does this make the game better than IV? Because, honestly, that's why I haven't put a TON of time into Civ V. It felt like a step backwards in some regard.
Along with the first expansion, this is definitely as good as Civ 4 (and expansions) if not somewhat better.
The second expansion has made things more challenging. Maybe I just had already played so much that the changed economics made it a challenge, but I had to quit the first two games I started with 'A Brave New World' because I had no chance of winning.
Religion is really important now. You can ignore it, but it is a crucial weapon and you must use it. I advise upping culture and happy bonuses with religion.
War is really good and strategic now. AI is still a touch wonky. Civilization 2's combat was brutal. The hex thing is finally sorted and taking effect.
The biggest change with the expansion is that until the later stages, you can't really just keep pumping military units because maintaining a huge army is difficult. You have to be really careful about how you plan things out. I'd advise that you keep up the religious and cultural bonuses because you will need to unlock that stuff. It is what can be a lifesaver.
I am making it all sounding really mechanical, but it is all a real blast and huge fun.
My favorite changes:
1. Caravans. You still establish trade routes by connecting your cities through roads, which is essential. But using caravan you not only gain gold from city-states, but gold, culture, science and religious bonuses from other civs.
2. I have to say the worst thing about Civ 5 was the end game. It all became tedious as you knew where things were headed. Even if you were winning, you just had to keep hitting 'next turn' to finish the whole thing.
A Brave New World rocks the end game. Towards the final portion all sorts of neato changes start happening. Well, remember all those barbarian camps you destroyed? Archeological sites are now in their place, and you can create an archeologist to discover dig sites where you can find works of art OR create tourist spots that boosts your culture. All awesome stuff.
Then you have the United Nations, which is called the world council initially. You can really use this for the game's civilizations to take on fun group projects like the Olympics, world fairs etc. Rewards include various bonuses. You can also use it to place embargos on evil nations, or use it strategically to ban certain exports. It is really sweet.
The fun thing is that not everyone will like what you propose at the world council, so it is quite political.
Now the main change in the game is the culture. You have the culture tree which keeps unlocking sweet bonuses. The higher your cultural output, the faster you unlock stuff, right? Well, the world wonders you create have cool bonuses where they have spots open for works of art.
When great artists are born you can place their art in these world wonders. Also, the art the archeologists dig up can also be placed in these world wonders. All of this boosts your tourism, and creates 'influence' on other civs. Basically, the cultural victory has now been revamped so that the winner wins by having the greatest tourism.
Regarding science and military victories, they are the same, but the revamped cultural tree affects them greatly. It is all hella cool.
3. The way you interact with other civs has gone through a nice little change. While all diplomatic info was available before, now you can have everything highlighted for you by just placing your mouse on top of their name. Well, on top of how they feel towards you, for example on "friendly''. So anyway, if a civ is upset, you can see why. It will immediately tell you they are upset because you proposed something at the world council they didn't like, or you settled on a land they wanted etc. Actually, nothing is confusing, and all information is always available. For example, whatever you consider at the world council, the game will let you know how the other civs are likely to react. It is admirable how much information the game presents to you in an easy to digest manner.
Bottom line: If you've only played vanilla Civ 5, get both expansions and you are in for a treat. This is definitely up there with Civ 2 and Civ 4.
