When diving into video game series with a long history of titles, it can be hard to figure out which is the best one to purchase. Sid Meier’s Civilization series is no different. Starting in 1991, it can be incredibly daunting to figure out which games are better than the others. For example, is Civilization VI better than Civilization V? We’re here to finally grant you that answer: Yes, because the number in the title is one higher.
One really cool thing about video games is that, with each new addition to a franchise, the game gets better. With each new franchise release, developers are able to use new technology to make graphics sharper, make gameplay tighter, remove or add features that make the game stronger, and all around improve every aspect of the game. That’s why it’s so helpful that games put the number in the title, because it helps you decide which to pick: whichever one has the highest number.
Thankfully, this system doesn’t just apply to video games, but also to virtually anything that is released in a series. When The Godfather came out, it was universally praised as one of the greatest movies ever made. That is until The Godfather Part 2 came out. In an instant, Part 2 became the “good Godfather” movie that fans rallied around, praising it for it’s advancement of the story and graphical abilities. That is, of course, until The Godfather Part 3 was released, effectively destroying any reason to ever watch Part 1 or Part 2. Now if you want to watch a Godfather movie, fans of the series will simply tell you to watch Part 3 and skip the redundant ones.
From video games to books to movies to television to children birthed by a set of parents, you’re always safe to assume the most recent release is the good one.
Keep in mind, I haven’t personally played any Civilization games. The two video games I play are Call of Duty and FIFA, and I always make sure to update to the latest and greatest when it comes out. That’s why, if I ever needed to pick between Civ VI and Civ V, I’d go with VI: it’s the higher number. And if they ever release a Civilization VII, then I’d throw my copy of VI in the trash, because it’s a waste of my fucking time.
