The Civilzation V: Brave New World DLC comes out on July 9th in the US and July 12th Internationally. This DLC is not an expansion, it adds a few new gameplay elements, but primarily builds on existing functionality. That being said, it would not be hyperbole to call the Brave New World DLC for Civilization V “exactly what Civ V needed” or “Exactly what the Civilization fans have been asking for”.
I am sure that players new to the franchise will enjoy Brave New World also. However, for longtime fans of the franchise there are pieces of the classic game that are being added back in as well as a few things from the “Wouldn’t it be cool if….” list.
What the Hardcore Civ Fans Have Been Asking For?
Cultural Victory: Subjugation by Opera
Yes, Civilization V released without cultural victory. For those of us who wield our Civilization’s opera houses and theaters like a sword into our enemies hearts the absence of cultural victory was like a sword into our own hearts. Thankfully, they have not merely added the cultural influence mechanic back, but have also added archaeology by which you can investigate ancient battles and ruins. Through archaeology you can find artifacts that increase your influence.
World Congress
Does that city state piss you off all the time? Well, now those finicky jerks will hold even more sway over you. Frankly, I’m not sure how much I like this one however it seems that Firaxis has added more than just a “UN Vote” style of play. With the addition of trade sanctions, rogue nation, World Games, and nuclear weapon limitations there is a bit more complexity added to the diplomatic victory.
Wouldn’t Be Nice If…
Industrial Age Policies
Freedom, Order, or Autocracy are now available as Industrial Age policies. As with other policies you will be granted increasingly powerful abilities.
International Trade Routes
You can now make risk vs. reward decisions based on route length and value. In addition, trade routes can assist with empire supply. I’m still waiting for more info on this, but I hope this mechanic improves large empire management and opens up other ways to trade items besides diplomacy which can sometimes be tricky. As usual your wonders, technologies and such effect your ability to trade.
New Leaders
New leaders are always fun, and there are nine new ones in the expansion. All of these are new to the series. They are:
- Casimir III of Poland
- Pedro II of Brazil
- Ashurbanipal of Assyria
- Shaka of the Zulus
- Maria I of Portugal
- Gajah Mada of Indonesia
- Ahmad al-Mansur of Morocco
- Enrico Dandolo of Venice
- Pocatello of the Shoshone
And More!
New Units and Buildings
Each of the new Civs will of course have their special units, traits and buildings.
New Wonders
New wonders are now available:
- Borobudur
- Broadway
- Globe Theatre
- Motherland Calls
- Parthenon
- Prora
- Red Fort
- Uffizi
And more national wonders and world wonders:
- International Space Station (World Congress)
- East India Company
- Artist’s Guild
- Musician’s Guild
- Writer’s Guild
More Scenarios
The American Civil War and Scramble for Africa are now available.
Gods and Kings Functionality
With the Brave New World DLC you will get all of the Gods and Kings functionality such as Religion, Combat Mechanics and Espionage. You will not get the Gods and Kings scenarios and civs. I imagine this is to support core gameplay and balance.
Summary
Brave New World holds a ton of promise and Firaxis is know for delivering quality DLC and expansions. So, if you are a fan of Civ V you should have this day one. If you are a fan of the series miffed by the absence of Culture Victory then give this a shot there are new elements worth exploring. Either way, this will be the most complete Civ V experience available. Civilization V: Brave New World launches on July 9th in the US and July 12th Internationally.
