Sid Meier’s Civilization II Overview
Players begin with minimal territory and a single unit, tasked with achieving global dominance through conquest or a successful interstellar voyage. The management of cities is central to this goal, as their placement determines access to vital resources like food and materials. These resources can be enhanced through player-constructed improvements such as mines and irrigation. Each urban center produces items sequentially, ranging from military units to unique World Wonders, which provide singular strategic benefits to their owner.
Technological progress is a major component, involving over one hundred advancements that typically require prior research. The rate of discovery is directly tied to a civilization's scientific output, which must be balanced against economic and military needs. Relations with up to six rival civilizations are dynamic and challenging, requiring careful diplomacy. Trading knowledge or forming alliances is possible, but breaking agreements damages a player's reputation and can lead to conflict.
Military engagements occur in various terrains, where features like forests offer defensive bonuses. Combat results in damage to the victorious unit, impairing its capabilities until repaired, while defeated units are eliminated. If a stack of units is attacked outside a fortified position, the loss of the strongest unit leads to the destruction of the entire group. Cities become vulnerable to capture once their defenders are gone. Specialized units exist, such as those that can detect submarines or aircraft that require periodic stops in friendly cities for refueling.
