Disconsolate Brits mourning the U.K.’s impending divorce from the European Union may take some solace in Civilization VI, in which Queen Victoria will lead the nation of England to glory once again. Reigning for over 60 years, Victoria ruled the British empire during the zenith of its imperial power, lending her name to an era and enduring as one of the most iconic and popular rulers in the nation’s history.
The English civilization’s primary special ability is called British Museum, boosting the number of archaeologists produced by their archaeological museums, and adding additional spots to hold the artifacts they bring back. England will always have a place to keep those Elgin Marbles that they “liberated” from Greece.
Two special units will help ensure England’s martial grip on the world. Sea Dogs (also known historically as privateers) were essentially pirates, employed by Elizabeth I to harass England’s enemies at sea, famously holding off the Spanish Armada in 1588. In addition to its general prowess in naval combat, the Sea Dog has a chance to capture enemy ships. For the land, England has Red Coat infantry units that can disembark from water without spending movement, and gain a bonus to attacking when not on their home continent.
Finally, England has a unique district, the Royal Navy Dockyard, which instills ships built there with bonus movement, adds bonus gold income to dockyards on other continents, and accrues Great Admiral points.
As in previous versions of the game England’s unique units and district give it a distinct edge in forming and defending intercontinental empires. However, its special ability allows England to use the spoils of imperialism to pivot towards a cultural victory, should they lose the taste for war as history rolls on.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI will launch for PC on October 21, 2016.
