A total of eight players, human or computer, can play at one time. The human players can face off in hotseat mode, or make use of the play by e-mail feature. Despite the lack of modem or network play, the e-mail option is used heavily by those wishing to find worthy opponents. The computer AI is fairly aggressive, and defeating multiple computer empires can be difficult. Especially due to their lack of willingness to trade goods with a human.
Documentation is excellent, but a short tutorial is direly needed.
Gamers who have enjoyed the board game version of Advanced Civilization will most assuredly enjoy the computer version. Those more used to the Sid Meyer rendition may start to yawn after a few turns have passed. This game is all about trading and acquiring goods, and the strategy to obtain them, not global conquest. If after a couple hours you find yourself still sitting in front of the computer, plotting to bluff a trade with your enemy, you are a true strategy lover. The e-mail feature is nice, but most gamers have come to expect the availability of more multiplayer options.