Metascore
90 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. The biggest, deepest, most spectacular strategy game ever made.
  2. The changes mostly seem to increase your options for trying new strategies, without altering the core game. And actually, that’s a brilliant approach. [Jan 2002, p.90]
  3. It was difficult to write this review, because each time I started the game to check on some detail, six hours mysteriously vanished. [Jan 2002, p.92]
  4. Perfectly captures the epic sweep of the previous games but adds a bunch of new features that improve upon an already brilliant concept. It's superior in every way to "Civilization II"—and for that matter, any game of this type in recent memory.
  5. Complex combat, climbing the tech tree, and resource management (commonly found in RTS games) make Civ III a deep strategy game – far beyond a simple Simulation game.
  6. A flat out brilliant game...This is another addicting game that you very well could lose sleep and miss work over (I should know, I’ve done both).
  7. 93
    The interface is much better implemented this time around...To make a long story short, Civ. III is a worthy heir for the franchise and a definite must have for any strategy gamer who doesn't want us to make fun of them.
  8. For goodness' sake don't play this on evenings when you have to work the next day because the odds are you'll still be in front of your machine in the early hours, striving to build one more bit of your spaceship, or conquering just one more city before you go to bed.
  9. 93
    Subtle and clever...The game, like its predecessors, is about addiction. Unfortunately, it does a great job of it.
  10. Apart from some minor bugs and several strange solutions Civilization III has to offer infinite possibilities and extreme replay value.
  11. It's back with a vengeance...in short, a triumphant proclamation that strategy gaming is alive and well and still able to keep you rooted in front of your computer for hours at a time.
  12. The AI overall is vastly improved.
  13. Just like "Civ II," it blends a simple start with a vast array of options and pulls them together into a detailed, compelling, and seamless gaming experience. [Holiday 2001, p.65]
  14. A classic in the making, Civilization 3 once again serves up a big plate of turn based gameplay covered in gobs of strategy and tons of choices, this is one that will keep you coming back for another helping over and over again.
  15. The game is still frighteningly addictive, constantly dangling new accomplishments in front of players who, at 3 am, are still planning on playing "just one more turn."
  16. A worthy and immersive extension of the series, and comes close to perfection in terms of strategy.
  17. At its best, Civilization III is addicting and enjoyable. Unfortunately, it suffers from some play balancing , AI, and occasional stability issues which bar it from realizing its full potential.
  18. A release finally worthy of the fans who have been waiting patiently for it. [Dec 2001, p.114]
  19. There's enough depth and playability here to keep you clicking well into the spring of 2002.
  20. If you're a fan of the series or of the genre, then I can readily recommend picking up Civilization III -- just keep in mind that it may not be all you expected, especially later in the game.
  21. The progress made in this installment is a little disappointing, but that said, Civ III does continue the franchise's tradition of delivering the very best that the genre has to offer.
  22. 80
    The entrancing music and compellingly complex but accessible gameplay are still unparalleled, making minutes transform into hours as your nights are dominated by the story of your civilization.
  23. Like so many things that come in threes, this one just can't compare to parts I and II.
  24. 70
    It’s hard to knock one of the best, most addictive strategy games ever made—but Civ II owners may wonder why they’re paying fifty bucks for what's essentially a decent facelift and a gameplay balance patch.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 35
  2. Negative: 7 out of 35
  1. MitchK
    10
    The people that rate this game poorly because of the tank/spearman issue likely do not know how to play the game. The game does not determine battle outcomes by icon, it uses a number system. So in the case where a spearman is attacked by a tank: Spearman (in city, fortified, on a hill, across a river, etc. etc.) will be pumped up quite drastically and make it feasible to beat a tank. Awesome game, endless fun. Full Review »
  2. 7
    A fun game that you will want too keep playing even though your AI opponents seem to be able too accomplish feats you would never be able too. The graphics are good and the user interface has been improved. But still the game play is not as good as Civ II. Full Review »
  3. Well if you haven't already got this game don't get it, instead get Civ II or Civ IV both of which are light years better than this bargain bin game. This is basically a 2nd release of Civ II but with more bugs, still isn't "horrible" but it's a waste of money when you can just get Civ II. My ranking of the civilization series Civ IV (95/100) Civ II (92/100) Civ I (88/100) Civ V (76/100) Civ III (54/100) Full Review »