Difference between revisions of "Sid Meier's Civilization III"
(Here's proof for the Japanese version: https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/l621239540 The game can be found by searching シヴィライゼーションIII 完全日本語版) |
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|developers = | |developers = | ||
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Firaxis Games}} | {{Infobox game/row/developer|Firaxis Games}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/developer|BreakAway Games|Conquests expansion}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Westlake Interactive|Mac OS}} | {{Infobox game/row/porter|Westlake Interactive|Mac OS}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Westlake Interactive|OS X}} | {{Infobox game/row/porter|Westlake Interactive|OS X}} | ||
|publishers = | |publishers = | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|2001-2005}} | + | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|2001-2003}} |
+ | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari|2003-2005}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games|2005-present}} | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games|2005-present}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|Mac OS}} | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|Mac OS}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|macOS (OS X)}} | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|macOS (OS X)}} | ||
Line 16: | Line 19: | ||
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|October 30, 2001}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|October 30, 2001}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 12, 2006}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 12, 2006}} | ||
+ | |taxonomy = | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing | Turn-based }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls | Point and select }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres | 4X, TBS }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes | Historical }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | Civilization }} | ||
|reception = | |reception = | ||
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-civilization-iii|90}} | {{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-civilization-iii|90}} | ||
|steam appid = 3910 | |steam appid = 3910 | ||
|gogcom id = 1471405734 | |gogcom id = 1471405734 | ||
− | |official site= https:// | + | |official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20040701071646/http://www.civ3.com/ |
|hltb = 8501 | |hltb = 8501 | ||
|igdb = sid-meier-s-civilization-iii | |igdb = sid-meier-s-civilization-iii | ||
− | |strategywiki = Civilization III | + | |lutris = sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete |
− | |mobygames = | + | |strategywiki = Sid Meier's Civilization III |
+ | |mobygames = 5289 | ||
|wikipedia = Civilization III | |wikipedia = Civilization III | ||
|winehq = 426 | |winehq = 426 | ||
|license = commercial | |license = commercial | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
− | ''' | + | {{Introduction |
− | + | |introduction = | |
+ | |||
+ | |release history = The game received two expansion packs: '''''Play the World''''' in October 2002, and '''''Conquests''''' in November 2003. ''Play the World'' was the first iteration of the game which included multiplayer, while ''Conquests'' includes the former on its disc. Both expansions included a range of new units, game modes and scenarios. They were combined with the base game in the '''''Complete''''' edition as of September 2004, and this compilation is the only version of the games available on digital stores; however, in the mentioned digital releases, only the ''Conquests'' executable is present. | ||
+ | |||
+ | On March 16, 2015, the Steam release was updated to replace the [[GameSpy]] multiplayer infrastructure with that of [[Store:Steam|Steamworks]],<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/ogg/3910/announcements/detail/230020838706799840|title=Steam :: Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete :: Civilization III Multiplayer Update Now Available|date=2024-03-03}}</ref> but aside from removing LAN, the game has had reports of lower stability compared to prior releases.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/sid_meiers_civilization_series/stability_of_civ_iii_in_windowns_10|title=Stability of Civ III in Windowns 10, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com|date=2023-08-11}}</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = [[#Unofficial|Unofficial patches]] exist to resolve the game's inherent bugs. An audio glitch has been reported which mutes audio in the diplomacy screen (often with a garbled noise preceding it), which can be resolved by [[#No music or sound effects during diplomacy|using IndirectSound]] to fix the underlying cause. | ||
+ | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{mm}} [https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs |
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{mm}} [https://apolyton.net/forum/civilization-series/civilization-iii Apolyton Civilization Site's Civ III section] - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs. Modifications for the game can be found here |
{{mm}} [http://www.civfanatics.com/civ3 Civilization Fanatics Center's Civilization III Page] | {{mm}} [http://www.civfanatics.com/civ3 Civilization Fanatics Center's Civilization III Page] | ||
{{GOG.com links|1471405734|sid_meiers_civilization_series|for game series}} | {{GOG.com links|1471405734|sid_meiers_civilization_series|for game series}} | ||
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==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc}} | + | {{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SecuROM|4}} for North America. {{DRM|SafeDisc|2}} for Europe.<br>Applies for the base game and the "Conquests" expansion.<br>"Play the World" expansion uses {{DRM|SecuROM|4}} for all regions.| | Windows, Mac OS }} |
− | {{Availability/row| GMG | sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete | Steam | | | Windows }} | + | {{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2607-1 | Steam | Complete | | Windows }} |
− | {{Availability/row| | + | {{Availability/row| GOG.com | sid_meiers_civilization_iii_complete | DRM-free | Complete | | Windows }} |
− | {{Availability/row| | + | {{Availability/row| GMG | sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete | Steam | Complete | | Windows }} |
− | {{ | + | {{Availability/row| Steam | 3910 | Steam | Complete | | Windows }} |
+ | {{Availability/row| Gamersgate | sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete-edition | Steam | Complete | | Windows | unavailable }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{ii}} A free trial version of the Gold Edition is available from [https://www.gamefront.com/games/civilization-3/file/civilization-iii-gold-edition-trial-client GameFront]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Version differences=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} The '''Game of the Year Edition''' contains the base game with a bonus CD containing additional maps and behind-the-scenes videos. | ||
+ | {{ii}} The '''Gold Edition''' contains the base game and Play The World. | ||
+ | {{ii}} '''Civilization III Complete''' is a complete version with both expansion packs. | ||
+ | {{--}} Digital releases omit the executables for the base game and Play the World, leaving only the Conquests executable with a Complete-themed menu and icon. The base game and Play the World can, however, be played by including no-CD versions of their respective fully patched executables, as no other assets are missing. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Monetization== | ||
+ | {{Monetization | ||
+ | |ad-supported = | ||
+ | |dlc = | ||
+ | |expansion pack = Expansion packs include multiple civilizations, scenarios, and secondary game modes. Unlike the base game, they include multiplayer support. | ||
+ | |freeware = | ||
+ | |free-to-play = | ||
+ | |one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access. | ||
+ | |sponsored = | ||
+ | |subscription = | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{DLC| | {{DLC| | ||
− | {{DLC/row| | + | {{DLC/row| Play the World | | Windows }} |
− | {{DLC/row| | + | {{DLC/row| Conquests | Contains all content from Play the World. | Windows }} |
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} v1.29f (base game), v1.27f (Play the World), v1.22 (Conquests) are available [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/categories/civ3-official-patches-updates.64/ here]. | ||
{{ii}} [http://web.archive.org/web/20140916110716/http://files.aspyr.com/support/Civilization3MacRevA.dmg Patch v1.22 Rev A] is the latest patch for the OS X version.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20100512192640/http://support.aspyr.com/index.php/kb/article/000573|title=Aspyr Support Center|date=2011-05-12}}</ref> | {{ii}} [http://web.archive.org/web/20140916110716/http://files.aspyr.com/support/Civilization3MacRevA.dmg Patch v1.22 Rev A] is the latest patch for the OS X version.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20100512192640/http://support.aspyr.com/index.php/kb/article/000573|title=Aspyr Support Center|date=2011-05-12}}</ref> | ||
====Unofficial==== | ====Unofficial==== | ||
− | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/ | + | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/c3x.28759/ C3X] - multiple bugfixes and QoL improvements to v1.22 Conquests (tested only with digital versions). Later versions use changes from [https://github.com/Antal1987/C3CPatchFramework Antal's patch framework] as well. |
− | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/fitted-irrigation-with-farm-houses.376/ Fitted Irrigation with Farm Houses] - | + | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/fitted-irrigation-with-farm-houses.376/ Fitted Irrigation with Farm Houses] - makes irrigation look more natural and not jut out into the water. |
− | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/river-deltas.384/ River Deltas] - | + | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/river-deltas.384/ River Deltas] - covers up the problem where some deltas are too far out to sea and others are too recessed |
− | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/fixed-transport-window-leftovers.854/ Fixed Transport Window Leftovers] - | + | {{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/fixed-transport-window-leftovers.854/ Fixed Transport Window Leftovers] - fixes left over artifacts from the transport window |
===Skip intro videos=== | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Edit configuration file|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-03-31}}</ref>|fix= |
− | # | + | # Open the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file]]. |
− | # | + | # Add the following line at the end of the file: <code>PlayIntro=0</code>. |
− | # | + | # Save the changes. |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
===Configuration file(s) location=== | ===Configuration file(s) location=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} The configuration file is generated only after the first time the game is started. | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\Conquests}} | + | {{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\Civilization3.ini<br>{{p|game}}\Civ3PTW\Civilization3X.ini<br>{{p|game}}\Conquests\Conquests.ini}} |
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}} | {{Game data/config|Mac OS|}} | ||
{{Game data/config|OS X|}} | {{Game data/config|OS X|}} | ||
Line 91: | Line 126: | ||
===Save game data location=== | ===Save game data location=== | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\Conquests\Saves}} | + | {{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\Saves<br>{{p|game}}\Civ3PTW\Saves<br>{{p|game}}\Conquests\Saves}} |
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}} | {{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}} | ||
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}} | {{Game data/saves|OS X|}} | ||
Line 98: | Line 133: | ||
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ||
{{Save game cloud syncing | {{Save game cloud syncing | ||
− | |discord | + | |discord = |
− | |discord notes | + | |discord notes = |
− | |epic games | + | |epic games launcher = |
− | |epic games | + | |epic games launcher notes = |
− | |gog galaxy | + | |gog galaxy = false |
− | |gog galaxy notes | + | |gog galaxy notes = |
− | |origin | + | |origin = |
− | |origin notes | + | |origin notes = |
− | |steam cloud | + | |steam cloud = false |
− | |steam cloud notes | + | |steam cloud notes = |
− | | | + | |ubisoft connect = |
− | | | + | |ubisoft connect notes = |
− | |xbox cloud | + | |xbox cloud = |
− | |xbox cloud notes | + | |xbox cloud notes = |
}} | }} | ||
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|antialiasing = n/a | |antialiasing = n/a | ||
|antialiasing notes = | |antialiasing notes = | ||
+ | |upscaling = unknown | ||
+ | |upscaling tech = | ||
+ | |upscaling notes = | ||
|vsync = unknown | |vsync = unknown | ||
|vsync notes = | |vsync notes = | ||
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===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Set KeepRes mode|ref={{ | + | {{Fixbox|description=Set KeepRes mode|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-09-15|comment=Works on retail, GOG.com and Steam releases.}}</ref>|fix= |
− | # Open the | + | # Open the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file]]. |
# Add the line <code>KeepRes=1</code> | # Add the line <code>KeepRes=1</code> | ||
− | # Save | + | # Save the changes. The game will now run at the desktop resolution as borderless fullscreen. |
}} | }} | ||
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Set windowed mode|ref={{ | + | {{Fixbox|description=Set windowed mode|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-03-31}}</ref>|fix= |
− | # Open the | + | # Open the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file]]. |
# Add the line <code>KeepRes=1</code> | # Add the line <code>KeepRes=1</code> | ||
# Add the line <code>Video Mode=1152</code> | # Add the line <code>Video Mode=1152</code> | ||
− | # Save | + | # Save the changes. |
− | {{ii}} <Code>Video Mode</code> is the horizontal window size, with the vertical height calculated based on the 4:3 aspect ratio. | + | {{ii}} <Code>Video Mode</code> is the horizontal window size, with the vertical height calculated based on the 4:3 aspect ratio, unless <code>1280</code> is entered, in which case it will use the 5:4 aspect ratio for 1280x1024. |
{{ii}} The game window will have no border. | {{ii}} The game window will have no border. | ||
− | {{ii}} The game area can | + | {{ii}} The game area can not be resized after the game is launched - doing so causes graphic corruption and may crash the game. |
}} | }} | ||
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|separate volume = true | |separate volume = true | ||
|separate volume notes = | |separate volume notes = | ||
− | |surround sound = | + | |surround sound = false |
|surround sound notes = | |surround sound notes = | ||
|subtitles = n/a | |subtitles = n/a | ||
|subtitles notes = No spoken text. | |subtitles notes = No spoken text. | ||
− | |closed captions = | + | |closed captions = n/a |
|closed captions notes = | |closed captions notes = | ||
− | |mute on focus lost = | + | |mute on focus lost = always on |
|mute on focus lost notes = | |mute on focus lost notes = | ||
|eax support = | |eax support = | ||
|eax support notes = | |eax support notes = | ||
+ | |royalty free audio = always on | ||
+ | |royalty free audio notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|subtitles = n/a | |subtitles = n/a | ||
|notes = | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = French | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = n/a | ||
+ | |subtitles = n/a | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only; [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1696129885 download for digital versions]. | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = German | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = n/a | ||
+ | |subtitles = n/a | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only; [https://www.compiware-forum.de/downloads/file/251-sid-meier-s-civilization-iii-complete-german-patch/ download for digital versions] | ||
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 266: | Line 322: | ||
|notes = Fan translation, [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/civilization-3/civilization-3/12 link #1], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/civilization-3-conquest/civilization-3-conquest/387 link #2]. | |notes = Fan translation, [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/civilization-3/civilization-3/12 link #1], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/civilization-3-conquest/civilization-3-conquest/387 link #2]. | ||
|fan = true | |fan = true | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Italian | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = n/a | ||
+ | |subtitles = n/a | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only. | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
Line 272: | Line 336: | ||
|audio = n/a | |audio = n/a | ||
|subtitles = n/a | |subtitles = n/a | ||
− | |notes = Retail only | + | |notes = Retail only. |
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 286: | Line 350: | ||
==Network== | ==Network== | ||
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} Either expansion pack is required, as the base game does not have multiplayer support. |
{{Network/Multiplayer | {{Network/Multiplayer | ||
|local play = true | |local play = true | ||
Line 295: | Line 359: | ||
|lan play players = 8 | |lan play players = 8 | ||
|lan play modes = Versus | |lan play modes = Versus | ||
− | |lan play notes = | + | |lan play notes = Removed from Steam version after the Steamworks update. |
− | |online play = | + | |online play = limited |
|online play players = 8 | |online play players = 8 | ||
|online play modes = Versus | |online play modes = Versus | ||
− | |online play notes = | + | |online play notes = The official [[GameSpy]] service has been shut down; Steam version has been updated with Steamworks support.<ref name="Steamworks">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/3910/announcements Civilization III Multiplayer Update Now Available Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete]</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://2kgam.es/2KOnlineMigration|title=2K Online Server Migration from GameSpy Technology – 2K Support|date=9 June 2023}}</ref> |
|asynchronous = true | |asynchronous = true | ||
− | |asynchronous notes = | + | |asynchronous notes = Simultaneous turns, "turnless" mode (default), play-by-email (PBEM). |
}} | }} | ||
Line 324: | Line 388: | ||
==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
− | ===Compatibility settings=== | + | ===Compatibility settings for Steam version=== |
− | + | {{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows XP SP2.|ref={{cn|date=March 2022}}|fix=}} | |
===No music or sound effects during diplomacy=== | ===No music or sound effects during diplomacy=== | ||
− | This is an error caused by a Windows 10 update limiting sound to two channels. | + | {{ii}} This is an error caused by a Windows 10 update limiting sound to two channels. |
− | + | {{ii}} The diplomacy screen may at times be preceded by a brief garbled noise. | |
− | {{Fixbox|description=Install IndirectSound|ref=<ref> | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install IndirectSound|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/3910/discussions/0/1473095331503895056/#c1484358860957169045|title=Steam Community|date=9 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/no-sound-during-diplomacy.615825/#post-14898115|title=forums.civfanatics.com|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
# Download and extract [http://www.indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound]. | # Download and extract [http://www.indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound]. | ||
# Copy the two files, {{file|dsound.dll}} and {{file|dsound.ini}}. | # Copy the two files, {{file|dsound.dll}} and {{file|dsound.ini}}. | ||
− | # Paste into | + | # Paste into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}, {{folder|{{p|game}}\Civ3PTW}}, {{folder|{{p|game}}\Conquests}}. |
}} | }} | ||
Line 359: | Line 423: | ||
|windows 32-bit exe = true | |windows 32-bit exe = true | ||
|windows 64-bit exe = false | |windows 64-bit exe = false | ||
+ | |windows arm app = unknown | ||
|windows exe notes = | |windows exe notes = | ||
− | |mac os x powerpc app = | + | |mac os powerpc app = true |
+ | |mac os 68k app = false | ||
+ | |mac os x powerpc app = true | ||
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable | |macos intel 32-bit app = hackable | ||
|macos intel 64-bit app = false | |macos intel 64-bit app = false | ||
+ | |macos arm app = unknown | ||
|macos app notes = Install the [[#Patches|version 1.22 Rev A]] patch for Intel support. | |macos app notes = Install the [[#Patches|version 1.22 Rev A]] patch for Intel support. | ||
|linux 32-bit executable= | |linux 32-bit executable= | ||
|linux 64-bit executable= | |linux 64-bit executable= | ||
+ | |linux arm app = unknown | ||
|linux executable notes = | |linux executable notes = | ||
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
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|minOS = 98 | |minOS = 98 | ||
|minCPU = Intel Pentium II 400 MHz | |minCPU = Intel Pentium II 400 MHz | ||
− | |minRAM = 128 MB | + | |minRAM = 32 MB (base game), 128 MB (Conquests) |
|minHD = 1.8 GB | |minHD = 1.8 GB | ||
|minGPU = | |minGPU = | ||
− | |minDX = 9.0b | + | |minDX = 8.0a (base game), 9.0b (Conquests) |
|recOS = ME, 2000, XP | |recOS = ME, 2000, XP |
Revision as of 13:45, 3 March 2024
Developers | |
---|---|
Firaxis Games | |
Conquests expansion | BreakAway Games |
Mac OS (Classic) | Westlake Interactive |
macOS (OS X) | Westlake Interactive |
Publishers | |
2001-2003 | Infogrames |
2003-2005 | Atari |
2005-present | 2K Games |
Re-release | Sold Out Software |
Mac OS | Aspyr Media |
macOS (OS X) | Aspyr Media |
Release dates | |
Windows | October 30, 2001 |
Mac OS (Classic) | October 30, 2001 |
macOS (OS X) | January 12, 2006 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 90 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Turn-based |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric |
Controls | Point and select |
Genres | 4X, TBS |
Themes | Historical |
Series | Civilization |
⤏ Go to series page | |
Sid Meier's Civilization | 1991 |
Freeciv (unofficial) | 1996 |
Sid Meier's Civilization II | 1996 |
Civilization II: Test of Time | 1999 |
Sid Meier's Civilization III | 2001 |
Sid Meier's Civilization IV | 2005 |
CivCity: Rome | 2006 |
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization | 2008 |
Sid Meier's Civilization V | 2010 |
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth | 2014 |
Sid Meier's Civilization VI | 2016 |
Sid Meier's Civilization VII | 2025 |
Warnings
Sid Meier's Civilization III is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric 4X and TBS game in the Civilization series.
The game received two expansion packs: Play the World in October 2002, and Conquests in November 2003. Play the World was the first iteration of the game which included multiplayer, while Conquests includes the former on its disc. Both expansions included a range of new units, game modes and scenarios. They were combined with the base game in the Complete edition as of September 2004, and this compilation is the only version of the games available on digital stores; however, in the mentioned digital releases, only the Conquests executable is present.
On March 16, 2015, the Steam release was updated to replace the GameSpy multiplayer infrastructure with that of Steamworks,[1] but aside from removing LAN, the game has had reports of lower stability compared to prior releases.[2]
Unofficial patches exist to resolve the game's inherent bugs. An audio glitch has been reported which mutes audio in the diplomacy screen (often with a garbled noise preceding it), which can be resolved by using IndirectSound to fix the underlying cause.
General information
- Civilization Wiki - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
- Apolyton Civilization Site's Civ III section - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs. Modifications for the game can be found here
- Civilization Fanatics Center's Civilization III Page
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
- Steam Community Discussions
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | SecuROM 4 DRM for North America. SafeDisc 2 DRM[Note 1] for Europe. Applies for the base game and the "Conquests" expansion. "Play the World" expansion uses SecuROM 4 DRM for all regions. |
|||
Complete | ||||
GOG.com | Complete | |||
Green Man Gaming | Complete | |||
Steam | Complete | |||
GamersGate (unavailable) | Complete |
- SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
- A free trial version of the Gold Edition is available from GameFront.
Version differences
- The Game of the Year Edition contains the base game with a bonus CD containing additional maps and behind-the-scenes videos.
- The Gold Edition contains the base game and Play The World.
- Civilization III Complete is a complete version with both expansion packs.
- Digital releases omit the executables for the base game and Play the World, leaving only the Conquests executable with a Complete-themed menu and icon. The base game and Play the World can, however, be played by including no-CD versions of their respective fully patched executables, as no other assets are missing.
Monetization
Type | Notes |
---|---|
Expansion pack | Expansion packs include multiple civilizations, scenarios, and secondary game modes. Unlike the base game, they include multiplayer support. |
One-time game purchase | The game requires an upfront purchase to access. |
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Play the World | ||
Conquests | Contains all content from Play the World. |
Essential improvements
Patches
- v1.29f (base game), v1.27f (Play the World), v1.22 (Conquests) are available here.
- Patch v1.22 Rev A is the latest patch for the OS X version.[5]
Unofficial
- C3X - multiple bugfixes and QoL improvements to v1.22 Conquests (tested only with digital versions). Later versions use changes from Antal's patch framework as well.
- Fitted Irrigation with Farm Houses - makes irrigation look more natural and not jut out into the water.
- River Deltas - covers up the problem where some deltas are too far out to sea and others are too recessed
- Fixed Transport Window Leftovers - fixes left over artifacts from the transport window
Skip intro videos
Edit configuration file[6] |
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|
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
- The configuration file is generated only after the first time the game is started.
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\Civilization3.ini <path-to-game>\Civ3PTW\Civilization3X.ini <path-to-game>\Conquests\Conquests.ini[Note 2] |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
macOS (OS X) | |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3910/pfx/[Note 3] |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\Saves <path-to-game>\Civ3PTW\Saves <path-to-game>\Conquests\Saves[Note 2] |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
macOS (OS X) | |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3910/pfx/[Note 3] |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
GOG Galaxy | ||
Steam Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
4K Ultra HD | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | See Windowed. | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | Enabled by default but low-resolution; see Widescreen resolution. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | |||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | |||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | |||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | |||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Widescreen resolution
Set KeepRes mode[7] |
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|
Windowed
Set windowed mode[8] |
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|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Mouse acceleration | Uses OS cursor. | |
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
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Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | No spoken text. | |
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | Retail only; download for digital versions. | |||
German | Retail only; download for digital versions | |||
Hungarian | Fan translation, link #1, link #2. | |||
Italian | Retail only. | |||
Japanese | Retail only. | |||
Spanish | Retail only, download. |
Network
- Either expansion pack is required, as the base game does not have multiplayer support.
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | 8 | Hot seat |
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LAN play | 8 | Versus Removed from Steam version after the Steamworks update. |
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Online play | 8 | Versus The official GameSpy service has been shut down; Steam version has been updated with Steamworks support.[9][10] |
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Asynchronous multiplayer | Simultaneous turns, "turnless" mode (default), play-by-email (PBEM). |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP | Removed from the Steam version.[9] |
Ports
Protocol | Port(s) and/or port range(s) |
---|---|
TCP | 3783, 6500, 6667, 28900, 29900, 29901 |
UDP | 2302-2400, 6500, 6515, 13139, 27900 |
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
Issues fixed
Compatibility settings for Steam version
Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2.[citation needed] |
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No music or sound effects during diplomacy
- This is an error caused by a Windows 10 update limiting sound to two channels.
- The diplomacy screen may at times be preceded by a brief garbled noise.
Install IndirectSound[11][12] |
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Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
OpenGL | 1 |
Executable | PPC | 16-bit | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows | |||||
macOS (OS X) | Install the version 1.22 Rev A patch for Intel support. | ||||
Mac OS (Classic) |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Audio | Miles Sound System | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | |
Multiplayer | GameSpy | Removed in Steam update. |
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 98 | ME, 2000, XP |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium II 400 MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 32 MB (base game), 128 MB (Conquests) | 256 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 1.8 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | DirectX 8.0a (base game), 9.0b (Conquests) compatible |
Notes
- ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[3] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[4]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details). - ↑ 3.0 3.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (3910) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Steam :: Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete :: Civilization III Multiplayer Update Now Available - last accessed on 2024-03-03
- ↑ Stability of Civ III in Windowns 10, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 2023-08-11
- ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
- ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
- ↑ Aspyr Support Center - last accessed on 2011-05-12
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-03-31
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2021-09-15
- Works on retail, GOG.com and Steam releases.
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-03-31
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Civilization III Multiplayer Update Now Available Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete
- ↑ 2K Online Server Migration from GameSpy Technology – 2K Support - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Steam Community - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ forums.civfanatics.com - last accessed on 9 June 2023