Sid Meier's Civilization (the board game)

Found this recently in a thrift store for next to nothing. Most of the figs were still on sprus and the game looked in good condition so I picked it up.

I've always like civ building type games. Never played the original Civ or Advanced Civ, but the idea of a massive epic game like that appeals to me. Since I'll probably never do what it takes to get a copy of Adv. Civ, I'm wondering if this game is worth the time investment to learn and play.

I've heard some pretty crappy things about it, and I know that Glen Drover himself considers it to be one of his biggest fumbles. Is there maybe a way to modify/house rule it to awesomeness? Has anyone here tried any of the varients or rules re writes on BGG?

My honest response is no.

Adv Civ is close to perfect but "regular" Civilization is still a great game and its pretty affordable and easily obtained compared to most grail games. (My guess is about $40-50 on ebay)

Sid Meier's Civ has great pieces (like all Eagle games) but is one of the worst games I've ever attempted to play in this entire hobby.

I've played it a number of times back before I found FF coffin box games.

IMO, it needs a number of house rules to make it fun, though even then its still WAY too slow paced and the map is really stupid in some spots.

I'd like to give this variant a try:
Rhye's and Fall of Civilization

It looks like it may fix a lot of the stuff that's wrong with the game.

Next to nothing is about what it's worth. The game is a mess.