Sid Meier's Civilization III

 PC
Sid Meier's Civilization III Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 325 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: In Civilization III, you'll find new pathways to explore and strategies to employ, greatly expanded diplomacy, more powerful combat, a new trade system, new technologies, more powerful tools to build and manage your empire, and the most detailed and beautiful art, animations and sound everIn Civilization III, you'll find new pathways to explore and strategies to employ, greatly expanded diplomacy, more powerful combat, a new trade system, new technologies, more powerful tools to build and manage your empire, and the most detailed and beautiful art, animations and sound ever found in the genre. [Infogrames]… Expand
Buy On

Trailer

Play Sound
Please enter your birth date to watch this video:
You are not allowed to view this material at this time.
Civilization III Movie 5

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Computer Gaming World
    100
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Computer Games Magazine
    100
    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.
  3. IGN
    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.
  4. GameSpot
    92
    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.
  5. Media and Games Online Network
    90
    A worthy and immersive extension of the series, and comes close to perfection in terms of strategy.
  6. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    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.
  7. Electric Playground
    70
    Like so many things that come in threes, this one just can't compare to parts I and II.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 42
  3. Negative: 7 out of 42
  1. JeffreyT.
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    Incredible... the unique player units and dependance on resources is a great addition to the game... Hard time fighting for aluminum... but Incredible... the unique player units and dependance on resources is a great addition to the game... Hard time fighting for aluminum... but that's part of the game!… Expand
  2. whitesun11
    Feb 18, 2014
    10
    It's a great strategic 4x game, nice graphics and very addictive gameplay. That 'one more turn' thing appears almost at the very beginning.It's a great strategic 4x game, nice graphics and very addictive gameplay. That 'one more turn' thing appears almost at the very beginning. It's definitely a must play.… Expand
  4. MitchK
    Mar 18, 2008
    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 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.… Expand
  5. MattR.
    Apr 2, 2003
    9
    This game is great. While it's true that there is a lot in common with Civ 2 (units, overall interface, etc), that's not This game is great. While it's true that there is a lot in common with Civ 2 (units, overall interface, etc), that's not necessarily a bad thing. Its greatest strength is its amazing addictiveness. More options/scenarios/units would be welcome, as would different visual options.… Expand
  6. goldenelk
    May 16, 2016
    8
    I would have to say this game, overall is great. The only main complaint I have with it is that you can have an infinite amount off units onI would have to say this game, overall is great. The only main complaint I have with it is that you can have an infinite amount off units on one tile, as the AI tends to always produce so many units. It can be really annoying if you don't have animations turned off.… Expand
  7. skibbi
    Dec 30, 2012
    6
    Not particuarly great. It does have colonies, which I love, but it is too expansive for me. Combat is annoying due to one unit who fights isNot particuarly great. It does have colonies, which I love, but it is too expansive for me. Combat is annoying due to one unit who fights is destroyed. The scenarios, however, I enjoy! Once again, numbers required to win pisses me off! I like doing it germany through russia style!… Expand
  8. YM
    Aug 1, 2007
    0
    An at first addictive game, but the absurdity of losing a battle between tanks and bronze welding warriors. Not to mention taking a couple of An at first addictive game, but the absurdity of losing a battle between tanks and bronze welding warriors. Not to mention taking a couple of hundred years to sail around the world.… Expand

See all 42 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2001
10
#10 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
15
#15 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

Current PC Games

Full List »
91 Spelunky 2
85 Risk of Rain 2
85 Deep Rock Galactic
81 Necrobarista
80 Gears Tactics
79 Fury Unleashed
78 SUPERHOT: MIND CONTROL DELETE
75 Neversong
75 Carrion
75 Iron Harvest
70 Maneater
68 Marvel's Avengers
68 Serious Sam 4
68 Aquanox Deep Descent
66 Someday You'll Return
66 Close to the Sun
66 Battletoads
66 Total Tank Simulator
64 Hellpoint
53 Necromunda: Underhive Wars
All Current Games »