Acid-Play IconAcid-Play
Free Civilization

Free Civilization

Simulation

Free Civilization Review: A Divisive Clone of a Classic

Free Civilization attempts to recapture the magic of Sid Meier's iconic strategy series, delivering a familiar yet contentious experience according to player feedback. This open-source adaptation divides its audience between those appreciating its faithful mechanics and others frustrated by punishing design choices that test patience to its limits. While capturing Civilization's core loop of city-building and technological advancement, FreeCiv introduces a controversial timer system that becomes the central point of contention among players.

I've never been a fan of timers... FreeCiv would be FAR better if it were not for the time problem.

SEGofthecosmos

Faithful Recreation with Modern Touches

FreeCiv successfully replicates the addictive "one more turn" DNA of early Civilization titles, complete with research trees, unit management, and territorial expansion. The game expands upon its inspiration with an impressive roster of 61 playable nations and 47 distinct units, offering substantial variety for nation-building enthusiasts. Several players note visual improvements over the original games, praising cleaner interface design and presentation. The addition of multiplayer functionality via LAN or internet connections represents a significant upgrade, transforming what was traditionally a solitary experience into a shared strategic battleground.

The Crushing Weight of Time

Where FreeCiv stumbles most dramatically is in its implementation of a relentless turn timer that consistently outpaces player progression. This mechanic creates a brutal difficulty curve where opponents inexplicably accelerate through technological eras while players struggle with fundamental advancements. Multiple playthroughs confirm this isn't isolated to competitive matches - even in solo play against no opponents, the timer imposes an unrealistic race against the clock where reaching the Bronze Age becomes an achievement and space travel remains a distant fantasy. This design choice transforms the cerebral strategy into a frantic scramble, undermining the methodical planning that defines the genre.

Installation Hurdles and Presentation

Beyond gameplay, players report confusing installation processes where the official download page presents an overwhelming array of files without clear guidance. Windows users specifically mention needing to navigate through source code listings to locate the appropriate binaries. While the presentation receives praise for improved visuals over early Civilization titles, the absence of cinematic elements and advisor videos creates a noticeably stripped-back experience that lacks the polish of its commercial counterparts.

This is a really great clone of Civilization. Slightly better graphics and layout than the original even.

Tarquin

Verdict

Faithful Civilization clone ruined by punishing timer

STRENGTHS

40%
Faithful Clone85%
Content Variety75%
Multiplayer Support70%
Visual Improvements60%

WEAKNESSES

60%
Oppressive Timer95%
Unbalanced Progression90%
Confusing Installation65%
Stripped Presentation50%

Community Reviews

5 reviews

I've never been a fan of timers. Not in racing games, not in platform games, nothing. I'm someone who likes to stop and smell the roses. As an objecter of timers to such a degree I have but one beef with FreeCiv. TIME. Yes, I figured you had guessed I'd say that. See, while I'm still desperately trying to construct an army (of mostly little spear carrying warriors) my enemies have carriages, steel battleships and frickin' rifles. Then, having defended at least ONE city well enough to continue my.. science.. guess what? BOOP! I'm out of time - game's over.. and the Greeks kicked my sorry rear end like nothing else. Great. Start over? Congratulations, you have more patience then me. FreeCiv would be FAR better if it were not for the time problem. I stopped playing it after I discovered that even without any foes, I still failed to build a shuttle to reach Alpha Centauri in time. In fact, I barely reached the bronze age. Have much patience when you play this one, Grasshopper, you'll be spending a lot of time clicking the 'turn finished' button. I shall say no more. SEGofthecosmos

Acidic
Acidic
Trusted

This game is a clone of civilization. The aim is the same as in the original. You must build a civilization by building buildings and researching technology. FreeCiv does have some really cool features that were not in the original. Firstly you can now play multiplayer over Internet of LAN. The creators have also gone through the mammoth task of including 47 units and 61 nations. Please note: pressing download FreeCiv will take you to a download page. On that page is a huge list of files for download. Basically you want to look under binaries and not Source code. From the binary versions select MS windows download file (if you are using windows).

Tarquin

Tarquin

This is a really great clone of Civilization. Slightly better graphics and layout than the original even. Absolutely worth the download

Similar Games