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Difference between revisions of "Sid Meier's Civilization II"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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{{cleanup}}
+
{{disambig|the original 1996 and expanded 1998 releases|the separate 1999 version|[[Civilization II: Test of Time]]}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|title        = Sid Meier's Civilization II
 
|title        = Sid Meier's Civilization II
−
|cover        = Civilization_II_Box.jpg
+
|cover        = Civilization II cover.jpg
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
−
{{Infobox game/row/developer|MicroProse}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|MPS Labs|Original}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|MicroProse|Multiplayer Gold}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Varcon Systems|Mac OS}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|MicroProse|1996-1999}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|1999-2002}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Retail re-release}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games|Chronicles release}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|MacSoft|Mac OS}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|February 29, 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows 3.x|March 15, 1996}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|February 29, 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|1998}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|August 22, 1997}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-civilization-ii|94}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|sid-meiers-civilization-ii|}}
 +
|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      | Isometric, Bird's-eye view }}
 +
{{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 }}
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|steam appid  =  
−
|gogcom page  =  
+
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/19980120104158/http://www.microprose.com/gamesdesign/civ2/civ2.html
 +
|hltb        = 8499
 +
|igdb        = sid-meiers-civilization-ii
 +
|lutris      = sid-meiers-civilization-ii
 +
|strategywiki = Civilization II
 +
|mobygames    = 15
 
|wikipedia    = Civilization II
 
|wikipedia    = Civilization II
 +
|winehq      = 444
 +
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 +
|release history  = The game received two expansion packs: '''''Scenarios: Conflicts in Civilization''''' in November 1996 and '''''Fantastic Worlds''''' in November 1997, both containing a variety of scenarios and settings.
 +
 +
The game was re-released in 1998 as a 32-bit Windows application as '''''Multiplayer Gold Edition''''' in North America and '''''Ultimate Classic Collection''''' in Europe, containing both expansion packs and native multiplayer capabilities. However, this version introduced a bug with AI players being in an uncooperative or worse attitude towards human players at all times.
 +
 +
|current state    = All versions of the game have considerable issues running on modern systems. The original 1996 version is inherently impossible to run on 64-bit systems without an [[#Virtualization and emulation software|NTVDM emulator]]. The 32-bit ''Multiplayer Gold Edition'' requires [[#Unofficial patches|unofficial patches]] to resolve compatibility issues such as crashes when a text box appears, and game bugs such as the aforementioned AI attitude bug.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Civilization}}
 
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [http://forums.civfanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5 Civilization Fanatics' Civilization II Forums]
+
{{mm}} [https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
 +
{{mm}} [https://apolyton.net/forum/civilization-series/civilization-i-and-civilization-ii Apolyton Civilization Site's Civilization I & II section] - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs.
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.civfanatics.com/civ2/ Civilization Fanatics' Civilization II section]
 +
{{mm}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/categories/civilization-ii.5/ Civilization Fanatics' Civilization II Forums]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
−
{{Availability Table|
+
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/video-games/dp/B00002S8AV Amazon.com] | {{ID|Retail}} | }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | DRM-free | Disc required only for music and videos in the original release. Otherwise, the game is fully playable without the disc. | | Windows 3.x }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | unknown | | | Mac OS }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | Multiplayer Gold Edition | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{ii}} There are fours versions of Civilization II.  The original version is simply called Sid Meier's Civlization II. Fantastic Worlds is an expansion for the original. Civilization II: Multiplayer Gold Edition is the original with all expansions. Civilization II: Test of Time is an enhanced remake and the latest version. [http://users.tpg.com.au/jpwbeest/jp_versions.htm A Summary of Civilization II Versions]
+
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The original version is simply called '''Sid Meier's Civilization II'''. The expansion packs Fantastic Worlds and Conflicts in Civilization were made for this version.
 +
{{ii}} '''Civilization II: Multiplayer Gold Edition''' (also known as the '''Ultimate Classic Collection''' in Europe) is the original with all expansions, with a 32-bit executable and multiplayer options. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201112041528/http://users.tpg.com.au/jpwbeest/jp_versions.htm A Summary of Civilization II Versions]
 +
{{++}} The Civilization Chronicles box set includes Multiplayer Gold Edition and [[Civilization II: Test of Time|Test of Time]].
  
−
{{++}} The Civilization Chronicles box set includes Multiplayer Gold Edition and Test of Time.
+
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = Expansion packs include new scenarios.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Scenarios: Conflicts in Civilization | Included in the Multiplayer Gold Edition. | Windows 3.x }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Fantastic Worlds | Included in the Multiplayer Gold Edition. | Windows 3.x }}
 +
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
Line 33: Line 97:
  
 
====Sid Meier's Civilization II====
 
====Sid Meier's Civilization II====
−
[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=58 v2.42 patch]
+
*[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=58 v2.42 patch]
  
−
====Sid Meier's Civilization II: Multiplayer Gold Edition====
+
====Civilization II: Multiplayer Gold Edition====
−
[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=52 US v1.3 patch]
+
*[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=52 US v1.3 patch]
−
 
+
*[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=60 UK v1.3 patch]
−
[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=60 UK v1.3 patch]
+
*[https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/multiplayer-gold-edition-v1-3-german.61/ German v1.3 patch]
−
 
 
−
====Civilization II: Test of Time====
 
−
[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=59 Test of Time v1.1 patch]
 
−
{{ii}} You will need this patch if you want to play any of the fan made scenarios.
 
−
 
 
−
[http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=11723992&postcount=4 Test of Time Unofficial All-in-One Patch]
 
−
{{++}} Includes the 64-bit compatibility patch, a CPU usage fix, a no-CD patch, a hostile AI fix, a no limits patch and a Midgard scenario patch .
 
−
{{ii}} v1.1 must be installed first.
 
−
{{ii}} May cause an alert from anti-virus software.  This is a false positive.  Add the .exe or the installation folder as an exception to the anti-virus software.
 
  
 
====Civilization Chronicles====
 
====Civilization Chronicles====
−
[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=8534 Patch Installer]
+
*[http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=8534 Patch installer]
−
{{ii}} The official patches do not work with the Civilization Chronicles versions of Multiplayer Gold Edition and Test of TIme. Use this unofficial patch installer to install those patches.
+
{{ii}} The official patches do not work with the Civilization Chronicles versions of Multiplayer Gold Edition and Test of Time. Use this unofficial patch installer to install those patches.
  
−
===Modifications===
+
===Unofficial patches===
−
====[http://users.tpg.com.au/jpwbeest/jp_miscgraphics.htm Test of Time Graphics Mod Pack]====
+
*[https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/civilization-ii-64-bit-editbox-patcher-mge-tot-also-works-on-win10-1709-fall-creators-update.622154/ The editbox patcher by FoxAhead] fixes a crash which occurs in the Multiplayer Gold Edition when text boxes appear on screen (such as when founding a city).
−
Almost all the people who played Test of Time didn't like the new graphics, finding them too dark or ugly. This mod pack replaces those graphics with ones that, although without animated units, are much more colourful and detailed, taking advantage of the updated game engine.
+
*[https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/ai-attitude-change.154251/ AI attitude fix for Multiplayer Gold Edition] which fixes this edition's bug which causes all AI players to be in exclusively uncooperative or worse relations towards the human player.
 +
*[https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/civilization-ii-mge-user-interface-additions-civ2uia.623515/ Multiplayer Gold Edition UI Additions by FoxAhead] includes the aforementioned fixes, as well as quality of life improvements to the interface, as well as a no-CD patch and a multiplayer fix for Windows 8 and newer. [https://github.com/FoxAhead/Civ2-UI-Additions/releases/latest The source code] is also available.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|}}
−
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|}}
−
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
−
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
−
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/civilization-ii
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/civilization-ii
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = gold
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = gold
Line 81: Line 137:
 
|multimonitor              = true
 
|multimonitor              = true
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
−
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
+
|ultrawidescreen            = true
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
−
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
+
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
−
|fov                        =  
+
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
−
|windowed                  = true
+
|windowed                  = always on
−
|windowed notes            =  
+
|windowed notes            = No fullscreen mode.
−
|borderless windowed        = unknown
+
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
−
|anisotropic                = unknown
+
|anisotropic                = n/a
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
−
|antialiasing              = unknown
+
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
−
|oculus rift                = unknown
+
|60 fps                    = unknown
−
|oculus rift notes         =  
+
|60 fps notes               =  
−
|high frame rate            = unknown
+
|120 fps                    = unknown
−
|high frame rate notes     =  
+
|120 fps notes             =
−
|color blind                = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 +
|hdr notes                  =  
 +
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
−
|key remap                = unknown
+
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
−
|acceleration option      = unknown
+
|acceleration option      = false
−
|acceleration option notes =  
+
|acceleration option notes = Uses OS cursor.
−
|mouse menu                = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
−
|invert mouse y-axis      = unknown
+
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
−
|controller support        = unknown
+
|touchscreen              = false
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support notes  =  
 
|controller support notes  =  
−
|full controller          = unknown
+
|full controller          = false
 
|full controller notes    =  
 
|full controller notes    =  
−
|controller remap          = unknown
+
|controller remap          = false
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
−
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
+
|controller sensitivity    = false
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = false
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
−
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = false
−
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = false
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = false
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4               = false
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = false
 +
|dualshock prompts notes   =
 +
|light bar support         = false
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = false
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= false
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = false
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = false
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = false
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|controller hotplug        = false
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = false
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = false
 +
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = false
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = false
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = false
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = false
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = false
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
==Audio settings==
+
 
−
{{Audio settings
+
==Audio==
 +
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = unknown
 
|separate volume          = unknown
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|surround sound          = unknown
 
|surround sound          = unknown
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
−
|subtitles                = unknown
+
|subtitles                = n/a
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
−
|closed captions          = unknown
+
|closed captions          = n/a
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|mute on focus lost      = unknown
 
|mute on focus lost      = unknown
Line 140: Line 244:
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|red book cd audio        = true
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Simplified Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Local retail version only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Traditional Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Local retail version only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/civilization-2/civilization-2/230 Fan translation.]
 +
|fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Local retail version only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Korean
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Local retail version only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Local retail version only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail: Byte & Brothers<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991003051629fw_/http://www.bytebrothers.com.br/produtos/civi/civi.htm|title=Byte & Brothers (1999).|date=May 2023}}</ref> and Infogrames.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051231065758/http://infogrames.com.br/jogos.asp?jogo_id=17|title=Civilization II (archived)|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = For the Multiplayer Gold Edition – [http://forum.civru.com/index.php?action=vthread&forum=31&topic=947&page=0 download]
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 146: Line 361:
  
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
−
|local play          =  
+
|local play          = true
−
|local play players  =  
+
|local play players  = 8
 +
|local play modes    = Hot seat
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
−
|lan play players    =  
+
|lan play players    = 8
−
|lan play notes      =  
+
|lan play modes      =  
−
|online play          = true
+
|lan play notes      = Multiplayer Gold Edition only.
−
|online play players  =  
+
|online play          = false
−
|online play notes   =  
+
|online play players  = 8
−
|local co-op          =
+
|online play modes   =  
−
|local co-op players  =
+
|online play notes    = Multiplayer Gold Edition only; the official multiplayer service was shut down.
−
|local co-op notes    =  
+
|asynchronous        = unknown
−
|lan co-op            =
 
−
|lan co-op players    =
 
−
|lan co-op notes      =
 
−
|online co-op        =
 
−
|online co-op players =
 
−
|online co-op notes  =
 
−
|hot-seat            = true
 
−
|hot-seat players    =
 
−
|hot-seat notes      =
 
−
|asynchronous        =  
 
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
}}{{Network/Connections
 
}}{{Network/Connections
Line 187: Line 393:
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
−
{{ii}} These fixes are taken from Catfish's Cave.<ref>http://users.tpg.com.au/jpwbeest/jp_faq.htm</ref>
 
−
 
−
==='You must have Civ II Test of Time installed in order to install this update.'===
 
−
The version of Civilization II Test of Time included with Civilization II does not correctly install in the registry, so the patch cannot detect the game.  Update the game using the unofficial patch installer.
 
−
 
−
===When trying to play a video, Test of Time crashes or goes to a blank screen===
 
−
Civilization II: Test of Time needs an outdated codec for the in-game videos to work.  The codec, Indeo 5, is included in the K-Lite Codec Pack, but is disabled by default, and needs to be registered.  This codec was disabled as it could be a security risk.  To register the codec, open the Start Menu.  For 32bit versions of Windows, type in the Run box:
 
−
<pre>regsvr32 ir50_32.dll</pre>
 
−
For 64bit versions of Windows, type in the Run box:
 
−
<pre>regsvr32 C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ir50_32.dll</pre>
 
−
 
−
===Building a city crashes the game===
 
−
If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, there is an [http://forums.civfanatics.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=15208 unofficial patch] that works with all 32-bit versions of Civilization II.
 
−
 
 
===CPU runs at 100%===
 
===CPU runs at 100%===
−
When Civilization II came out, computers had a lot less power than the ones today, so the game was programmed to take as much of the CPU as possible.  On modern computers this can cause problems, such as the fans constantly being on full while playing the game. There are a couple of unofficial patches to be installed after the other ones. [http://tim.strafenet.com/civ2.html This patch] is for the original, Fantastic Worlds and Multiplayer Gold versions, and [http://tim.strafenet.com/civ2tot.html this patch] is for Test of Time.  Some anti virus programs may report that these patches are viruses, so you will need to add the .exe or the installation folder as an exception.
+
When Civilization II came out, computers had a lot less power than the ones today, so the game was programmed to take as much of the CPU as possible.  On modern computers this can cause problems, such as the fans constantly being on full while playing the game. There are a couple of unofficial patches to be installed after the other ones. [https://web.archive.org/web/20120427085751/http://tim.strafenet.com:80/civ2.html This patch] fixes the issue for the original version and the Multiplayer Gold Edition. Some anti-virus programs may report that these patches are viruses, so you will need to add the .exe or the installation folder as an exception.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://users.tpg.com.au/jpwbeest/jp_faq.htm#CPUFix|title=Catfish's Cave - FAQ (CPUFix)|date=May 2023}}</ref>
  
−
===Corrupted graphics when loading a save game===
+
==Other information==
−
When saving a game in Test of Time, make sure to save the game in the correct sub folder.  If you play Original, save in the Original folder.  If you play ExtendedOriginal, save in the ExtendedOriginal folder.  When playing a scenario, save in the scenario's folder. Saving in the main Test of Time folder will mean that the save game will not use the proper graphics when reloading.
+
===API===
−
 
+
{{API
−
==='Failed to load game: file is in obsolete format'===
+
|direct3d versions      =
−
Update Test of Time to v1.1
+
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =  
 +
|wing                  = true
 +
|wing notes            = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WinG#List_of_applications_using_WinG_API|title=WinG - Wikipedia|date=2020-03-20}}</ref>
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|metal support          =
 +
|metal support notes    =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              =
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      = Original release is a 16-bit executable. Multiplayer Gold Edition is 32-bit.
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app =
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =  
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = unknown
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=  
 +
}}
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 215: Line 444:
  
 
|minOS    = 3.1, 95
 
|minOS    = 3.1, 95
−
|minmem   = 8 MB
+
|minRAM   = 8 MB
−
|minHD    = 6 GB
+
|minHD    = 10 MB
 
|minGPU  = SVGA
 
|minGPU  = SVGA
 
}}
 
}}
Line 224: Line 453:
  
 
|minOS    = 7.5.3
 
|minOS    = 7.5.3
−
|minmem   = 10 MB
+
|minRAM   = 8 MB
−
|minHD    = 6 GB
+
|minHD    = 10 MB
 
|minGPU  = SVGA  
 
|minGPU  = SVGA  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 15:45, 12 August 2023

This page is for the original 1996 and expanded 1998 releases. For the separate 1999 version, see Civilization II: Test of Time.

Sid Meier's Civilization II
Sid Meier's Civilization II cover
Developers
Original MPS Labs
Multiplayer Gold MicroProse
Mac OS (Classic) Varcon Systems
Publishers
1996-1999 MicroProse
1999-2002 Infogrames
Retail re-release Sold Out Software
Chronicles release 2K Games
Mac OS MacSoft
Release dates
Windows 3.x March 15, 1996
Windows 1998
Mac OS (Classic) August 22, 1997
Reception
Metacritic 94
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Turn-based
Perspectives Isometric, Bird's-eye view
Controls Point and select
Genres 4X, TBS
Themes Historical
Series Civilization
Icon overlay.png
Sid Meier's Civilization II on HowLongToBeat
Sid Meier's Civilization II on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Sid Meier's Civilization II guide on StrategyWiki
Sid Meier's Civilization II on MobyGames
Sid Meier's Civilization II on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
⤏ 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 II is a singleplayer and multiplayer isometric and bird's-eye view 4X and TBS game in the Civilization series.

The game received two expansion packs: Scenarios: Conflicts in Civilization in November 1996 and Fantastic Worlds in November 1997, both containing a variety of scenarios and settings.

The game was re-released in 1998 as a 32-bit Windows application as Multiplayer Gold Edition in North America and Ultimate Classic Collection in Europe, containing both expansion packs and native multiplayer capabilities. However, this version introduced a bug with AI players being in an uncooperative or worse attitude towards human players at all times.

All versions of the game have considerable issues running on modern systems. The original 1996 version is inherently impossible to run on 64-bit systems without an NTVDM emulator. The 32-bit Multiplayer Gold Edition requires unofficial patches to resolve compatibility issues such as crashes when a text box appears, and game bugs such as the aforementioned AI attitude bug.

General information

Civilization Wiki - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
Apolyton Civilization Site's Civilization I & II section - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs.
Civilization Fanatics' Civilization II section
Civilization Fanatics' Civilization II Forums

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
DRM-free
 Disc required only for music and videos in the original release. Otherwise, the game is fully playable without the disc.
Windows 3.x
Retail
DRM details are not known
Mac OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Multiplayer Gold Edition
Windows

Version differences

The original version is simply called Sid Meier's Civilization II. The expansion packs Fantastic Worlds and Conflicts in Civilization were made for this version.
Civilization II: Multiplayer Gold Edition (also known as the Ultimate Classic Collection in Europe) is the original with all expansions, with a 32-bit executable and multiplayer options. A Summary of Civilization II Versions
The Civilization Chronicles box set includes Multiplayer Gold Edition and Test of Time.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack Expansion packs include new scenarios.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Scenarios: Conflicts in Civilization Included in the Multiplayer Gold Edition.
Windows 3.x
Fantastic Worlds Included in the Multiplayer Gold Edition.
Windows 3.x

Essential improvements

Patches

Each version of Civilization II has its own patch.

Sid Meier's Civilization II

Civilization II: Multiplayer Gold Edition

Civilization Chronicles

The official patches do not work with the Civilization Chronicles versions of Multiplayer Gold Edition and Test of Time. Use this unofficial patch installer to install those patches.

Unofficial patches

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows
Mac OS (Classic)

Save game data location

System Location
Windows
Mac OS (Classic)

Video

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
No fullscreen mode.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)

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

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio
Red Book CD audio
On Windows, CD music might not play correctly; see the troubleshooting guide for solutions.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Simplified Chinese
Local retail version only.
Traditional Chinese
Local retail version only.
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation.
Italian
Japanese
Local retail version only.
Korean
Local retail version only.
Polish
Local retail version only.
Brazilian Portuguese
Retail: Byte & Brothers[1] and Infogrames.[2]
Russian
For the Multiplayer Gold Edition – download
Spanish

Network

Multiplayer modes require the Multiplayer Gold Edition.

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
8 Hot seat
LAN play
8 Multiplayer Gold Edition only.
Online play
8 Multiplayer Gold Edition only; the official multiplayer service was shut down.
Asynchronous multiplayer

Issues fixed

CPU runs at 100%

When Civilization II came out, computers had a lot less power than the ones today, so the game was programmed to take as much of the CPU as possible. On modern computers this can cause problems, such as the fans constantly being on full while playing the game. There are a couple of unofficial patches to be installed after the other ones. This patch fixes the issue for the original version and the Multiplayer Gold Edition. Some anti-virus programs may report that these patches are viruses, so you will need to add the .exe or the installation folder as an exception.[3]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
WinG
[4]
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
Original release is a 16-bit executable. Multiplayer Gold Edition is 32-bit.
Mac OS (Classic)

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 3.1, 95
Processor (CPU)
System memory (RAM) 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 10 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA
Mac OS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7.5.3
Processor (CPU)
System memory (RAM) 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 10 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA


References

  1. ↑ Byte & Brothers (1999). - last accessed on May 2023
  2. ↑ Civilization II (archived) - last accessed on May 2023
  3. ↑ Catfish's Cave - FAQ (CPUFix) - last accessed on May 2023
  4. ↑ WinG - Wikipedia - last accessed on 2020-03-20