Sid Meier's Civilization II (1996)
Sid Meier's Civilization II is a 1996 strategy video game made by MicroProse Software, Inc. and MacPlay.
Sid Meier's Civilization II puts you at the helm of a single civilization from its founding city in 4000 BC through a potential space-age victory in 2100 AD. Each turn you balance expansion against research, military spending against population happiness, and diplomatic standing against territorial ambition across a tile-based world map. Fourteen civilizations compete, and the game records your empire's progress in a throne room that fills with advisors as it matures. The 1996 sequel refined the original formula with isometric 3D tiles, a wider unit roster, and a tighter grip on the mid-game economy.
Quick answers
What is Sid Meier's Civilization II about?
Sid Meier's Civilization II puts you at the helm of a single civilization from its founding city in 4000 BC through a potential space-age victory in 2100 AD. Each turn you balance expansion against research, military spending against population happiness, and diplomatic standing against territorial ambition across a tile-based world map. Fourteen civilizations compete, and the game records your empire's progress in a throne room that fills with advisors as it matures. The 1996 sequel refined the original formula with isometric 3D tiles, a wider unit roster, and a tighter grip on the mid-game economy.
When was Sid Meier's Civilization II released?
Sid Meier's Civilization II was released on 29 February 1996.
Who made Sid Meier's Civilization II?
Sid Meier's Civilization II was made by MicroProse Software, Inc. and MacPlay.
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Sid Meier's Civilization II in our writing
- Companion guide: MicroProse: Flight Sims, Sid Meier and the Empire of One More Turn
A few thoughts on Sid Meier's Civilization II
Players who build empires over long historical arcs will find the same patience rewarded in Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia, which applies a fantasy lens to the turn-by-turn conquest loop. Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings offers a faster, real-time take on civilizational sweep and historical unit variety.
Best Civilization games ranked for players returning to the series
Civilization II refined the original's ideas significantly: improved city management, a better technology tree, and an AI that responded to your diplomatic stance. For many players who entered through Civ III or IV, Civ II still holds up as the version where the formula first felt genuinely complete. These strategy games continue that lineage of systems that reward sustained attention.