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
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 352 Ratings

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  • 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
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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]
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  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

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 46
  3. Negative: 7 out of 46
  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. [Anonymous]
    Dec 31, 2001
    9
    I love Civilization II, so I will love III.
  6. NightGeisha
    Jan 5, 2019
    8
    Sid Meier's Civilization III, and all the remain franchise games, are all that a turn-based strategy game should be. For me, as a fan, theySid Meier's Civilization III, and all the remain franchise games, are all that a turn-based strategy game should be. For me, as a fan, they are a reference to the genre.

    I played a lot more than Steam registered because I played before Steam, a physical copy that I bought in 2001 when the game was released. Old ages, physical copies, games in CD, no one remember them...

    But now, in 2018 I replayed it, and without noticing the passing time I almost played 10 hours in a row. I still loved it.

    Of course the CiV V is for me the pinnacle of the franchise, but for the 2001 game, it is still better them some other games of the genre. I get a few resolution issues but nothing serious for a game of this age, totally understandable.

    Fully recommend it, it's a classic for a bargain price, a "must have" to any Steam collection.    … Expand
  7. Arthor
    Jan 2, 2012
    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.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.… 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 46 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2001
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
15
#15 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

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