O Brave New World

[Wojtek Sokolowski]

At 12:35 PM 10/1/99 -0400, Nathan Newman wrote:
>
>So even for non-computer geeks, I fully recommend Civilization (although I
>give warning that while it is relatively easy to get up and playing, there
>are a reasonable number of rules to learn to gain full competency.)
>
 
Nathan, I admit I have a weakness for this game as well.  What makes it
particularly appealing to my sensibilities, as compared to to Simcity which
I used to play, is its institutionalist approach to development.  Unlike in
Simcity where everything is about industry, commerce and taxes - in Civ
cities do not disappear when you neglect them - they grow slower, people
may get upset and rebel - just like in the real life, rather than to move
to the suburbs like in the neoclassical fable and its poor immitation in
the US life.

The selection of government styles you mention is problematic, but not
because of its propaganda effect, but false causality.  In real life,
politicalsystem is the effect of material conditions, mode of production,
etc. not the other way around.  You cannot improve productiovity by simply
switching political systems.  On the other hand, the institutionalist
leanings of Civg show to some extent here - you really have to build a
certain social infrastructure to be able to successfully switch to republic
or democracy.

In any case, it is an excellect strategy game - a lot of good insights into
geopolitics.

wojtek