Having enjoyed all the Civ franchises, family bought me Colonization for Xmas.

Love the developmental & trading progressions.

However, as has previously been mentioned by many commentators, the King's Army & Navy seem to grow exponentially, making it virtually impossible to win, even on the easiest setting.

I do like a challenge, but won't bother tackling the impossible!

I had to return it.. it wouldn't load the saved game, and it wouldn't play without going into the CD options to get the auto-run, and then it locked the computer up. I havn't played the CIV games before because of the rubbish graphics, the graphics on this are a huge improvement, but there is no battle screen.. (i know there never was on the CIVs, but it would improve the game, without becomming a war-game).. a small battle screen, with some battle units/options would be good. It has some nice ideas, exploring the new world, and naming new settlements, and talking to the natives, but needs work to make it a good game for all.. like me.. a non-CIV fan, and as a non-Civ fanbase person, it's the first time I've seen any merit in the Civ game, and see that it has potential for another Civ 5 or Civ 4 similar game, including these improved graphics, and perhaps some new features to make it better, smaller map characters. As it's the latest of the Civ out'ings, they must be planning more of the same ilk..
Whearas the Total War series, for me had too many failings, tedious battles with dumb AI, so that you end up auto-resolving all the battles after counting the stats.. as the sieges are just too boring, so I can see how a similar auto-resolve function could be incorporated into this new game, with some tactical options involved.
Much like the ability to explore new land.. hidden and create new settlements, something lacking in Total War.. but would prefer an accurate world map, with proper mountain ranges etc.. this map seemed rather 'age of empires'ish', so needs new realism. So, however will keep a look out for the next Civ, and hope it is playable and un-bugged.. this game was hopeless in that respect.. poor show.
Almost a playable game.

I play the original Colonization on the Amiga years ago. I've also play all the Civilizations from 1 to 4 and loved every edition. So you would expect that I would have been right at home with this one. I bought it about three weeks ago though I haven't really had a great amount of time to play it till this week. Now I wish I had left it on the shelf rather than taken it down to play. How could Sid have messed this up so badly. Yes the graphics are as great as Civ4 but the gameplay has sank to a level that I thought impossible. Add to that there is a great lack of understanding of history and how the American War of Independence came about. This was lacking a little from the original but this version has totally missed the point. Even in the easiest settings I found it unlikely to be able to get to the point where I could decare my freedom. I would not recommend this game to my worst enemy. Maybe the CIA should use it as a form of torture.

As someone who has played CIV IV probably once a week since it came out, I am very disappointed with this. Deeply tedious and unengaging, with very limited options. The makers of CIV IV have disappeared up thier own self-regard with this one...

If you loved colonization 1 you will love 2nd one i gave it 5 stars However it may be not every one cup of tea read couple of reviews before you made up your mind and decide if its for you because they should name it Colonization instead of civilization4 colonization as this game is very different to civilization but still love it 5 stars