And I’m not even talking about the soundtracks.
I’m talking about my favourite audio experience of Civilisation (I’m deep back into Civ V, so indulge me). The little soundbytes you get every time you earn a new tech. I blew through a fast-paced game on the weekend, meaning I got to hear all these in quick succession, and it was awesome.
In Civilisation IV, the job of narrating your technological advances was handled famously by Leonard Nimoy, who did one of the best game narration jobs in the history of the medium.
9:40 and 10:25 are particular highlights.
In Civilisation V, meanwhile, British actor Morgan Sheppard took over, and while he’s not as famous as his predecessor, he still does one hell of a job. When a historical video game is going to constantly spit quotes at you, best they’re coming from a gravelly old British guy.
If you’ve played the games, or are still playing today, maybe you’re sick of these. Maybe you’re at the point where you skip them immediately, or don’t even register that they’re playing, since they have become white noise. Background clutter.
Even if that’s the case, though, take a few minutes to listen to the quotes on their own. It’s incredibly soothing stuff, not to mention educational (and also an exercise in quality narration!)
Favourite quotes below, please.
Comments
7 responses to “I Could Listen To The Civilisation Games All Day Long”
Came here for Pig Iron quote. Was not disappointed
I came here for the Sputnik quote. I don’t much like the pig iron quote.
Big Heads up to Christopher Tin’s Baba Yetu from Civ 4.
Glad I’m not the only creep that likes the Civ V narrations and soundtrack
Ah, that guy and his narration. I love it.
I especially love the intros though, they have been consistently boss; be it the uplifting speeches on human technological development or the great score behind it.
Really missed Leonard Nimoy in Civ 5 (and the added quotes for Civ 4 BTS), he had just that perfect voice for it, trusting, humourous, authoritative and rewarding.
Christ I love the quotes in CIV. especially the earlier ones 🙂
Just started playing CIV for the first time this year with 5 and sunk about 80 hours in so far fucking amazing game, i didn’t think i would like it.
and just in my oppinion i think the voice in CIV V is way cool. so much better than IV. I have to admit i laughed my head off at the sputnik quote tho.