Sid Meier's Civilization 3 Complete - Mac

This game is absolutely awesome! I played it on my PC forever and couldn't stop playing! I switched to Mac, and had to buy the game again because it was so worth it! The only issue that I have had with the Mac version is that I have to be connected to the internet to play it. This was not so for the PC version. As far as "issues" go, that's not so bad! I would recommend this game to any strategist!

I had had this game for PC several years ago, and loved it. So, when I found that it was the only Civ game that would be compatible with my Mac, I wasn't very disappointed. There was a slight pain, in that, straight from the disk, the game is a PowerPC application, and not compatible with new Macs. This was fixed by downloading an update from Aspyr, however, this update also required PowerPC to install. (I was able to update it in Snow Leopard and move it back to Lion, and now it works, but I suppose this counts to the loss of a star) Now that it works, the game works perfectly, and I couldn't be happier. I would recommend that, if possible, one buys the newer version (Civ IV or V) if only for the sake of improved graphics etc. If you are like me and have a slightly older Mac, you will not be disappointed.

This game has the potential to be one of the greatest all time games of the genre. If it weren't for a fatal flaw which dooms it from the start. I'm talking about the concept of strategic resources. Or at least the haphazard, illogical way they are implemented.One of the things that Civ3 brings to the table is the idea of strategic resources. Certain resources that are vital to certain technologies. Obviously its hard to make an internal combustion engine without oil. This is an interesting concept, but its implemented in such an irrational manner that it makes the game laughable. For instance, coal is required to make the railroad. This is perfectly logical in the early stages when trains were pulled by coal fired steam locomotives. But this restriction remains in affect permanently. Which means long after the discovery of oil, the railroad is still forbidden without coal. Even though, by this time, trains would be powered by diesel/electric engines. Oil is required to produce things like automobiles, tanks and modern ships. But it doesn't seem to be a requirement for airplanes and airports. In one game I played recently I lacked saltpeter (no guns) and oil (no tanks, etc). This led to the ridiculous idea of building airports in my forward cities and using aircraft to transport my long bowmen into battle. In another game, I lacked oil, which put modern ships such as destroyers, cruisers and transports beyond reach. Which means that very late in the game I used sail powered gallions to transport my troops to enemy shores, escorted by nuclear submarines. The contradictions are too many to list. I was able to research and learn the secret of steel, even though I had no iron (a strategic resource) in my civilization. How do people who don't have access to iron (or even know what it is) develop steel? The result is that in the later stages of the game I'm able to build modern cities, factories, and yes, that nuclear submarine....all without iron. Of course I still couldn't make swords. They need iron. It's just so silly. I get the idea that the whole strategic resource thing was a last minute addition. One of those "Hey wouldn't this be cool" ideas that get implemented without adequate thought.Of course, these issues, in themselves, wouldn't make the game unworkable if it wasn't for the fact that the designers of Civ 3 never took Geology 101 in school. The strategic resources are WAY too scarce in the game. I know you don't want dozens of them scattered everywhere. If everyone has easy access to everything, what's the point? But I played one game where there was one, only one, oil resource ON THE ENTIRE WORLD MAP. And it was on a tiny island consisting of three squares. Noone found it until the game was almost over. It would improve the game so much if the quantity of resources could be adjusted as a game parameter.Oh, and before I go, I don't want to pass up my other MAJOR gripe with this game. Mandatory end time on the game. Huh? You're playing along and then "Times up. Game's over. Having fun? Too bad. Get lost. Go do something else". I just love playing a really big and involved game for hours and hours, and just ready to see my grand plans take shape and the game designer says "Sorry, that's enough, go away". What idiot came up with that idea? Again, it should be an option, or adjustable.This is is a game with great potential looking for a way to express it, but its been boxed in by the short sighted designers. It could be so great if there were just a few options that let you adjust the game mechanics to your style of play. But the designers seem hell bent on making sure that you play the game EXACTLY they way THEY want it played.

I had bought this years ago when I bought my G4 iMac. Later I downloaded the updates to make it compatible with newer version of OS X and the Intel chip. I let it go when I sold my previous Mac.Since then Aspyr has totally updated this wonderful game. I was very pleasantly surprised that I did not have to download any updates. Aspyr has also removed the legacy code for the G4 and G5 chips. This version is much smaller which means a much quicker install.I'm running Snow Leopard on a Unibody MacBook Pro. The game has been completely stable with NO problems while playing. One comment. You can configure how it will run by holding down the Command key while starting the game. It has crashed after quitting this mode. But when restarted it's been rock solid.The software key that was printed on the back of the case was incorrect. It should be five groups of five characters each. Mine wasn't. Email support was not helpful, they seemed to assume that I couldn't follow instructions even though I gave the key in my email. I called the support phone number and was given a correct key which worked great.--- Update ---I've since upgraded to Lion and this still works fine.--- Update ---Upgraded to Yosemite, still works fine.

I just bought Civ III Complete game for my MacBook.it seems to have all the system requirements, but does not work.Frustrating.will have to call product support.very disappointing.H

Civ III is a wonderful game -- if it'll run on your Mac. The box is seriously misleading (it says it supports iMacs), with the result that I bought it for my new Intel iMac, only to have it crash and crash hard every time a city changes hands. I contacted Aspyr and they inform me that there is no fix available. I am a diehard Civ fan but I'm pretty disgusted by this.

In my opinion this is the greatest strategy game of all time. You start off with one city and watch it grow and flourish into a country/civiliazation. The game features enormous depth along with the brilliantly simple interface which allows the player as much control as he/she sees fit.I've played the PC version and I'm happy to say that the Mac version is identical. Runs great on my Powerbook G4 and Tiger.

Best game ever