Civilization VI continues its roll out of playable civilizations. Just before developers Firaxis made their livestream and lifted the embargo for the press that previewed the game, Brazil was announced. Debuted in Civilization V’s Brave New World expansion, Brazil is now included in the sequel’s base game with Pedro II returning as their leader. However, he looks different- sporting a younger appearance this time- and plays differently as well.
While Brazil’s unique ability of gaining bonuses with jungle tiles lives on, this time provides adjacency bonuses to diistricts, Pedro II sports a different focus. Rather than focus solely on culture, Pedro II brings a bonus to Great People, where you can gain back some points after successfully recruiting one. If you think that bonuses to Great People are underwhelming then think again, as the system is a whole other beast where you are now competing with other civs to recruit specific Great People that grants specific bonuses, like how wonders work.
Brazil has the Carnival district, a replacement of the Entertainment District. Once built, the city can build Carnival City projects that will grant extra amenities, crucial to facilitate city growth, and gains additional Great Person points once completed. As for its unique unit, Brazil has the Minas Geraes, a battleship replacement that has better defence and range.
As for the Scytians, this is the first time the civ debuted. If you favour the millatary way of play and loved the Huns and Mongols in Civ V, Scythia should scratch that itch. Scythia is based in modern day Kazhastan, where horses rule the steppe. They share geographical similarities to Mongolia and the Huns, each located around Central Asia.
Scythia has a strong bonus when building Light Cavalry or their Unique Unit, the Saka Horse Archer. You get two units each time instead of one. The Saka Horse Archer also does not require horse resources so you can build a huge cavalry focusing on taking down your enemies swiftly. A
dd all this bonues with their leader Tomyrus’ ability of granting bonus on attacking wounded units and regain a bit of health after a taking down an enemy unit, and you have a force not to be reckon with. Their unique building, the Kurgan, gives faith and gold, with bonus when adjecent to pastures, but cannot be built next to each other or on top of hills.
In other news, you can look up a lot of Civilization VI gameplay on YouTube, including the stream with lead designer Ed Beach. Civilization VI will arrive on PC on October 21.