The Settlers®: Fourth Edition Preview

Civilization games have been around for a long time. And there seems to be little that really sets apart the top games in the field. The controls are basically the same, and the goals vary little.

So what sets Settlers IV, from Blue Byte, apart from the others? Well, the graphics are just plain cute, and the violence – as when enemy armies invade your territory, or you invade theirs – is anything but bloody. All you see is little ghost figures flying up in the air when a character dies. The body fades quickly and there is no blood.

In this preview of the product, which should be released soon, one of the changes Blue Byte has introduced to this release is a boosting of the graphics. Set the resolution high, zoom way in and watch as the tiny characters entertain themselves during lulls in the action. Blowing a nose, reading a newspaper, or playing with a yo-yo are just some of the treats the little guys indulge in if not on assignment. Their comical deportment, and fun looks make this a game that is completely appropriate for players of all ages.

The new zoom capabilities, while allowing gamers to indulge in up-close views of the characters, does also reveal that there are a few clipping problems when characters are moving in crowded areas. But when the civilization is booming, and you have a lot of villagers, in order to make the game flow, something had to give in order to keep the game moving along.

The game features three primary races: the Romans, Vikings and Mayans. Each civilization has unique buildings, but the game plan is the same. Build a woodcutter’s hut, a hut for the stone mason, a forester to insure a steady supply of trees, a hunter’s hut, and the wide variety of buildings – towers, lookout towers, as well as food and water buildings – to keep the civilization thriving.

As you enter the game, you will be faced with challenges. For example: As the Roman civilization, you may be asked to eradicate the Mayan community on the game board. So you will have to build quickly, keep the population in food, advance technologies, and get ready to attack. Wait too long, and you may find yourself on the end of the attack.

The preview copy of this game didn’t allow for just a civ game without violence, though there was an inoperative button that was set to conflict mode, but the accompanying information with the product promises not only the competitive, but a cooperative mode as well.

Other new features to this product include a campaign against the Dark Tribe (who intend to transform the Settlers’ homeland into a barren wasteland); squad leaders which allow players to boost the fighting strength of their troops; new player interface; hunters and prey; a new path and roads system; saboteurs; magic duels; individual coats of arms so buildings can be marked with individual flags; and a new multiplayer action for competitive play over a LAN or the Internet.

The sound of this program is quite good. It is directional – as you move further away from an action, such as construction, the sound recedes.

The terrain graphics are quite nice, and the world is populated with all manner of flora and fauna. Deer roam the edges of the forest, foxes slink through the trees, birds flutter around and fish jump in the crystal blue waters.

Settlers IV is the latest addition to a long line of wonderful civ games. When complete, this program promises to add gloriously to the line. This will appeal to young and old players with its full, lush graphics, easy player interface and robust sound.