Originally published at: http://statelyplay.com/2018/04/19/civilization-vi-for-ipad-just-keeps-getting-bigger-and-better-adds-macedon-and-persia/
iPad, PC/Mac/Linux •
This probably won’t surprise you, but Civ VI on the iPad is still my most played title. Sure, I’m still playing Through the Ages and Twilight Struggle every day, but for those I log in and take my turns and then exit, usually to head back into Civ VI. While Aspyr has been pretty great about updating the game since its release in November, I still wonder how far they plan on taking the mobile version and if it will ever come close to the version we know (and love) on Steam. I’m going to stop worrying about that now, I think, as today Aspyr dropped yet another update, which makes it the second major addition this month! Today we get not one, but two new civilizations: Macedon and Persia.
The Macedonians are led by some guy named Alexander who was, apparently, named after the Egyptian city of Alexandria or something. [before you write an angry comment, let me remind you that Dave has learned most of what he knows about history from the Civ series. -ed.] Their civilization has a special ability called Hellenistic Fusion, which sounds like a Greek restaurant that would serve you souvlaki with a side of french fries but, actually, provides bonuses to the civ depending upon which districts you have in your cities. They get a special unit called the Hypaspist which I’m sure was only chosen because it’s hard as hell to spell. Speaking of hard to spell, their unique building is the Basilikoi Paides which replaces the Barracks and gives some production and science bonuses when crafting new units.
The Persians are led by Cyrus who, despite what you may think, is not Xerxes. Xerxes was a giant with piercings whose face was cut when Gerard Butler chucked a spear at him. This is not that dude. Instead, Cyrus is just a guy with a beard. Ho hum. The Persian civ has the ability Satrapies which is only slightly less difficult to spell than the Macedonian's stuff. This boosts their trade routes and roads, making foreign and domestic trade particularly appealing to the Persians. They get the Immortal unit to replace the Swordsman, and a unique tile improvement called a Pairidaeza. Even my spell-checker gave up on that one. However you spell it, it's pretty great, providing Culture and Gold where, previously, there was none.
- Civ Unique Ability: The “Hellenistic Fusion” ability gives Macedon Tech or Civic Eurekas depending on what Districts are present in a captured city.
- Leader Unique Ability: Alexander’s “To World’s End” ability lets Macedon stay at war longer by greatly reducing war weariness. He also gives Macedon the Hetairoi: a fast Heavy Cavalry unit that starts with a free promotion, which replaces the Horseman.
- Unique Unit: The Hypaspist replaces the Swordsman, gets extra bonuses from supporting units, and is stronger at besieging Districts.
- Unique Building: The Basilikoi Paides can be built in any Encampment that doesn’t have a stable. It provides bonuses for all melee, ranged land, and Hetairoi trained in the city. It also provides some Science anytime a non-civilian unit is created in the city.
The expansion also includes a new Conquests of Alexander scenario and two new Wonders to build, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Apadana. No, I'm not telling what the latter one is. Look it up.
- Civ Unique Ability: The “Satrapies” ability gives Persia a free Trade Route when they develop Political Philosophy, and enhanced yields from their internal trade routes.
- Leader Unique Ability: Cyrus has the “Fall of Babylon” ability, giving Movement and yield bonuses for a short time after declaring a Surprise War, and negating some of the diplomatic penalties of declaring a Surprise War too.
- Unique Unit: Persia’s unique unit is the famous Immortal. This Swordsman replacement gets a bonus ranged attack, and is very strong on defense.
- Unique Improvement: The Pairidaeza provide Culture, Gold, and Appeal, as well as bonus Cultureor Gold for adjacent Districts and City Centers. Over time, they’ll provide even more yields as you advance through the tech & civic tree.
This update landed on the Steam version back in March of 2017, so we’re only about a year behind in terms of updates. Considering the rate at which they’re putting them out, it shouldn’t be too long before we catch up and can, hopefully, get Rise and Fall on our iPads as well.
The update doesn’t appear to be live quite yet (at least on my iPad), so I’m sure it’s still propagating through the Apple servers but, never fear, it will be arriving at some point. It will run you $9 for the expansion and the base game is currently on sale for 50% off (which is still an impressive $30) right now as well. Don’t let the price scare you off, it’s worth every penny.
https://youtu.be/hUUMqYSHG2k