The Civilization franchise has been around for well over three decades now, and in that time, it’s experimented with a few different spinoff ideas. One of the earliest Civilization spinoffs was 1999’s Alpha Centauri, a game that took Civ 2‘s gameplay structures and gave them a hard Sci-Fi makeover. 2008’s Civilization Revolution was another popular Civ spinoff, this time aiming to be a more accessible entry-level option for console users. The most recent Civilization spinoff was 2014’s Civilization: Beyond Earth, a spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri that dipped the franchise’s toes back into the realm of Sci-Fi.
All of this is to say that the Civilization franchise isn’t afraid to experiment with new ideas for its spinoffs. But it still feels like Civilization is only scratching the surface of what it can accomplish with its spinoffs. And if Civilization embraced one incredibly bold premise, it could change the gaming world forever.
A Civilization Crossover Spinoff Could Be A Dream Come True
The Civilization franchise could find a great deal of success in a spinoff that centered around crossovers. This spinoff could bring together multiple gaming franchises, giving each IP its own unique Civilization, leader, units, buildings, and even victory conditions all based on their respective source material. With this bold premise at its core, this hypothetical Civilization spinoff could be the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate of the strategy game world.
Video Game Franchises That Would Make Great Civilizations
Super Mario
Being one of the biggest gaming franchises on the planet, it would make complete sense for Super Mario to appear in this hypothetical Civilization crossover spinoff. The Mario franchise could be represented in-game by the Mushroom Kingdom, with either Princess Peach or Mario himself acting as the Civ’s leader. Players would start a match with Peach’s Castle, and would need to grow out the Mushroom Kingdom from there, using Toads as builders, and Bowser’s various minions as soldiers.
The Legend of Zelda
Another great pick would be The Legend of Zelda, represented in this fictional Civilization spinoff by the Kingdom of Hyrule. Players would pick between Princess Zelda and Link as their leaders, and much like Super Mario, they’d begin with Hyrule Castle. As for unique units, Hyrule would have access to all the usual Zelda monsters, including Bokoblins, Moblins, Keese, and Lynels.
Fallout
Though it wouldn’t offer as much vibrant architecture as Zelda or Mario, Fallout would be another great option for a crossover Civilization. Players would begin with a Vault, and expand their wasteland to include makeshift encampments, Brotherhood of Steel bases, and more in-universe structures. There’s no shortage of possibilities when it comes to Fallout‘s unique units, with NCR Rangers, Vault Dwellers, Enclave Scientists, and Protectrons all being good options. Finding a world leader for a Fallout Civ might be a bit trickier, but figures like New Vegas‘ Mr. House or Fallout‘s The Master could work well.
Dark Souls
Underneath its occasionally grimy aesthetic and darker lighting, the Dark Souls series is home to some of the most beautiful environmental design in gaming, and that makes it deserving of a spot in this hypothetical Civilization crossover spinoff. Beginning with Anor Londo or Lothric Castle, players would continue to add the series’ iconic locations tile-by-tile to produce unique effects, such as Archdragon Peak, which would unlock the Nameless King as a Great General. In terms of leaders, Dark Souls has plenty of great candidates, from Gwyn to Artorias to the Chosen Undead/Ashen One.
