Published on: May 16, 2024

Are you a fan of grand strategy games and wondering whether to dive into Civilization VI or Old World? Both of these games offer rich, strategic gameplay experiences, but each brings unique features and mechanics to the table. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which game suits your style of play best.

What is Civilization VI?

Civilization VI, developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, is the latest installment in the iconic Civilization series. Released in 2016, Civ VI lets players lead a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age, crafting an empire that stands the test of time. It’s renowned for its deep strategy, diverse leaders, and intricate city-building mechanics.

What is Old World?

Old World, developed by Mohawk Games and launched in 2021, offers a fresh take on the 4X strategy genre. Created by Soren Johnson, the lead designer of Civilization IV, Old World combines traditional 4X elements with dynastic management and narrative-driven events. It focuses on the ancient world, introducing innovative mechanics that set it apart from other strategy games.

Gameplay Mechanics Comparison

Civilization VI:

• Expansive City-Building: Civilization VI’s unstacked cities spread buildings and districts across multiple tiles, requiring strategic planning for optimal city development.
• Multiple Victory Conditions: Civ VI offers various paths to victory, including Domination, Science, Culture, and Religion, each requiring different strategies and resources.
• Unique Leaders and Civilizations: Each leader and civilization comes with unique abilities, units, and buildings, encouraging diverse playstyles and strategies.
• Complex Diplomacy and Trade: Civ VI’s sophisticated diplomacy system allows for alliances, trade agreements, and negotiations, making diplomatic strategy crucial.

Old World:

• Dynastic Management: In Old World, players manage ruling families, with leaders aging, dying, and passing on traits and abilities to their heirs, adding a layer of long-term planning.
• Orders System: The orders system limits the number of actions per turn, requiring careful prioritization of moves and strategies.
• Narrative-Driven Events: Old World features rich narrative events that influence gameplay, offering choices that impact your civilization’s development.
• Historical Focus: The game is set in the ancient world, emphasizing the rise and fall of empires with historically inspired scenarios.

Graphics and Presentation

Civilization VI:

• Vibrant Art Style: Civ VI features a colorful and cartoony art style, making it visually appealing and accessible.
• Detailed Animations: Leaders are portrayed with detailed animations and expressive interactions, enhancing the diplomatic experience.
• Expansive World Map: The game’s world map is vast and varied, with lush landscapes, diverse biomes, and detailed cityscapes.

Old World:

• Realistic Art Style: Old World opts for a more realistic and historical art direction, with detailed character portraits and authentic-looking environments.
• Immersive Atmosphere: The game’s visual presentation and sound design create an immersive atmosphere, drawing players into the ancient world.
• Focused Map Design: The maps in Old World are intricately designed, with terrain playing a crucial role in strategic decisions.

Replayability and Content

Civilization VI:

• Expansive DLCs: Civilization VI boasts a wealth of DLCs and expansions that introduce new civilizations, leaders, scenarios, and gameplay mechanics, significantly enhancing replayability.
• Active Modding Community: A vibrant modding community provides a plethora of user-generated content, adding endless variety and customization options.

Old World:

• Dynamic Campaigns: Old World’s event-driven gameplay and dynastic management ensure that no two playthroughs are the same, offering high replayability.
• Frequent Updates: Developers frequently release updates and new content, continually refining the game and adding new challenges.

Which Game Should You Choose?

Choosing between Civilization VI and Old World depends on your preferred style of gameplay and the elements you find most engaging in a strategy game.

Check out this short video to compare the grapichs, gameplay and user experiences.

• Choose Civilization VI if you enjoy:
  • Expansive city-building and managing large empires.
  • Diverse victory paths and strategic variety.
  • Engaging with a complex diplomacy system.
  • Exploring vibrant, animated worlds.
• Choose Old World if you enjoy:
  • Managing dynasties and focusing on character-driven narratives.
  • Strategic depth with limited actions per turn.
  • Immersive historical settings and realistic graphics.
  • Experiencing a rich tapestry of narrative events and choices.

Both games offer deep and rewarding experiences that will challenge your strategic thinking and provide countless hours of entertainment. Whether you choose Civilization VI’s expansive, colorful world or Old World’s immersive, historical depth, you’re in for a strategic treat.