Slay the Spire thus does a better job of showing card-game newbies how different cards play off each other than games like. Better game, but Civilization VI. 30 free macOS apps every Mac. Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition is definitely one of the best strategy games for Mac. It’s set during the early civilization of Rome, where you take up the role of the emperor. From political decisions to action-rich battles, you have to take decisions based on strategy.
Hands-On
By Andrew O'Hara Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 12:54 pm PT (03:54 pm ET)
'Civilization VI' is one of a the few games that debuted on iPad with feature parity to the Mac and Windows versions. After playing the game for the past eight months on our iPad, we've come to the conclusion we need more of this caliber game on iOS.
In January, Aspyr Media ported 'Civilization VI' to the iPad. I eagerly downloaded the app with a healthy dose of skepticism. This wasn't one of the early Civ titles, but the most recent. I wholeheartedly expected a watered down version, stripped of key features and mechanisms like we saw with Civilization Revolution. To my surprise, that was not the case. The game, which weighed in at a healthy 3.3 GB, is designed specifically for higher-end iPads, taking full advantage of the touchscreen. As a turn-based strategy game, the menu-laden interface lends itself well to touch, possibly even more so than a mouse. It was easiest for choosing focuses such as production or research, and a little bit less so for moving your characters. It worked but was a bit finicky at first as I adjusted to the interface.
There are a couple different gestures to know, such as tapping with multiple fingers to exit an open menu, but along the way, 'advisors' will let you know of these and you should catch on pretty quick. Playing I found it to be at times more enjoyable than on my Mac. I could lazily relax on the couch instead of sitting in an uncomfortable office chair at my desk. I appreciated the little touches that they took into consideration, such as the ever-present battery indicator in the top right corner so you don't inadvertently run out of power. It has literally every feature found in the desktop version, up to and including local multiplayer. Instead of LAN parties with everyone on laptops and desktops, they can now be done even more easily right from your iPad.
When playing, you can go with several campaigns and pre-designed modes or you can go and create your own custom scenario with every aspect you can think of. A series of tutorials indoctrinate new players quickly and easily into the game, while more advanced players will feel right at home
Performance
'Civilization VI' is not a small game or lightweight game. It requires some serious horsepower to run, which is why only newer iPads are equipped to play it. Any iPad Pro, the iPad Air 2, and the 2017 iPad are all capable, but any older are out of luck.
On the Mac side, it takes some pretty serious silicon. So, I was really concerned how the game would run later in a match where turns get much more complex. At the onset of a new game, everything is flashy and quick, but as the game progresses, nation's boundaries expand, the number of units balloon, and the AI has much more work to do. Shockingly, even in the end-game, turns were not unnecessarily bogged down. They certainly slowed, but not to the point where it was noticeably over-taxing the iPad. We're not sure we recommend the iPad Air 2 or the fifth generation iPad —but it does run. Any iPad Pro or the 2018 sixth-generation iPad are great experiences.
Pay to play
Aspyr Media took a great approach to monetizing 'Civilization VI' on iPad. They realize the strengths of the game, and trusted users would pay once they got a taste. Downloading the game is free, as are the first 60 turns. At this point, the full game can be unlocked with a one-time in-app purchase. We can't overstate how much we prefer a single in-app purchase to unlock the full game over coins, energy, loot boxes, or other similar nonsense. Yes, those seem to be earning game devs money hands over fist in titles like 'Clash of Clans' or 'Candy Crush', but these games are shallow and not even close to the same level as the impeccably done Civilization series. This game has so much to explore, and without endless paywalls or wait times to earn 'energy,' it can all be played when or where you want. It must have been tempting to put all of the world leaders or maps behind in-app purchases, but we are thrilled that Aspyr Media made the decision not to do so, beyond a handful of optional expansions. Since launch, expansions have landed —including new civilizations —which are behind in-app purchases, but expansions are a different beast than locking them from the get-go.
Worth the price
I've said it once, and I'll say it again —this game is worth the price, even at $60. Since January, I've been playing the game and it remains a reliable source of entertainment when I have a few moments to kick back. Expansions continue to add value to the initial purchase for a reasonable fee, keeping me coming back time after time. I would love to see more large-scale games like Civilization VI come to the iPad, though the current trend still seems to be so-called free-to-play freemium titles cluttering the App Store.
Everybody wants to rule the world, but only Civilization lets you do it from the comfort of your own home. The block-busting strategy series returns with the biggest overhaul in gameplay and graphics in its history.
Mixing the depth and versatility of previous PC sequels with the accessibility and pace of console hit Civilization Revolution, this all-new game lets you nurture a civilisation from prehistoric times and into the space age. That’s the same as always – as is the ability to win by either military, diplomatic or cultural means – but the way you actually play the game is completely different.
Moving and attacking with your armies, monitoring and building your cities, and negotiating with allies and enemies – everything is now easier, quicker and more fun. With a revamped multiplayer hub and in-built tools to help you customise the game however you want this is the ultimate refinement of the ultimate strategy game.
Believable World: More than just a strategy game — the expanded visuals and immersive audio invite would-be kings to take up the reigns of power and forge a mighty empire. Civilization V offers a limitless variety of vast, realistic and diverse landscapes for players to explore, battle over and claim as their own
Inviting Presentation: An intuitive interface eases both new players and Civ veterans into the game. Guided by a set of trusted advisors who will explain game functionality and provide counsel for significant decisions, even first-time players will be confident in the choices they make
Huge Battles: Combat is more exciting and engaging than ever before. Wars between empires feel massive with armies spreading across the landscape. The addition of ranged bombardment allows players to fire weapons from behind the front lines, challenging players to develop clever new strategies to guarantee victory on the battlefield