Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete

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Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete is a turn-based strategy game, where players lead a civilization from ancient times to the future. The goal is to achieve victory through military conquest, technological supremacy, cultural influence, or diplomatic prowess. This edition includes the base game and two expansion packs, boasting enhanced features, improved AI, and additional civilizations, leaders, and units.

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Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete screenshot

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,516 reviews

graphics70 positive mentions

stability40 negative mentions

Classic gameplay that has stood the test of time, offering deep strategy and endless replayability.
Unique civilizations with distinct traits and units, enhancing the overall experience.
Engaging and addictive, with many players reporting hundreds or even thousands of hours spent.

Frequent crashes and bugs, especially on modern systems, can disrupt gameplay.
The AI can be overly aggressive and cheat at higher difficulties, making the game frustrating.
Graphics and UI feel dated, which may deter new players unfamiliar with older games.

graphics
256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
64%
8%
The graphics of Civilization III are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its early 2000s origins, yet many players appreciate their nostalgic charm and clarity. While some criticize the visuals for being primitive and lacking modern enhancements, others argue that the simplicity complements the game's strategic depth, making it enjoyable despite its graphical limitations. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not meet contemporary standards, they do not detract significantly from the engaging gameplay experience.
- “For its time, 'Civilization III Complete' featured detailed graphics that brought the world map, units, and city improvements to life.”
- “The hand-drawn art style may lack the detail of modern titles, but it has a timeless appeal that draws players in.”
- “The graphics are ugly and it's hard to tell what you're looking at.”
- “The graphics didn't age well and progress is kinda slow, but is still very enjoyable once you get used to it.”
- “The graphics have aged fairly well in my opinion, especially for a game from the very early 2000s.”
gameplay
211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
66%
5%
The gameplay of "Civilization III" is widely praised for its addictive and engaging mechanics, striking a balance between simplicity and depth that appeals to both newcomers and veterans of the series. While some players note its dated graphics and occasional bugs, the core gameplay remains timeless, offering extensive replayability and a rich strategic experience. However, the learning curve can be steep for new players, and certain mechanics, particularly in combat and diplomacy, may feel unbalanced or outdated compared to modern entries in the franchise.
- “The gameplay mechanics are straightforward yet endlessly engaging.”
- “Classic gameplay; if you love a difficult but long-term rewarding game, this is it.”
- “Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete refines the series' formula, offering deep and engaging gameplay that balances empire management, strategic warfare, and diplomatic negotiations.”
- “Even discounting these game-breaking glitches, the gameplay has not held up after all of these years.”
- “But the user friendliness of this game isn't the greatest and for new players, it will take a great deal of time just trying to figure out basic concepts and mechanics.”
- “Civ 3 is somehow quite confusing and unintuitive, even when simultaneously tools available + core mechanics are ridiculously simple; it also seems to take massive time to play through even a bit - and without much management, spammy AI and all those older type mechanics can result in a quick death of civilization.”
music
85 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
56%
8%
The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic and immersive qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtrack that varies by era and enhances the overall gameplay experience. While some users noted occasional audio glitches and minimalistic sound effects, the majority agree that the soundtrack is a standout feature, often described as beautiful, catchy, and even deserving of a place in personal music collections. Overall, the music is considered one of the game's strongest aspects, contributing significantly to its charm and replayability.
- “The music is nostalgic and inspiring/relaxing.”
- “The soundtrack is phenomenal.”
- “From the piano-based melodies of the medieval era to the jazzy guitar riffs of the modern era, the soundtrack is extremely immersive and well-produced.”
- “This game's music can glitch out, stuck in a loop, and with no music for leader negotiations.”
- “There wasn't as much effort on the soundtrack as there was in Civ 2, so you kind of unconsciously get annoyed at the game.”
- “Every time I've started a game, I've encountered audio bugs where the music stops and the sound effects run in an endless loop like crickets.”
replayability
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
52%
6%
The replayability of "Civilization III Complete" is widely praised, with many users highlighting its virtually endless possibilities, strategic depth, and unique gameplay mechanics that keep the experience fresh and engaging. Players appreciate the game's complexity and variety, allowing for countless different play styles and scenarios, making it a timeless classic with exceptional replay value. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall consensus is that the game offers an impressive level of replayability that surpasses many modern titles.
- “It has amazing replay value and never gets old as every game turns out completely different.”
- “The replay value of this game makes even Civ V blush.”
- “The replayability of 'Civilization III Complete' is outstanding, with virtually endless possibilities for different game experiences.”
- “Replay value approaches the infinite due to the sheer number of variables that go into a game, most of which are customizable, and some of which are procedurally generated (including the map, which will make or break you most times).”
- “Out of everything I've played, I come back to this game over and over again and am constantly amazed at the replayability it brings.”
stability
45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
2%
89%
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and frequent crashes, particularly on modern systems and during startup. While some players have experienced smooth gameplay, many others face significant issues that detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration and disappointment. Despite its enjoyable gameplay, the persistent technical problems suggest a need for updates or a remastered version to enhance stability.
- “Runs great on Windows 11.”
- “Plays like a champ for me, no glitches at all.”
- “Runs great on Windows 8.1.”
- “Bugs and glitches constantly, extremely difficult to do anything.”
- “It runs very poorly on modern computers, and is filled with audio and graphical glitches.”
- “Very buggy and keeps freezing every 15 minutes or so; it'll eventually go back, but this is ridiculous.”
story
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
68%
14%
The reviews highlight a mix of opinions on the story aspect, with some praising the game's compelling narratives and deep lore, while others note a lack of a traditional story structure. Players appreciate the engaging side quests and the immersive world, but some feel that the story execution is lacking or non-existent, leading to a focus on gameplay rather than narrative depth. Overall, the game's story is seen as enjoyable and entertaining, particularly in the context of its strategic gameplay.
- “Open world, great storylines and side quests, great fun.”
- “Overall a good and great story, the graphics are above its time and even surpass today's, the story is so deep and beautiful that you will never find anything else like it.”
- “Great story”
- “☑ no story”
- “[spoiler]........story: 0[/spoiler]”
- “The franchise is run through to the bitter end, with players opting for piracy and spacecraft without help or hail-mary, as the plot devolves unerringly to next advances in technology.”
grinding
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
80%
Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be excessively time-consuming and tedious, often requiring significant micromanagement, especially in late-game scenarios. Players note that the combat system can become frustrating due to unit stacking and random unit selection, leading to a lack of engagement compared to earlier titles in the franchise. While some appreciate the depth and strategy involved, many feel that the grinding aspect detracts from the overall enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Combat can get tedious because of unit stacking; late game is a nightmare.”
- “The combat is the most frustrating, RNG-based, tedious, time-consuming, micro-managing mess I've ever seen.”
optimization
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
10%
30%
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly on older systems and has a well-optimized multiplayer screen, it struggles with performance on modern computers and can experience slow loading times, particularly in multiplayer. Players note that despite its age, the game remains playable with minimal technical issues, but those seeking a more polished experience may prefer newer installments in the franchise.
- “However, the multiplayer screen is well optimized.”
- “Even running on a potato, this game runs smoothly!”
- “I have little to no technical issues with it, and it runs smoothly.”
- “I do dock a few tiny points for how slow multiplayer loading can be, but given it's such an old game and only the third installment in a huge franchise with multiple spinoffs and is grinding up toward its 7th mainline title, I can fully understand how and why the internet and LAN options are not entirely optimized.”
- “It only began to have some performance issues after playing for 7+ hours straight.”
- “Poorly optimized for a modern computer.”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
33%
17%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its engaging visuals and atmospheric soundtrack, creating a captivating experience for players. Users appreciate the ability to craft their own worlds, although some express disappointment over the limited number of turns, which restricts the potential for a more immersive alternate earth experience. Overall, the game is recognized for delivering a unique and enjoyable atmosphere that stands out among its peers.
- “I do especially like the atmosphere of the game; the visuals and music are pretty interesting.”
- “I love creating my own huge world with the map-making app where I can place the civilizations away from mine to create a warless atmosphere.”
- “This game is a gem; it delivers a unique atmosphere and enjoyment that no other Civ game has managed to equal, not even Civ 6.”
- “This game is actually pretty good and a nice way to pass the time, but I don't understand why you can't have infinite turns to create that alternate Earth timeline atmosphere. It takes place in your own version of Earth where your civilization can further go through its ups and downs with no sight of any kind of game victory on the horizon. Instead, the best we can get is 1000 turns, which I find pretty displeasing since I was able to achieve a cultural victory in just one go on a small island surrounded by sea, in a very large map.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
60%
The humor in the game is characterized by a self-deprecating tone, with players noting their own decline in skill and the amusingly poor quality of 3D models. The game features a playful dynamic where players are humorously bullied, and while it offers entertainingly flawed strategies, the AI lacks wit or cleverness, contributing to a hilariously chaotic experience.
- “The 3D models look funny.”
- “They bully the player constantly; buy this game if you're in for a hilariously bad time.”
- “It's all the Civ goodness plus the fun of still having hilariously broken strategies to let you stomp the AI.”
- “The AI is neither funny nor clever.”
- “The humor attempts fall flat and feel forced.”
- “I expected more wit, but the jokes just miss the mark.”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The monetization model primarily relies on microtransactions, which some users view negatively, contrasting it with the ad-free experience of classic games like Sid Meier's Civilization.
- “Classic and no ads.”
- “Funded by microtransactions.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players report a profound emotional impact from the game, highlighting a sense of cultural and emotional maturity within their civilization as they progress. The experience is described as deeply affecting, with some users noting it left them feeling emotionally unsettled.
- “Whenever I was in the modern age, I really felt like my civilization had culturally and emotionally matured, and knew their place in the world.”
- “This game messed me up emotionally.”