The Civilization series is one of the best turn-based strategy games of all time. These games are very addictive, and in the hands of a perfectionist are deadly, because they will not want to stop playing until everything is just right. The game allows players to start with one settler in the Stone Age and see if they have what it takes to take over the entire world either by military might, economic strength, or cultural influence. The latest console to get a Civilization game is the iPhone, and it is as addictive as ever. Even though this game contains a few flaws, players will not want to stop playing it, even if they have to miss a phone call.

Once players load Civilization Revolution they will find two different modes: play a random map or play various scenarios. Playing on a random map will allow players to choose form 16 civilizations, each with their own strengths/weaknesses and bonuses. Once players choose a nation they will be thrown into the world of civilization. There are four distinct ways to beat the game. First is to invest in an army and crush any resistance that comes upon them. Another way is to be the first to launch into space. Players can also win by achieving eight different economic milestones. The last way to win is by getting a combination of 20 great people to settle in cities owned by the player or building Wonders in the cities. No matter which route players take, it will be a long and interesting game.

The other game mode is where player can choose from various scenarios that will test players' patience and strategic skills. Some of the scenarios range include having a faster gameplay, a mode where barbarians are ruthless and come in nonstop waves, and even an all-out war where it is either kill or be killed. Whatever scenario gamers decide to try, they will have fun trying to beat it as fast as they can.

The biggest disappointment of this game is the lack of multiplayer. This game practically begs for it. Alpha Centauri is an older game in the Civilization series that could handle multiplayer over a 56k modem, so it is a definite possibility that the iPhone can handle multiplayer. Hopefully this is something that the developers will correct in a future patch.

For gamers who have never played a Civilization game (shame on you) the developers include an onscreen tutorial that will help them throughout the game. The problem is that the tutorial screens are still not really that intuitive and will leave newer players still scratching their head. Thankfully there are a variety of difficulties players can choose when starting a game. It is best if players start on the easiest setting until they get the hang of the game.

The graphics for this game are not bad but the developers could have done a lot better. The iPhone is a really powerful platform and the developers saw it best to make all for the units look the like the same faceless warrior. To make matters worse the game is not even in 3D; it is a bunch of sprites running around. The developers could have at least added facial expressions or make the units not seem as dull as they are. The graphics really start to look blocky/chucky when players zoom down onto the battlefield.

The playing field is spotted with some nice details, but there is a glitch in the game where at times towns and trees/mountains will disappear for a few turns then randomly appear once again. While this is not a huge issue it is very distracting, especially if players are marching an army to an enemy city and have to reroute a couple of times to compensate for this. Another issue players will have with the interface is that it is very cumbersome to try to zoom out and move around the playing field to get a good view of the entire world scene. This is very crucial for players to do a lot in this game, such as shifting military unites from one spot to another.  Hopefully these issues will get corrected in a patch.

Players will love the sound effects and music for Civilization Revolution, as most of it is taken directly from the PC and console games. It is always a blast to hear some of the musical scores found in the game as it will always help rejuvenate players when they are in the midst of battle or when it is peacetime. The sound effects are also really well done and players will like hearing the various noises as it makes battles more fun.

Civilization Revolution can be purchased on the iTunes App store for $9.99

Gameplay: 8.8
The gameplay really transitions well from the PC/Consoles to the iPhone, even with the quirks. Sadly there is no multiplayer mode, which would have really made the score go through the roof.

Graphics: 6.4
The graphics need some serious work. The iPhone is a powerful device and the very bland looking sprites do not due this platform justice. Also there are various glitches where borders, towns, and other objects will disappear and reappear at random.

Sound: 8.9
The sound effects and music are straight from previous games of the series, which is a nice treat.

Difficulty: Medium
The game can be as hard as players want it to be.

Concept: 8.5
Gamers will love playing the classic Civilization gameplay on their precious iPhone.

Overall: 8.7
Civilization Revolution is a good game for the iPhone, which could have been even better. The biggest pitfalls are the really simplistic graphics, graphical glitches, and lack of multiplayer modes. Even with these issues players will not want to miss out on Civilization Revolution for the iPhone.