iPad, PC/Mac/Linux, Switch •
I’m not a Nintendo guy. Never have been. Even when the NES was ruling the roost back in the 80’s, we had a Sega Master System which was followed by a Genesis and, yes, even a Sega CD. Thus, when the Switch was announced I was fairly meh on the system with my interest only really piqued by its mobility. Then I watched as games I cared about–not just Marios and Zeldas–started showing up on the console. Gems like Darkest Dungeon, Hand of Fate 2, Skyrim, and, most recently, Into the Breach were hitting the Nintendo e-shop with regularity. This convinced me to pick up a Switch a while ago, but if you’re still on the fence, maybe this will push you off: Civilization VI is headed to Switch on November 16.
I don’t think I need to tell any of you that Civilization VI is one of the better heavy strategy games ever coded, right up there with Civ IV, Civ II, and anything Maxis ever put out before they joined the evil EA empire and fell in love with the Sims. It’s coming on November 16 and will include expansion content including the Vikings, Poland, Australia, Persia, and Macedon. That leaves is a little behind my beloved iPad version, which also has the Nubia civilization and patches that came with it.
Key features for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on Nintendo Switch include:
PLAY YOUR WAY: The path to victory is the one you determine. Become the most scientifically advanced civilization, dominate through sheer military power, or become the foremost destination for the cultural arts.
THE WORLD’S GREATEST LEADERS: Play as one of 24 different leaders from various countries around the world and throughout history. Build an empire of lucrative trade routes with Cleopatra of Egypt, flex the military might of your legions with Trajan of Rome, or develop a powerhouse of culture with Hojo Tokimune of Japan. Each of the leaders can be played any way you prefer, with unique abilities, units, and infrastructure in their quest for victory.
EXPANSIVE EMPIRES: See the marvels of your empire spread across the map. Settle in uncharted lands, improve your surroundings, build new districts, and see your cities – and your civilization – prosper.
ACTIVE RESEARCH: Unlock boosts that speed your civilization’s progress through history. To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures.
DYNAMIC DIPLOMACY: Interactions with other civilizations change over the course of the game, from primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations.
EXCITING AND UNIQUE SCENARIOS: Civilization VI for Nintendo Switch includes four playable scenarios, each with a different setting and style of gameplay inspired by history. Be part of the colonization of Australia in “Outback Tycoon,” defend Poland from invaders in “Jadwiga’s Legacy”, choose a Viking leader to plunder Europe in “Vikings, Raiders, and Traders!”, or conquer the known world in the “Conquests of Alexander.”
COOPERATIVE AND COMPETITIVE MULTIPLAYER: Up to 4 players can cooperate or compete for supremacy via a wireless LAN.
That last one is the point I’m interested in. One of the Switch’s cool features is wireless LAN which lets my kids play against each other when we’re sans WiFi and being able to play Civ VI multiplayer against my kids while on a long car or train ride sounds perfect. The upcoming Switch port of Diablo III is offering the same ability, if you really need another reason to finally go buy a Switch.
Oh, and if you’re worried that the Civ VI UI will be too small on the Switch screen, remember you can always plug it into your gigantic [Dave’s TV is literally like a 37″ 720p piece of garbage -ed.] flat screen at home and play it on the couch. I might need to go buy a third Switch just so we can all play…
Your second-to-last paragraph is actually a decent argument to buy another Switch.
Sega CD had the best full motion video game ever made. A little gem called Sewer Shark.
As if I wasn’t already feeling the pressure to buy one of these infernal switch things you whippersnappers keep talking about! (shakes fist from porch)
Am I the only one who’s starting to think Nintendo is greasing Dave’s palm a little? Just a bit of Stately payola? Spread some of that switch moolah around, Neuman.
Meh. The iOS version is solid, I enjoy playing it on touch and he controls are good. On a Switch? It would likely be a battery killer on top of a wacky control scheme.
The switch has a touchscreen, though a bit smaller, but touch could work. In handheld mode that is.
Loved Sewer Shark. So corny, but when we finally made it all the way through my brother and I jumped around like we just won the Super Bowl.
Civ VI, not so much. OTOH, Into the Breach and Bad North on Switch already? Gnnnh. Fortunately I’ve spent all my money on vets bills for a sick horse, so I can resist.
Yes, full blown Sega fan here too. I had a Sega CD also. My favorite was Wonder Dog, a side scroller featuring a dog in a super suit fighting against the evil Pit Bully Empire.
I still have a working Genesis, with several dozen carts. They’ve all managed to survive several family moves through the years. If Cyberball, Star Control, or Bill Walsh College Football 1995 ever get ported to Switch, I’m in.