Millennia

Pro

• Creative use of alternate historical ages enhances replayability
• Deep research system with a broad spectrum of scientific and cultural advancements
• Potential for exciting mod support to expand game content

Con

• Combat sequences lack depth and are less engaging
• Diplomatic elements and trade systems need further development
• Some balance issues and AI shortcomings detract from gameplay

Review

Millennia leaps onto the 4X scene with a tantalizing premise: guiding a civilization through a kaleidoscopic range of historical possibilities, all within a traditional turn-based gameplay format. The game's ambitious attempt to span 10,000 years of history captures the imagination, allowing players to craft narratives that are as unique as they are epic. Its strength lies in the variety that each playthrough offers, promising different trajectories through its well-structured research system. However, amidst the promising start, Millennia's current skirmishes and diplomacy play like pale shadows of their potential, begging for the infusion of complexity and finesse that would elevate their place in the strategic tapestry of the game. As it stands, the combat stumbles as a lackluster experience, and the trade and diplomacy mechanics are crying out for enriching updates. While not without its challenges and rough edges, the core experience of Millennia still scratches that empire-building itch, making it a worthy, if not yet fully polished, contender in the 4X genre.

Background information

Reception of Millennia among critics shows a sense of cautious optimism. From the hopeful perspective of Softpedia, which hints at greatness with future updates and expansions, there exists a shared sentiment that the unique concept of alternated historical progression is Millennia's main selling point. However, reviews from outlets like 4Players.de and GameMAG underscore that balance problems and a lack of depth in some mechanics tarnish its brilliance. Echoed by PC Games, there is a consensus that more time in the development oven may have served Millennia well. Meanwhile, SECTOR.sk and TheSixthAxis highlight the need for differentiation and further conceptual exploration, noting that while some aspects like regional growth and alternate history are intriguing, other areas such as AI and UI feel undercooked. GRYOnline.pl, with the most critical take, suggests that the game currently feels overwhelmed by its ambitions, drawing unfortunate comparisons to more polished titles in the genre. In sum, Millennia is admired for its novel ideas but also scrutinized for its execution, leaving it on the cusp of becoming a notable, if not yet elite, experience for fans of strategy games.

Screenshots