entertaining | informing civ PolyCast is made up of a bi-weekly and two monthly Civilization podcasts. PolyCast with co-hosts DanQ, Makahlua, TheMeInTeam and qnl cover game strategy; ModCast with co-hosts GarretSidzaka, Impaler[WrG], Locutus and Maniac cover Civ modding; RevCast with co-hosts joebreeves, Grayson and elthrasher covers Civ on consoles. Entertaining and informing Civ. Civilization, Civ, Civ4, Civ5, CivRev, Warlords, Beyond the Sword, Sid Meier, GalCiv, Turn-Based Strategy Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) Dan Quick dquick@superaje.com (Dan Quick) thepolycast@gmail.com (PolyCast Team) dquick@superaje.com (Dan Quick) http://thepolycast.net/ http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/images/polycast_logo140.jpg http://thepolycast.net/ 144 91 PolyCast en-us Copyright 2006-9 Civilized Communication no Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:06:27 -0500 The first topic (01m52s) serves as an overview of playing as the English nation in Civilization: Revolution. The second topic (03m44s) goes into Ancient Era play for this civ in detail including its bonuses, online prevelance and what its circumstance does and does not lend itself too. In the third topic (14m44s), on why waiting for eras subsequent, as England, is desirable. In the fourth topic (17m39s), England's Modern Era with a focus on why its naval advantage trumps the advent of Tanks. Then in the fifth topic (21m52s), defending against this exponentially powerful player. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:29:59 no Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:26:27 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season2/episode17.mp3 In the 'News' (05m48s), we announce the new fourth regular co-host, modding support being added at Soren Johnson's Strategy Station, and the restarting of Second Revolution Mod. Next in the 'Artist Sketchpad' (18m00s), profiling Heavy Flamethrower by WarKirby and WW1 Experimental units by snafusmith. Then in the 'Modding Spotlight' (22m03s), going over the The History of the Three Kingdoms Mod with its creator, stmartin, himself. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:46:40 no Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:30:50 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/modcast/season3/episode39.mp3 In 'News' (02m10s), goodbye to Imran 'Imran Siddiqui' Siddiqui as a regular co-host on the show, and hello to Lisa 'qnl' Bang. In 'Forum Talk' (14m50s) does the Civilization IV Artificial Intelligence (AI) care if it wins, on trade routes and its income, going for a defensive or offensive military, and reference charts including the Beyond the Sword expansion. Then in the 'Research Lab' (32m06s), a proposed solution for the (in)famous 'Stack of Doom'. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:23:02 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season4/episode85.mp3 This second sampler from the third season gives would-be and current listeners a sense of the content and atmosphere of the show. Select moments are excerpted from the seventy-second through eighty-fourth episodes and mixed together. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:04:59 no Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:09:05 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/promo12.mp3 A composite collection of archived segments. First (01m01s), a silly challenge: build only one type of Civilization IV improvement only. Second (04m28s), using workboats to create bridges in-game. Third (11m49s), reasons why CivIV is better than television. Fourth (14m48s), on a guide to speed Civing... in IV, specifically. Fifth (22m09s), in response to a claim of waffling on the show. Sixth (26m14s), the extent to go to block a rival civilization from expanding. Seventh (36m58s), one's worst military disaster in CivIV. Finally, the seventh (40m49s), the approach to and advantages of binary research. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:31:12 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode84.mp3 Leading off under 'Decade' (01m58s), Civilization III is a top game of the decade according to Destructoid, and Civilization IV loses out early on in Crispy Gamer's comparable feature. In follow-up under 'Giving' (10m22s), the new Christmas PBEM Game -- this time, with some revised rules and set in the CivIV environment. Under 'Fansite' (14m42s), a strong showing at launch and its first months of existence: the Fastmoves CivIV fansite. 'Game Highlights #1' (17m12s) reviews 2009 gaming highlights for CivIV, while 'Gaming Highlights #2' (19m33s) 2009 reviews gaming highlights for Civilization: Revolution -- both official, press and community-based. Then 'Show Highlights' (22m19s) provides 2009 show highlights for ModCast, PolyCast and RevCast. Finally under 'Quizzes' (26m36s), how many of the technologies, and also civilizations and leaders, from Civilization II can you name from memory under given time limits. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:33:43 no Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:53:05 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/christmas2009.mp3 The first topic (00m47s) explores technologies with French post-Code of Laws, Wonders post-Colossus, and making the best of the civilization's Industrial and Modern era bonuses in Civilization: Revolution. The second topic (04m48s) is on the post-Ancient era blues for France where failing an early culture push, ultimate failure becomes an increasing possibility though hope remains. The third topic (07m19s) goes into the surprising strength of the French Artificial Intelligence in single-player, while compensating for the civ's shortcomings in multiplayer. Then in the fourth topic (12m10s), the joy of playing France, and acknowledging the possibility that their outlook could improve should an elusive strategy come about. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:38:12 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode16.mp3 In 'Forum Talk' (01m27s), on observations and reflections of the Religion system in Civilization IV, and what about a least favourite Civic per civilization leader. Then in the 'Research Lab' (28m28s), having siege capabilities attached to units as opposed to being separate units themselves in the Civ series. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:12:24 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode83.mp3 The first topic (01m11s) responds to an email from listener Jesus Gonzalez on the role, and impact, of luck in Civilization: Revolution. The second topic (07m45s) examines starting out as leader of the French: civ-specific bonuses, a lead in influencing the first Great Person's speciality, Wonder of the World and technological research recommendations, and working to balance its cultural strengths. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:56:25 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode15.mp3 In 'Forum Talk' (01m51s), the concept of 'Zone of Control': should it be back in the Civilization series? In the 'Research Lab' (16m27s), a call for different types of Satellites in Civ, and promotions or equivalent for those 'other' units from CivIV. Next, in the 'Senate' (28m22s) how to stop Commando-promoted Gunship units in CivIV, and the so-named 'Meatgrinder' in the game. Then under the 'Miscellaneous' (37m54s) heading, live streaming of CivIV games, and the resumption of its related video series. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:35:21 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode82.mp3 In the 'News' (03m58s), how to be a video game artist and the BUFFY Mod is released. Next in the 'Artist Sketchpad (20m06s), Sand worm from Dune mod. Finally in the 'Code Corner' (24m30s), Era Styles by tholish and Multiple Production by Devon. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:43:15 no Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:41:50 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/modcast/season2/episode37.mp3 The first topic (02m48s) is on controlling the Aztecs in the Medieval Era, with a drive to continue on towards a Domination Victory. The second topic (04m27s) turns to the failing of the Aztec bonus at the onset of the Industrial Era. In the third topic (05m43s), on the endgame for the Aztecs being victory by Domination... and the sooner the better. In the fourth topic (08m07s), concluding the first 'Better Know a Civ' feature, defending against the Aztecs in both singleplayer and multiplayer. Then in the fifth topic (11m51s), the first 'Achievement of the Month': building a 200 production city. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:44:29 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode14.mp3 In the 'Research Lab' (01m32s), means for communicating with barbarians, and going for dominant leader traits. Then in the 'News' (18m07s), on the announcement of the social networking-based Civilization: Network title. Then in 'Forum Talk' (30m03s), ideas for events in Civilization IV, with requisite Beyond the Sword expansion, and a mutiplayer leaderboard for the PC sphere of the series. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:56:13 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode81.mp3 In the 'Research Lab' (02m12s), a real try at some new leader traits in Civilization IV. Next, in 'Forum Talk' (17m12s) the best combination under the Unrestricted Leaders option courtesy the Beyond the Sword expansion, two contrasting opinions on the Space Race, and the unholy trinity of Hammers, Coins and Food. Then under the 'Miscellaneous' (40m08s) heading, complexity: when coming upon a CivV, will it be an inevitable outcome. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:07:38 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode80.mp3 The first topic (01m41s) explores using iPhone's gesture support in-game, and comparing the iPhone and iPod touch versions of this mobile iteration of Civilization: Revolution. The second topic (03m54s) isolates and addresses the varied experience of the game's stability to date. The third topic (09m04s) goes over the lack of multiplayer capability: reason for, and possibility of its realization in the future. The fourth topic (10m02s) is on two expected and upcoming features: Twitter integration and Achievements. Then the fifth topic (12m10s) provides a brief on how Barry went from full-time musician to now an Executive Producer in the gaming industry. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:24:31 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode12.mp3 In the 'News' (01m39s), Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword port for the Macintosh is here, and CivIV: Colonization is coming. Next in 'Forum Talk' (06m02s), unique Buildings remaining upon capture in CivIV, redux: culture flipping last discussed during Episode 13 in April 2007, and one person's issue with the Keshik. Then in the 'Research Lab' (25m26s), units linked to Civics, and guest co-hosts' suggestions for a Civilization V (Silu (32m41s) and Badtz Maru (36m36s)). Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:25:05 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode79.mp3 In the 'Research Lab' (02m07s), considering a means for better military movement and unit strategy, and guest co-hosts' suggestions for a Civilization V (RRRaskolnikov (05m08s), emeseles (08m47s/17m07s) and dacole (10m57s)). Next in 'Forum Talk' (23m17s), someone finding Civilization IV too boring as they are constantly victorious, arguing that there are too many Financial empires in the game and liberating cities as colony as of CivIV: Beyond the Sword. Then in the 'Senate' (33m42s), what to do when facing a very small island start. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:14:31 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode78.mp3 Leading off in the first topic (02m19s), why an iPhone/iPod Touch port of Civilization: Revolution, and why now. In the second topic (04m15s), on the lack of public lead-up to the release of this iteration of the game. Next in the third topic (06m32s), comparing this mobile version of CivRev with that of its other mobile version, that found on the Nintendo DS. Then in the fourth topic (09m01s), the designing of the interface and menus, and responding to those expressing frustration with the end results. Then in the fifth topic (10m42s), being one of the higher prices games on Apple's store, and how this came to be. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:37:14 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode11.mp3 In the 'News' (03m44s), the v3.19 patch for Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword released and what this means for modders. Next in the 'Artist Sketchpad (09m14s), the American Confederate and Union Great Generals by bernie14. Then in the 'Code Corner' (14m05s), the MongooseSDK MOD component by LunarMongoose. Finally in the 'Modding Spotlight' (19m38s), Ekmek on his Mare Nostruma MOD for Civilization IV: Colonization, and his leaderhead guide for CivIV: BtS. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:20 no Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:41:15 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/modcast/season2/episode36.mp3 Under the 'Miscellaneous' (02m16s) heading, the intent and execution of the 'Game Studies: Personality and Gaming Preferences Questionnaire' for a university graduate program. Then in the 'Senate' (12m18s), when do you build a Granary in your capitol in Civilization IV, what to do with your first Great Spy unit (CivIV: Beyond the Sword), choosing State Property or focusing on Corporations, Great People Points: overrated or underrated, and questions about drafting. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:55:12 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode77.mp3 The first topic (01m45s) considers multiplayer style and the same civilization more than once in a given game. The second topic (03m42s) goes over general strategies for your first 10 turns: the 'functional' and 'foundational' 5; not founding on the first turn to move your initial Settler; offensive versus defensive positioning; scouting for your nearest neighbours,and early aggression and progression observations. Then in the third topic (10m18s), the invaluable benefits of multiplayer experience; win/loss ratios; single player environment for experimentation, and competitive play between the two guests. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:25:03 -0400 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode10.mp3 In 'Forum Talk' (02m02s), a new, and even more staggering, infinite technology tree bug through the Oracle Wonder and Liberalism first discovery in Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword v3.19; is the Civ series 'violent' (07m53s); providing support for a Bomber fleet in CivIV (13m26s), is Rome's Praetorian Unique Unit overpowered (21m02s) and should a CivV return to the attack and defense ratios pre-CivIV (32m22s). Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:57:40 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode76.mp3 The first topic (01m04s) provides baseline differences between the singleplayer and multiplayer Civilization: Revolution experience. The second topic (07m43s) goes over a technical misbehaviour and how the game's Artificial Intelligence fares in online play. The third topic (09m56s) considers the timer factor and where some real-time tactics factor into otherwise turn-based strategy. Then in the forth topic (13m04s), co-host gamer tags and general outlook on CivRev as compared to other console titles. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:31:17 -0400 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode09.mp3 In 'Forum Talk' (01m48s), what of the recommendations to never build barracks or walls in Civilization IV, chances for lost infrastructure when capturing a city, and do friendly spies counter espionage missions in the Beyond the Sword expansion. Then in the 'Research Lab' (14m23s), with the Privateer as a foundation, expanding on the hidden nationality unit concept. Finally in the 'Senate' (21m39s) what to do with Plains tiles in CivIV, using the Barrage or City Raider promotions with Catapults, building Bank and/or Grocer buildings, and how do you bump your relationships with Artificial Intelligence-controlled civilizations from Pleased to Friendly. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:43:51 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode75.mp3 The first topic (01m04s) is in response to another part of one listener's suggestions for show topics, technology tree paths: foundations, goals and the ancillaries that follow. Following from that, the second topic (12m02s) is on timing Relic discoveries: location, location, and at times pacing. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:25:51 -0400 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode08.mp3 In 'Forum Talk' (02m05s), Civilization helping your career, is the Universal Suffrage civic in CivIV overpowered, the argument for the most important technology being flight, should nuclear weapons be more expensive, and all about in-game logs: Chat, Combat, Events and Quests. Then in the 'Research Lab' (23m03s), incorporating unit facing into combat, capturing equipment from the enemy, and likely just a first visit to consider a whole new world that would be Civilization V. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:19:31 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode74.mp3 The first topic (01m20s) is in response to part of one listener's suggestions for show topics, horserushing: defending against the popular strategy. On the flip side, the second topic (08m52s) considers what civilizations are the most desirable to carry out horserushing attacks. Then third topic (12m57s) is an extension of a part from earlier on: advantages to being able to select your defender when attacking. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:38:40 -0400 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode07.mp3 In the 'Code Corner' (03m01s), New Sentry Actions by Pep, using the latest Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword patch (3.19). On the 'Artist Sketchpad' (10m46s), for the Planetfall MOD, Mobile Infantry by GarretSidzaka; then, in recognition of some centuries past, Industrial Spaniards by bernie14. Next, in the 'Cartography Room' (20m55s) marking a quarter-century gaming anniversary with the Tetris Map by Minor Annoyance. Then in the 'Modding Spotlight' (23m55s), interviewing the creator of the Mars, Now! MOD on the work, The_J. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:43:03 no Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:21:26 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/modcast/season2/episode35.mp3 This first sampler from the third season gives would-be and current listeners a sense of the content and atmosphere of the show. Select moments are excerpted from the sixtieth through seventy-first episodes and mixed together. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:04:59 no Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:24:21 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/promo11.mp3 In 'Forum Talk' (02m27s), the three missing leader trait combos, with last related discussion from Episode 10 in March 2007, and top not-quite-as-many-as-ten tips to getting started in Civilization IV last discussed during Episode 15 in May 2007. From the first 'Vault' (10m23s) batch, bragging about your most experienced CivIV unit (from Episode 49) and should resources be more valuable (from Episode 71). From the 'Research Lab' (23m41s), a new idea for Civ combat on a chess-like board, the use of ammunition and introducing animals. In the second 'Vault' (33m16s) batch, a third-party list of Top 10 games that teach you something (from Pilot 01) and another's Top 100 best games to play today (from Episode 65), both of which include CivIV. Then in the 'Senate' (39m02s), the potential benefits of playing on a team with another human in multiplayer in CivIV, and what of single-player and the Artificial Intelligence. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:27:21 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode73.mp3 In 'Forum Talk' (01m55s), do you roleplay in your Civilization IV games, thoughts on the Janissary Unique Unit, what of Quechuas, and is there a way to exclude particular Civ leaders. Next in the 'Senate' (17m26s), having too much money in the bank, surviving a jungle start, all about the 'We Fear You Are Becoming Too Advanced' limit, and on the Pyramids: the great debate of cost versus production. From the 'Vault' (32m20s), the most vassals on a single turn and the Top 100 Game Creators including Bruce Shelley, Brian Reynolds and Sid Meier. Then in the 'Theatre' (39m25s), a recent CivIV: BtS gameplay experience where the Religious Diplomatic Victory was just out of reach again and again. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:57:57 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode72.mp3 The first topic (01m14s) compares Civilization: Revolution with Civilization IV, bringing the former onto another console and possible historical connections. The second topic (09m16s) goes up and down CivRev's difficulty levels in both practice and perception. Then the third topic (11m24s) discusses holding and losing Great People through various means with assorted benefits and consequences. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:14:59 no Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:24:17 -0400 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/revcast/season1/episode06.mp3 In the News (04m47s), the 3.19 patch for Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword has been released, and two editions of the 'Ask Sid' feature in as many months. Then in the Interview (30m50s), on an ongoing series of videos showing CivIV: BtS games being played, and narrated, on Immortal level. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:31:22 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode71.mp3 In the Code Corner (5m39s), we look at the Advanced Combat Odds mod by PieceOfMind. In the Cartography Room (12m52s), we discuss Morholt's Across the Atlantic 1526 scenario. In the Spotlight (22m30s), we talk about both the BLU mod for Colonization by Deliverator and the latest updates of Planetfall by Maniac. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:43:26 no Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:41:57 -0700 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/modcast/season2/episode34.mp3 In the 'News' (01m45s), the acquisition of Big Huge Games by 38 Studios and second quarter 2009 financial results of Take-Two Interactive including third business highlight Civilization IV: Complete... which is Digital Rights Management (DRM) free. Seated in the 'Senate' (12m35s), what to do with the Silk resource in CivIV: plant(ation), cottage, or some combination thereof. Next, in the Research Lab (20m34s) for players who prefer warfare, a 'Reduced Military Unit Cost' option. Then in 'Forum Talk' (27m21s), which came first, the sword or the shield, and is the Carrier unit ridiculous with stacking to transport air units across the ocean. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:59 no Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:55:51 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/polycast/season3/episode70.mp3 In the 'News' (03m45s), on Apolyton Transition 2009 and what it means for the show. In 'Code Corner' (23m23s), made for merging: World of Civilization (WoC) Lite by johnny smith. Next in the 'Artist Sketchpad' (29m33s), all about various buildings by Deon, and the Conquistador Pack by Deliverator. Then in the 'Cartography Room' (35m19s), how much room do the civilizations have? The Small Europe map by el_hidalgo. Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net) 00:44:28 no Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:05:22 -0500 http://civcomm.weplayciv.com/polycast/modcast/season2/episode33.mp3