After my previous post regarding FreeCol – a Colonization type of game, I recieved a few upset emails from people asking why I didn’t mention FreeCiv. I honestly didn’t know about FreeCiv until people told me about it, though after testing it a bit, I must say it keeps true to the old Civilization spirit. Civilization is yet another old game from Sid Meier. This is at least a nice free alternative to the old game; still under development though I can’t say I experienced much bugs while I tested it.

I like the idea that it can also be scripted (using LUA) and the port itself is written in C. Of course as with all open-source software, this too comes with complete source code if you want to break your neck trying to get a grip on C – I tried countless times, but so far given up getting the pointers in it. Other features (in general) are as follows:

• Generally comparable with Civilization I & II.
• Up to 30 players!
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer-controlled players.
• Internet & LAN multiplayer (TCP/IP).
• Support for a great number of platforms see Requirements.
• Premade maps & scenarios!
• More than 50 playable units and far beyond 100 nations.
• Modpack support!
• Internationalization (i18n): Translations for 29 languages available.

Links:

• FreeCiv – Download it today
• Sid Meier – the mastermind himself

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As a follow-up to the post I made earlier today regarding FreeCol, I thought I should also mention another great game from the past. Transport Tycoon from Chris Sawyer was a game I spent countless  hours on building wast transportation routes. As with Colonization this was also a game I enjoyed frequently untill some years ago when it didn’t run as smooth as it used to on the older computers. A few years ago some restless souls embarked on the project of making a open-source version of Transport Tycoon, and the result is absolutely amazing.

There have been done vast amount of changes and updates from the original game – making the game even better to what it used to be – and with the ability to expand it yourself with all kinds of models and what not – then you really have the work cut out for you. Where this game really makes its toll, is for the massive experience of building large rail networks all combined into one massive network. The game really took a new leap when I learned how to make networks as real train networks do – e.g all on the same route with signs and what not. Try it out, I doubt you’ll think it’s a waste of time.

Links

• OpenTTD – Download your copy today
• Find your answers at their Wiki
• Chris Sawyer – the brilliant mind behind the original

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If you’re like me, then you probably played the old game “Colonization” by Sid Meier. In my eyes Colonization was the better one compared to Civilization, though I am quite aware that I am most likely putting gasoline on fire by stating that. Now, I continued to play Colonization until a few years ago, since then it started to get harder and harder to work on new computers, and finally I just gave up. It was with great joy that I stumbled over “FreeCol” the other day, a open-source contribution and appreaciation of Colonization.

The first thing that caught my eye is that this version is coded in Java, and I instantly started to drool – so I actually went forth downloading the source before I actually downloaded the game and started to test it out. I must say that I am quite impressed with what they have achieved so far; sure – there are still a few bugs here and there present, but overall, quite a great effort.

Links

• FreeCol.org – the open-source game
• Sid Meier on Wikipedia
• Firaxis Games

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