Throughout this mind boggling game, I have learned many different things that shape a civilization into being what they are known for. There are many different ways to succeed in this game, but the question is what way is the best way to do that? Do you sit back and play it safe or do you go all in and go with the roll of the dice?
Looking at the areas of game-play that effect the outcome and progress of the civilization’s in the game show why some are on the top and why others are on the bottom of the totem pole. The essential aspects of the game that I have grasped to make me better at this game was my plan of attack. The problem that I was faced with prominently in the game was starting my civilization. It became a very tedious task trying to figure out how I wanted to start my civilization up. You start out in the middle of no where with the goal in mind of survival.
One task that was a very big headache for me had to find out how to create a settlement in the right place. I had to make a list of priorities to create distance between my competitors. It became more of a job when I had to deal with other civilizations trying to take over my civilization, and barbarians participating in the same actions. I felt like no matter what I did to get my civilization going, there was always someone who came around to knock me back on the ground. It was almost as if every step I took forward was like taking three steps back when trying to make progress.
I tried many different ways to make my civilization gain rank and advance. To solve this problem I built one settlement and placed two groups of warriors around my main settlement to have a foundation, and protection to that establishment. Than I created farms and mines for gathering of resources. Doing this allowed me to have tradable resources necessary for building an economy. These steps were the first ones to put me on the path to victory. I continued my search for new places for establishments and started to increase the strength of my civilization. Strength was increased through trade and technological advances. I started to see things turn around for the betterment of my civilization. At one point I was at the top, but slowly my civilization took a turn for the worst and went backwards. I didn’t loose enough ground to put me at risk for being destroyed, but I loss ground to my competition.
Looking at my methods of being good player in this game, I found that I was too conservative with the choices I made. I had a tendency to hold myself back because I felt that it would not permit me to win. Remaining neutral is a constant trend that I found to describe my style of gaming. I have consistently stayed middle-of-the-road. The resolution is take more risks and me more belligerent in my gaming experience. This will enable me to take over others and gain absolute advantage. Instead of being a follower, I intend on leading the pack and becoming the great and not the forgotten.
This game taught me risk. Risk causes decision that can have negative impacts and costs, but those looses aren’t as long lasting as the return in the in. The gains will be more advantageous. It’s like the saying goes, “Go big or not at all”.
