Caesar IV review

It's a micro-manager's wet dream

12DOVE Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Intricate economic model

  • +

    Creating custom scenarios

  • +

    Data is easy to digest

Cons

  • -

    Inaccurate mouse control

  • -

    Combat feels shallow

  • -

    Game isn't entirely stable

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Managing the Roman Empire is no easy task, but somebody's got to do it. And in Caesar IV that somebody is you. After an eight year hiatus, the classic city-building franchise is back, in all of its micro-managing glory.

Limitations on city size and esthetic requirements are the two biggest obstacles (outside of the economy) that any budding governor is going to face. Just as in real life, real estate in Caesar IV is a limited resource and how well you plan out your city can easily make or break a mission.

There's nothing more annoying than having to tear down a section and rebuild it simply because it wasn't an efficient use of space the first time around. Aesthetics are important because no one wants to live in an industrial park, not even the lowly plebs. Segregating the housing from the working parts of the city is a necessity if you want to attract citizens.

More info

GenreStrategy
DescriptionAncient Rome gets a fresh coat of paint (marble?) in the return of the classic civilization building sim series.
Platform"PC"
US censor rating"Everyone 10+"
UK censor rating""
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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