Call to Power II

Call to Power II
72
Metacritic
65
Steam
52.628
xDR
Our rating is calculated based on the reviews and popularity of the game.
Price
$3.89
Release date
18 April 2017
Developers
Publishers
Steam reviews score
Total
65 (102 votes)

Prepare to accept history's greatest challenge: build the world's most powerful empire over a span of 6,300 years.

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Call to Power II system requirements

Minimum:

  • OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8
  • Processor: 1.8 GHz
  • Memory: 512 MB RAM
  • Graphics: DirectX 7 Compatible 3D Card
  • DirectX: Version 7.0
  • Storage: 4 GB available space
  • Sound Card: Direct X Compatible
Updated
App type
Steam APP ID
572050
Platforms
Windows PC
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<))skipjack((><
<))skipjack…

A classic game I loved as a kid but was plagued by negative reviews mentioning mouse controls not working properly, lack of video support.
But for true fans of the game, it's worth putting in the effort to make it playable. It just requires some adjustments to run smoothly on modern PCs. I managed to fix the problems in just a few minutes by following tips on the game's discussion page.
While the missing music is a bit of a bummer, it doesn't detract from the fantastic game play and atmosphere. I'm still having a blast exploring the world and vanquishing foes!
If you're willing to troubleshoot a bit, you can rediscover the magic of this old gem!

Agent S.
Agent S.

Plays like any other Civilization game. I had the first game as a kid and always wanted the second. I've only played a few minutes but so far I think this is an ok game. I got it for $6.

After playing it for awhile it seems that the video parts don't work properly. They have sound only. Got a refund quickly.

Ninjaboy
Ninjaboy

This is a great game if you take the time to really reach the late game (and download some of the awesome mods for it - it's a little clunky before decoupling it from the frame rate).

Pros:
- Really creative late-game units based upon early 2000s Sci-Fi
- The game goes far into the future, and the late game is amazing
- The graphics are charming and very 2000s, and so is the music (though the music is bugged on modern systems at the moment. This can be remedied with Spyroviper's mod here: https://bitbucket.org/call-to-power-ii/ctp2/downloads/?tab=downloads). The color palette is quite a bit more vibrant than Civ III as well
- There is a pretty large community eager to help here: https://discord.gg/QYKvvhudbE
- Unit stacking is still present and there is a fairly interesting battle system involving ranged units attacking behind non-ranged units
- There is a pretty epic pollution system (actually impactful climate change)

Cons:
- The game takes some work before it is playable by 2023 standards (mostly handled by Spyroviper's mod above for vanilla)
- There are definitely some controversial units in this game (sl*very is a part of the early game until the Emancipation Proclamation. There is also a unit called the Eco-Te*rorist - this game was pre-9/11)
- The early game is definitely the weakest part of the entire experience
- The AI is VERY good at the game, definitely do not expect to win your first few matches
- There is no "Explore" action for units, meaning you often have to micromanage units
- Sound effects can be quite irritating at times ("Construction started", "Building complete", etc.)
- No online multiplayer in 2023 (some of us have tried LogMeIn Hamachi but could not get it working consistently on any versions on different wifi - does seem to work on LAN though!). This is a main goal of the Discord

There is a lot to love here, especially if you are into quirky 2000s era Sci-Fi. Call to Power II is a bit of a hidden gem, and I have been a massive fan since I was little. If you go in expecting a game somewhat similar to Civilization III but that extends to the far future, you will probably be pleasantly surprised. However, if you are expecting a game as smooth as the latest games, you will be sorely disappointed at the moment. Mods definitely help though and will at least unlock the frame rate and make music play again!

If you are really on-the-fence, there are play-thrus on YouTube which should really help you see how CTP2 plays!

*****user682
*****user682

I'm having much, much more fun than I initially anticipated I would. At first I thought it would be pretty good, a nice little change from the modern civ games, but its so much more than that. I've heard people say that this game has less micromanagement, and well I think that is true, this game feels more in-depth in a way. Maybe I just notice that because it has more depth in the fields I would like it to, either way it is super fun to play, it just takes a little getting used to (compared to games like civ 6)

Anonymous
Anonymous

Not great. Glitchy, and doesn't have all the features of the original game. Can't view/change terrain usage of each city, and can't load some units onto ships (example: cannons can't board ships of the line). Pretty worthless.

El Chupacabra
El Chupacabra

Call to Power 2 was a great game. I've played it hours back in the good old times. It's very similiar to Civilization, but uses an (imho) much better combat system. The soundtrack is nice, the graphic aged rather well with very detailed units and a good looking map.

Sadly, the UI is kind of unintuitive and it needs way too many clicks for everything. From a gameplay perspective, it's way too slow. Especially to build a unit/army needs so many turns, that every loss feels super frustrating and quickly kills long term motivation.

It need some effort to run on modern systems but it do run after all.

It was really cool and nostalgic to play CoP2 again, but I can't recommend it. There are way better 4X games and except the aweseome combat system, it has nothing special which would make it better then more recent games of the genre.

Get it for nostalgia, sure, but I can't recommend it to any new player.

Seishiro
Seishiro

If you get hit by the nostalgia bug and think this may be a good buy to scratch the itch, please reconsider. Software was not altered or modified at all to function in newer operating system environments and as such there are several issues the hinder gameplay. Best to let this one remain in your memories rather than see them shattered trying to play a game that doesn't function as it did in the past.

Sancho Nauticus
Sancho Nauticus

Civilization Call to Power is a turn bases strategy game released in 1999. The Sid Meier company ran out of funds and licensed Activision and Microsoft Windows to release a Civilization clone.

Around 2000 "Call to Power II" was published. The term "Civilization" was dropped because Microsoft no longer got the license from the Sid Meier company. This is how "Call to Power II" came out.

It is a nice alternative to Sid Meier´s Civilization II. But there is a clear reference to "Civilization II" and the year 2000. Thus, the game is primarily for nostalgics who have already played the game back then or have a look at want to throw the game history. Game flow and graphics are outdated. There are performance problems with the Steam version and in general this game is of course no longer up to date.

This game is part of the Civilization series. It is an ancient ancestor of Civilization and Humankind. The fun of the game is still there today. Basically, this game belongs in the retirement home, but it lives on and is old but gold.

LC_TUROK
LC_TUROK

This game not only lacks music on Steam, but the controls are unplayable. My mouse just fidgets near the center of the screen, only sporadically jittering toward where I want it to go.

It's clearly a broken and unstable version of a once great game. It should be removed from Steam, and refunds given.

João Descalço
João Descalço

Yes, I would definitely recommned this game to a friend because despite the fact that this game was released already in 2000 it still holds up really well to this day and age, its gameplay is pretty good, the in-game videos for the Wonders of the World are really good, it never gets too boring or too tiring and you can definitely play this one for quite a good amount of time. I definitely recommend this one!

SinanDira
SinanDira

Around turn 700, the filthy English betrayed me by trying to take over Sicily, compelling me to unleash 37 warheads from my nuclear arsenal against their empire, sending it back to the stone age. The globe couldn't withstand the impact of so many nukes at once after decades of global warming, which caused the sea level to rise, destroying all coastal cities worldwide and instantly reducing the global population by about half. Before this tragedy befell us though, my civilization had thankfully already built several cities on the ocean floor, where we're reconsolidating. We'll recover, and we'll conquer them!

WarArt
WarArt

I know that few are going to read this, but I just want to say in year 2022 that this game is still worth it, so many years after it was first released.

I know the graphics aren't perfect, nor the game play, but somehow, this game kept me from liking anything from the civilization series, even today. I prefer it to Civ6. The fact that I couldn't stack armies in Civilization was always the thing that kept me returning to CTP II.

Apart that, the game has many interesting concepts, from ancient times all the way to the distant future. The battles lategame can be epic and it is incredibly satisfying to see your empire thrive.

I enjoy it as is, but wouldn't say no to a remake that would polish the UI and the sprites.

hirokaraka
hirokaraka

Soon my CD with this game will be old enough to buy beer and watch porn. I just had to get it on Steam, nostalgia was too strong.

(and because my new laptop doesn't have a CD drive)

thechatoman
thechatoman

I played this game many, many years ago and was stoked to find it on steam. Now, if I could only get it to work. ;(

Punpun
Punpun

I'm an owner of the original call to power, when it still had civilization on its name before the rights were taken. That game was probably one of the most fun I've had as a child, and was my introduction to strategy based games along with age of empires 2, and I have no doubt I'd spent more than hundreds of hours on each.
I never got around to playing its sequel and had eventually forgotten about it until I foundthe activision's classics sale , in thoughts of buying for the nostalgia, as I've heard the games were just about the same, which ultimately I did.
I don't remember the game being this terrible.
It runs like utter crap, as oposed to the original. It is slow and choppy, does not work at a suitable framerate, the HUD is somewhat similar to the prior game, and had I not have some prior knowledge of how it worked, I would've deemed it just as intuitive as the gameplay.
The game also presents some issues. The one I found most upsetting was how I couldn't ALT+TAB away from the game or it would crash.
As for the graphics, maybe you should take it with a grain of salt considering it's an old game, but ultimately I feel the need to express that it looks horrendous on an 1080p resolution as this wasn't so much the case on the original. It still didn't look good, but it wasn't as eye cringing as this one, and it was definitely playable. Besides, when it came to options within the game, I would have expected some improvement towards graphic settings, but the most you can manage is turn off certain effects in the game and change your resolution which is very disappointing.
Honestly, I'd stay away from it. Perhaps there is some mod that can make it run smoother, but I shouldn't have to be searching for that to have a fully functional game. If you're still interested however, I'd advise you to go look for a copy of the original. Fair warning however that it might not run depending on how updated your OS is at the moment.

Pylinaer
Pylinaer

PLEASE READ THIS FULLY

Please find the section regarding your operating system.

Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1:

Your game should start fine, but the intro video won't play right away.

How to fix: Go to the steamapps/common/Call to Power II/ctp_program/ctp/ctp2.exe location. Put ctp2.exe into Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode.

This hopefully will fix this issue.

I've noticed there is times when the cursor stops moving. Looking into it.

Okay, based on my testing, if you have a high DPI mouse you may need to lower the DPI setting to slow the mouse down. I tested my GoG copy and it has the same issue. (I have a Corsair Scimitar.) Honestly, while slowing down your mouse may suck, it may be worthwhile to prevent the cursor from stopping.

Windows 10:

Hoo boy, this is fun. Guess what, you're game isn't going to start.. At all. It's just going to sit and eat CPU cycles without doing anything. [Edit: someone mentioned their copy worked on Win10, this may be a case by case basis]

How to fix: Navigate to steamapps/common/Call to Power II/ctp2_program/ctp/winmm.dll
Rename that file.

THIS WILL BREAK THE MUSIC

However, you game should start. This is not a 100% process I believe.

I have tested both methods. For me they worked. I broke the winmm.dll and launched with steam. It will launch and the file will stay broken.

End of Important Information, Now to the Review

I personally enjoy this game. Yes it's old. But I still like it.

Pros
+Turn-Based Strategy, plan your next move before you make it
+Cheat Mode, 20 Samurai vs 1 Tank who will win (hint, it's the tank until you do it 4-5 times)
+Great music
+Various options for world design
+Multiple ways to win
+Runs well on ****ty hardware

Cons
-Graphics are old
-You may have to "fix" it to make it work.
-End game can take forever per turn
-DEAR GOD STOP THE TRUMPETS (pirating trades).

Overall, I would recommend this game, especially if you are not running Windows 10. If you are running Windows 10, there is a playlist on youtube of the music you can use, but I would suggest using caution before buying.

( I played this game through GoG, this is how I know about these issues.)

Ngazi
Ngazi

The Steam version is the GOG version. I know this because there is a file named GOG, and the GOG forums report all of the same problems. It runs the same as the disc version except the music is no longer on a disc in CD track format, but in a folder as OGG files. Therefore the music will not work in game. An external player is required. The original disc would even work in a CD player, for example you could play the music in a car. The music is an original orchestral soundtrack, and it is quite good but short, because of limited space on a 700 MB CD.

Music aside, the Steam and the disc versions work perfectly fine on Windows 10 and 125 hz polling rate for me. I had problems with lag and crashes at any other polling rate with both Razer and Steelseries mice. I've also played the game on Windows XP and older and the polling rate was not an issue there.

Call to Power 2 is the second and final Civilization competitor (clone) made by a very different Activision than the one that merged with Blizzard. In fact this very game almost bankrupted Activision, and it shows. The game was released content unfinished and very buggy for its time, support was quickly dropped, and the development team was dissolved. However, some developers on their own time helped the Apolyton community try to understand and modify the promising game. A long time after, and yet a long time ago, a much bigger Activision released the source code, but as it was stripped of all comments, perhaps the full potential of the game has never been realized. Nonetheless it allowed hard coded bugs to be fixed, the benefits of which can be found in the Apolyton Edition, which maintains the game content as released, with UI improvements. Since the source code was released so late, and then so much time was required to put it to use, many high quality mods never saw the benefit of these finishing touches.

Gameplay is actually very different from the Civilization games. Compared, Call to Power 2 is far more streamlined with constant and smooth progression through the ages. Without worker units, gameplay is macromanagement compared to Firaxis' micromanagement. The tech tree and in-game guide called the "Great Library" is where this game really shines. It is much more mature and realistic than the later Civilization games.

PKC
PKC

great game, but the apolyton patch is almost mandatory. grab it here http://motmod.ctp2.info/ctp-2-apolyton-edition.html

Dustin
Dustin

I don't know what the f*ck this game is, what the f*ck I'm supposed to do, or what the f*ck is going on.

Holy sh*t...

0/10

Bluebonic
Bluebonic

Got it to launch, seen the intro video, but then the main menu was just a black screen could hear the music and what not, even with changing it to XP service pack 3 and run as admin still the same black main menu screen, had to give up and ask for a refund, really wanted to try it because I loved the first one, "Civilization: Call to Power" if only someone could remake these games so they are compatable with newer OS's and updated graphics because I don't think people use anything below 1080p now days, just a bunch of boxes on the screen if I had got it to work. So having not played it at all I can not recommend this game with a yes or no, just that it may not work unless you use an outdated OS or know how to fix the issues.

P.S. Making me pick yes or no, so no for that fact that I could not play it, but I would like to if a fix comes along.

Baladon
Baladon

Despite the writeup where this game was recommended, it is nowhere near comparing to Civiliation. The interface is clunky and not everything is explained. What enemy unit is that coming toward me? Why can't archers somehow fire their arrows instead of entering melee with an enemy? Too many shortcomings... I want my money back.

Erenussocrates
Erenussocrates

This game came out in 2000. I've played it in 2017. This is the best civilization/4X game I've ever played, even after so many years. I just don't know how to describe it, it has this weird magic that drew me in and enslaved me, cannot even stop thinking about this game when I'm not playing.

The Quax
The Quax

Hi,

I just downloaded the game.
It does not start. I mean in Task Manager it works, but nothing is displayed.

So I do not recommend the game that does not work.

Actually I very liked the game many years ago.
It is a pity it cannot work on my Windows 10 (I tried to run it in compatibility mode with older Windows versions),

hillbilly8757
hillbilly8757

A fun strategy game from about 18 years ago. Bbut this version is all buggy. The Wonder videos stay on the screen, and lock you out of the game. I couldn't even get past building the first Wonder. I recommend this game, sure. But maybe not this particular download. Not until they patch it at least.

aquarius.chan
aquarius.chan

Game does not work. It gives black screen with no video and just voice playing and it is not reacting to anything. I requested a refund.

Exscalerber
Exscalerber

I had this game back when it was first released on CD-ROM. back then I always rated the first game higher. that has not changed. this direct download version has a few slight bugs. The wonder video's don't play and the user interface isn't great. Overall the game is good for its age but is not comparable to any of the Civilization games available on steam but is easily equal to that of Civilization 2 Test of Time, Colonization and Alpha Centuri which would have been the games rivals when it was first released.

The user interface is overly complicated which was one of the reason I continued to play the first game instead. the video issues may be related to the codec used to play them no longer being supported by modern operating system.

Zoops
Zoops

If you enjoy the civilization franchise this is a great one. It can be a little overwhelming at first but as you get more into it there is loads to focus on and customize from city buildings to governmental settings. It's an older game so the AI isn't perfect and some things can be frustrating but for the price and the ability to take your civ wayyyyy into the future, its pretty darn cool.

Nysch
Nysch

Call ro Power II - is a watered down Call to Power I. It lacks the hotseat multiplayer and space layer but otherwise is identical to it's prior form all those years ago. The fact is age has not been kind to the UI or the game itself. It does however work on Windows 10 out of the box which is a plus. Still can't recommend it after all the "major" features have been pulled.

Boyohbo1
Boyohbo1

I have never had any problems with this game, and it is definitely worth the money I paid. Would recommend.

Groybort
Groybort

I've played CTP2 on and off since it came out. I still love the advanced
transportation late in the game, and the endgame, even if the graphics
and game play may seem somewhat primitive to modern players.
It was far in advance from Civilization at the time it came out.

Raid
Raid

This game is awesome, but this steam version has TOO MANY BUGS making it impossible to have fun while playing it. After a couple hours I managed to find solution for the screen resolution and video problems, but not to the cursor problem in game. I tried to play it again, however, the cursor glitch made it impossible. It takes forever to give a simple command once the mouse "stops working" for a few seconds until it moves again. After 1 hour playing with this unsolved problem I decided I had enough of it.
Sad, I could not even finish ONE game.

Anonymous
Anonymous

The controls and shortcuts are a bit cumbersome compared to the original, but worth the money and eats time away just as I remembered.

phaelsafe
phaelsafe

The original was a lot of fun and I put hundreds of hours into it. This is labeled as Call to Power 2 but it is just the old Civilization: Call to Power. The game is buggy, massively buggy. You cannot get out of the Wonders screen when you build one. The UI is terrible and glitchy. I would not recommend this game for anyone to actually pay money for.

Collsy
Collsy

Great game! The first strategy game I played as a kid, definitely brought back the nostalgia when I won a game I just played then.

dev
dev

The game simply doesn't run on Windows 10. Even with the recommended tweaks/mods/file editing, the game still barely functions and won't run at all if I try to use too high a resolution. Games like this shouldn't be allowed to remain on a storefront like Steam until the developer puts out a compatibility patch for modern hardware.

SithBanker
SithBanker

It's like playing Civ II, but with slightly better graphics.

UFOBlueBook
UFOBlueBook

great game and a classic run 95 98 windows cap in game settings works good on windows 10 plays video and saves are good yea the old call to power cheat put your name Leemur you get gold and workers but i say the first call to power is the best one because you can build star bases and star fighters and star ships and star mineing one is way better they cut that out in to which its sad but 2 is still little fun you just cannot go to space no way to do so

ladytantalus
ladytantalus

This is not the game you were looking for.
No Jedi mind tricks, just really not the one.
If you know, you know.

Hade
Hade

Old game, weird controls, but still fun.
Good thing you can rebind keys!!!
Will crash on you often. Good thing it had autosave.

After updating to windows 11 it's a pain to get the game going. After you see "loading" end you have to hit space bar or it won't be playable. At which point you have to stop it and try again. After installing Win11 game crashes often.

This game has small maps and limited number of cities per government to throw you right into conflict. I modded mine for a larger map and more cities to be able to explore all the tech.

When you found a city, it shows you the possible distance out that the border can be. I really missed that feature in modern games. Actually there are a few features I miss that this one has. I gave the settlers enough vision to be able to see their city border limits. This helps with building cities where they are most useful.

Only key you can't rebind in the movement (m) key. To go to the next unit or city you need to hit "n".

You cannot upgrade units. Nothing like seeing tanks and archers in your armies.

As most games from that era, you're fighting a cheating AI with unlimited resources. And it has lots of bonuses. I feel like the AI has unlimited gold and just buys buildings but actually builds units. There's no maintenance for pre-industrial units, so the AI builds tons of them.
Found out that and army consisting of 3 hoplites and 3 archers can defeat 1 tank.

The AI always knows what you have for units in your cities and will never attack you if it can't win. You can band units together to form and armor of 12 max. However you must have overwhelming numbers to be able to defeat the AI's armies. If you transport and armor of 12, you have to unload it multiple times and it only unloads 8-10. I found myself often heading back because everyone didn't get off. This is really annoying.

My 30 cities vs AI 5 cities, that kept up with me in science, if the AI built only units, it still shouldn't have as many as it does.

After a few games, I'm kinda on the fence about this game knowing I'm fighting a cheating AI with unlimited resources..

Some wonders do nothing. I built the Great Walls that's supposed to keep barbarians out, but it didn't. Even if a wonder gives every city a building, you still have the option to build it.

It took me 1k hours to find a strategy that I really like using slavers and city rioting.

Diplomacy is meaning less. I just go to war with everyone. Unfortunately no option to ally the AI against the player.

Otherwise a fun game if you can get over the clunky controls and bugs.

Update 9/18/21:
After putting 200 hr into this game I'm finding a lot of bugs. Some special units and wonders don't work correctly. I tried to bio-infect a city, the unit does nothing. Spies are pointless they always die trying to do anything, which in 1k hours of playtime haven't succeeded at anything with them.

300 cities and the game still loaded.

Update 6/3/22
Still loads after 600+ cities on the map. Though it's slowly coming to it's threshold, a bit of lag building new cities. Waiting to find out how many cities it takes before the game won't load anymore or just constantly crashes.

clipknotchannel
clipknotchannel

tl;dr - If you played the original, you'll get a nostalgia high for an hour or two, but once you hit the midgame your feelings of frustration will overtake you.

I played the original Civ:CTP from a CD-ROM and thought then and still believe it to be the best entry in the Civ franchise, primarily because the late game wasn't always a race to space. This sequel uses much of the identical assets from the original including graphics and sound, but with a less ordered management system. It's also buggy alm. ost to the point of being unplayable. If you can boot it (I had no problems with a Win10 laptop but others seem to have issues), you'll find the game lacks its original soundtrack--and more disturbing, the tech tree help/graphic is missing. So you'll have to find one online in order to see what's different from what you remember. About 2/3 is the same as the original, with minor changes in nomenclature on the remaining 1/3.

CTP II is even a step back from the original as you can no longer colonize space. No space cities here, no space marines or other space combat. No space elevator, etc. Not that it really mattered to me. My mouse was so laggy it could take a full 30 seconds just to move a single unit. The more units I had, the worse it got. I tried turning all the animations off but that didn't seem to help. I finished my one and only game (because OCD and I was already invested), but it took 10x longer than it should have simply because the game lags like effing crazy.

If you're thinking of buying this game, don't let this negative review discourage you. You will definitely enjoy the brief bit of nostalgia it offers. It's the slog that comes after you should be aware of. I paid my money and played my one game, and that's likely where this adventure is going to end for me.

Sérgio
Sérgio

One of the best games of all time.

KyLoki Ren
KyLoki Ren

Complete nostalgia rush of my childhood favorite, just be sure you adjust your monitor to older settings like 800 x 600 for optimal game play.

Anonymous
Anonymous

I remeber playing this a long time ago. Now, I have found it. I am absolutely enjoying it.

ackackmacaque
ackackmacaque

This is too far from the game I remember to recommend. It's way, way off.

My llama licked my laptop
My llama licke…

Not sure how so many people are having trouble running this. Running it fine on Win 10 and yes the music doesn't work and the wonder/victory videos don't play, but apart from that it is a brilliant trip down nostalgia lane. I've definitely enjoyed both building up my Empire and also the scenarios and given how cheap it is, if you can kill 10+ hours for barely any cost, surely that is worth it.

mails
mails

Almost everything is bad with this game. Just play civilization 3 or 2 or whatever or just get your nostalgia juice from something else.

jfrost4ca
jfrost4ca

call to power 2 is a good old game to play if it works on steam. i get no help with steam to fix it for me or help from the company that makes it. the game is not on there site because it is old. i wish steam would get off there ass help me fix it so i can play it again.