So Civ 4 has been out for a week or so - as usual it is like computer
crack !

Some here might find it interesting to note the use of religion in this
new version of the game - namely you can develop a religion and use it
for your own means, or alternatively aim for an atheist state.

In a sense the use of religion in the game does reasonable justice -
religion is in essence a commodity to be used as required in order to
dominate the opponents (but the Leonard Nimoy voice-over at the
beginning of each game follows the standard geological model for planet
creation as opposed to a religious view). In fact at the beginning of
the game, you don't have a religious choice - it's not until you
research certain technologies that you can start to pick and choose.

You can follow an atheist path through the game - however you do lose
some of the monetary income a religion will generate (the poor man's tax
as it were), and there are cultural losses also (everyone loves a bit of
stained of glass!).

On the other hand, if you decide to have a religion, those with other
religions will oppose you and you're likely to be at war with them -
atheist states don't suffer this problem and later in the game get
scientific benefits.


Overall this is an excellent game and if you have even a passing
interest in the game-type (turn based, strategy) then this will appeal.
They've managed to do away with a lot of the "micro-managing" earlier
versions required and tried to stifle some of the unreasonable "tricks"
for winning the game.

Don't expect any historical authenticity though - this is a game first
and foremost; just don't get it if you need regular sleep hours....

gater.