AI Survivor is an annual competition of all Civilization IV AI Leaders by long-time Civilization enthusiast and streamer Sullla.
“Random” is a word that comes to mind when I think of Game 6. A balanced mix of peaceniks and warmongers ended with the Doves dominating. Victoria of England, renowned for being a paper tiger – great traits/pathetic results – won this game with a Space Victory. She sat in her little corner for much of the game focusing on her blazing economy. Meanwhile, heavily favored Stalin of Russia launched an extremely early, shocking, and pyrrhic invasion against Napoleon of France off in the distance while ignoring his expansion, economy, and juicy barbarian cities in his neighborhood. Stalin did not survive Gandhi, our second-place finisher, nor did Nappy. Stalin’s incompetence was startling. His top-tier ranking is likely over. Interestingly, Vicky almost triggered a domination victory the turn her spaceship arrived at Alpha Centauri. No one came close to touching her late-game military. The remnants of Joao’s Portuguese Empire survived for the Wildcard games. Roosevelt of America and Ragnar of the Vikings put up a fight but are now enjoying an early vacation. The Alternate Histories for this one should be fascinating.
Game 7 is absolutely a must-watch match. Suryavarman of the Khmer is favored as the top seed here. Sury is considered an underrated leader both as AI and human player. He possesses a balance of economic traits and killer instincts. However, the real treat of this game is everyone’s favorite nutjob in Montezuma of the Aztecs. Monty rarely wins in AI Survivor, although he did pull off an early-round victory last season. Regardless, he is the most unpredictable leader in Civ 4 except for one certainty – he will always be at war with someone……anyone. Monty’s antics alone are worth the price of admission for this match. Another highlight here is former champion Mehmed of the Ottomans. Second seed Charlemagne of the Holy Roman Empire, Elizabeth I of England, and zealot Isabel of Spain round out the field. Be sure to make your picks in the picking context.
Sullla’s AI Survivor Season 8 continues Friday, July 26th on Sullla’s Twitch Channel at noon EST.