Reign of the Millennia: A New Contender in the 4X Strategy Genre

The annals of gaming are strewn with the remnants of Civilization-like games, from Humankind to Old World. Many have tried, but none have managed to dethrone the eminent Sid Meier, who’s six games and 27 years into the Civilization series. But that doesn’t mean fresh entrants aren’t willing to give it a shot. The newest challenger is Millennia, a fresh 4X strategy game hailing from C Prompt and published by Paradox Interactive. If any company can carve out a niche in this Firaxis-dominated territory, it’s Paradox.

While C Prompt might not outright claim to unseat Civilization as the ultimate historical 4X kingpin, their foray into this tough arena will certainly invite comparisons, primarily with a game whose characteristics feel somewhat familiar, like Millennia. During a walkthrough at Gamescom this year, it appears Millennia does take distinctive steps to break away from its primary competitor. But it also clings quite firmly to a very recognizable gameplay formula.

The Drive for Domination

(Image credit: Paradox)

During significant portions of the Millennia demo, the need for tutorial tips was hardly felt. The micro aspects neatly mirror those in Civ. From the cities, settlers, major competitors to minor one-city players vying for influence, everything was there. The initial rush for resources, exploration efforts, and wrangling with barbarians are familiar sequences.

That’s not to say it’s a complete Civ lookalike. Combat appears more engaging, offering in-depth analysis of battles once they’ve concluded. Helping players comprehend their victories or losses. Also, Millennia smartly utilizes a friendlier Civ-like feature from Old World — an Undo button.

As per C Prompt, they felt that if players tend to replay their mistakes, why not make it an explicit part of the game. In my play, I was even able to nullify a failed attack on a Roman city, confirming the notion that one, indeed, can control their past to control the future.

Progression Towards a New Era

(Image credit: Paradox)

Millennia’s true uniqueness and aspirations become evident at a macro level. In my demo, C Prompt positioned me as ancient Japan, managing a badly mismanaged city — Kyoto — that had turned into a public health crisis.

Unlike its counterparts, Millennia doesn’t necessarily rely on a traditional historical path. Progression occurs from one age to another, leading to cultural, technological, and political advancements. But the interesting part is, it’s not predetermined which era you will transition into. With my cesspit city, I seemed to be heading towards the “Age of Plague” instead of a more pleasant-sounding era.

Their economic simulation also seems more robust in contrast to their peers. My interaction primarily involved futile assaults on the Roman Empire, but C Prompt was eager to elaborate on the intricate supply chains necessary for the production of goods.

Although based on demo interaction, if Millennia truly presents significant innovations to the classic 4X formula and doesn’t feel exceedingly familiar, it will likely emerge through a series of broader macro-level decisions. But when it comes to first impressions? It feels like a bit of deja vu.