How to win in Civilization IV as the Japanese Empire - Ultimate Guide to the Civ IV Strategy Game by John Sinitsky

Civilization 4
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Introduction

It is widely known that Sid Meier’s Civilization was THE computer game when it was introduced in 1994; becoming the first-ever turn-based strategy game. The game had several upgrades and in October 2005 the latest PC playable version of Civilization - “Civilization IV” was released.

Even today, Civ IV it is a very playable and enjoyable game with decent graphics and potent AI. With the victory options previously described alongside most of the pre-game selections (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)) covered, we continue with a review of players’ civilization choice in the game. The next nation is Japan.

Japanese Empire Overview

The Japanese have the Samurai as their unique unit (replacing Swordsman). The advantage is not very big, however. The units are of the same strength, require Civil Service and Machinery to train and receive +50% with melee units. However, in addition Samurai receives 2 first strikes. Not a very serious advantage. By the way, you can’t train Samurai with Copper (Maceman you can); plus Iron is required.

The starting technologies for the Japanese are Fishing and The Wheel. This means that Sailing is available instantly as well as Pottery.

The civilization has only 1 leader – Tokugawa.

The Leader – Tokugawa

Tokugawa is defined as “Organized” and “Aggressive”

Being “Aggressive” means that you will have a bonus of free promotion (Combat I) for all melee and gunpowder units – making your Axeman, Samurai, Musketman etc. 10% stronger from the very beginning. Barracks are constructed at double speed – something you would want to build in all your cities as it requires no technology at all. Plus, with barracks your units are even stronger (free promotion of your choice). Drydocks are speeded up as well, giving you an option to build naval units twice as fast and giving them more experience. Steel should be discovered to take advantage of this building. However, beware – drydocks reduce your city health.

This post is part of the series: Civilization IV - Guide To Sid Meier’s Civilization IV PC Game

This series on Civilization IV tells you how to get the best out of the classic Sid Meier PC game. Game strategy and options are reviewed and disscussed

  1. Mastering Civilization IV - Victory Conditions
  2. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game Part I – Selecting a Map (A)
  3. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part II – Selecting a Map (B)
  4. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part III – Climate and Sea Level
  5. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part IV – Map Size
  6. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part V – Difficulty Levels (A)
  7. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part VI – Difficulty Levels (B)
  8. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part VII – Game Speed
  9. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing the civilization - Overview
  10. Mastering Civilization IV – The American Empire in Civilization IV
  11. Mastering Civilization IV – The Arabian Empire in Civilization IV
  12. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Your Player Nation – Aztec Empire
  13. Mastering Civilization IV – Playing As The Chinese Empire - Choosing Your Playable Nation
  14. Mastering Civilization IV – Playing as the Egyptian Empire in Civ IV
  15. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Your Nation – English Empire
  16. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play – French Empire
  17. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Playable Nations – German Empire
  18. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing A Playable Nation – Greek Empire
  19. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play – Incan Empire
  20. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing the nation – Indian Empire
  21. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play in Civ IV – Japanese Empire
  22. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play – Malinese Empire
  23. Mastering Civilization IV – Mongolian Empire in Civ IV - Choosing the Nation to Play in Civ IV PC Game
  24. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Playable Nations – Roman Empire
  25. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing the Nation to Play in Civ IV – Russian Empire
  26. Mastering Civilization IV – Playing as the Persian Empire in Civ IV - Player’s Guide to Choosing their Nation in Civ IV
  27. Mastering Civilization IV – Selecting Playable Nations in Civ IV – Spanish Empire