natural Wonder:

Civ Unique Ability: Australian coastal cities always receive extra Housing. Pastures also trigger the Culture Bomb effect, grabbing adjacent tiles from other civs and City-States. Yields from Campuses, Commercial Hubs, Holy Sites and Theater Squares are enhanced in attractive terrain.

Leader Unique Ability: John Curtin’s unique ability is called “Citadel of Civilization.” Australia gets bonus production at the start of a Defensive War, and when it liberates a city.

Unique Unit: Australia’s unique unit is the Digger, which gets bonuses to combat on land tiles adjacent to water and when fighting outside their territory.

Unique Infrastructure: The Outback Station is a tile improvement that unlocks with the Guilds civic, and can be upgraded with Steam Power and Rapid Deployment. It provides food and production, with bonus food for adjacent Pastures.

New “Outback Tycoon” Scenario: This uniquely economic-focused Scenario has you take control of one of four Colony Governments as you compete to explore and develop the natural beauty and wealth of Australia.

Includes unique units and gameplay effects, with no combat between players.

60 turn limit.

New Uluru Natural Wonder: This desert wonder provides bonus Faith and Culture to adjacent tiles.

The iPad version of Civ VI is one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had on the iPad, so all this lightheartedness aside, seeing more content come to the iPad version is fantastic. It’s now clear that Aspyr is invested in keeping the iPad version relevant and isn’t just going to let it rot away on the App Store. In other words, it’s worth the cash to unlock on your iPad. Especially now when you can unlock it for 50% off.

• Civilization VI for iPad, free (full game unlocks for $30, which is 50% off)
• Civilization VI for PC/Mac/Linux via Steam, $60

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