Today, Civilization II (MicroProse) turns 30 years old.
Published on February 29, 1996, it had been long anticipated by fans who waited five years after the original Civilization hit the market. Little side note for those who argue "but but but it's March 1 today!" -- yes, I know, we didn't have a February 29 this year... so hold your horses :)
When I first played Civilization in 1991, I thought I’d never see a better strategy game. Then Civilization II arrived and raised the bar dramatically.
Better graphics, improved diplomacy, superior units (goodbye Phalanx vs. Battleship PTSD), more tech choices, deeper gameplay - just what fans of the original had hoped for. It kept the core principles while making everything better.
Sometimes I wonder how 30 years could pass so quickly when it still feels like yesterday. So let’s celebrate this all-time classic: happy 30th!