Civilization V: The Legendary Strategy Game Returns and Raises the Bar

The latest incarnation in the Civilization franchise has finally arrived. Just recently available for the PC, the latest strategy title from Sid Meier brings all new features to some familiar gameplay. How does the game play against its predecessors, and does it impress loyal Civilization followers?

Most recently, Civilization IV was the reigning champion for a number of years when it came to the standard in desktop strategy games. Released in 2005 by Firaxis Games, Civ IV as it is known was followed by several expansions including Warlords, Beyond the Sword, and Colonizations. In 2008 Civ fans were treated to enjoyment of the tile on console gaming systems including the PS3, and XB0x360 with Civilization: Revolution.

Civilzation, as the name implies, is a game set on creating a successful and prosperous civilization of people throughout the evolution of time. A turn based strategy game, Civilization progresses through time turn-by-turn as players and NPCs (Non-Player Characters) evolve through time through a variety of means, such as, agriculture, industry, war, and more. Depending on the specific title in play, scenarios, locations, historic events, and starting points vary.

With nearly 20 years of influence under its belt, Civilization V retains its roots with its traditional and standard gameplay. At its core, turn-based play remains. Those familiar to the previous titles will notice change throughout. Players will strive to be ruler of the world starting from the dawn of man straight through to the space age.

The game "board" which is made of up Hex shaped spaces, efficiently guide and manage the movement of the various civilizations that are in competition. Only unit is able to occupy a space at a time, giving players a clearer view of movement around the board without the problematic stacking of the past. Also new on the map are hit points assigned to establishments, and the inclusion of productive City States. Scattered amongst the land, City States benefit a player by way of providing resources to a player's campaign. By simply completing required tasks, a City State can eventually become a rewarding property that provides valuable resources needed for growth.

Civilization offers new and improved action based gameplay. Players experienced with previous titles will notice that micromanagement is no longer required in the game. Over time, as sliders and options increased, management of various aspects of the game distracted play from the core strategy the title was to originally offer. Now streamlined, Civilization V includes the controls necessary to provide a degree of resource management while still offering rapid action on the game board.

With enhanced graphics, overall improved play, and a rule-set that is extremely easy to adopt to, Civilization V is sure to find its way to on to the shelves of Civ gamers both old and new.

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Civilization V
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