I'm updating my review, as it was based on the vanilla version of the game, though I'll leave the original review at the end of this one.

Civilization V is, without a doubt, one of my favourite games of all time, ever since I got it for my birthday back in 2011. While I might not have as many hours as other players, it's a game I have some fond memories of (also, if offline hours counted, I'd probably have a lot more). Anyway, onto the review, in which I'll mention things from the DLCs and expansions (consider this a review of the Complete Edition, rather than of the base game itself).

Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game, of the 4X variety (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate), in which you play as one of many real world civilizations, some modern, some ancient. You start out by founding your civilization's capital, and from then, it's time for expansion, as you try to build a civilization to stand the test of time. Of course, you'll find many different civilizations on your journey, and it's up to you to decide how you'll approach victory, whether it be through the power of your culture, by diplomacy, by the wonders of technology, or by a show of force. With the expansions, you can even use the power of faith, or even ideology, to influence your friends and enemies as you strive for domination.

With the Complete Edition, you get a game that'll provide hundreds, if not thousands of hours of entertainment. The gameplay itself is pretty good, as you several things to take into account; your empire's happiness, your economy, and even when going for a peaceful route, military strenght should not be ignored, as your enemies might take the chance to strike. Of course, you can always try to gain favours through the use of diplomacy, making deals with the different civilizations you encounter, or even becoming allies with different City-States that don't play for victory.

Each civilization you can play as feels unique in its own way. Beyond "cosmetic" stuff like city names or colours, each civilization has its own leader (based in a historical or mythological figure from said civilization), as well as unique abilities, buildings and units. A fact that might also get overlooked is the soundtrack; each civ gets its own music tracks both for war and peace, and some are, in my humble opinion, excellent.

The game is also highly moddable, with a healthy number of mods on the Steam Workshop. From simple stuff like maps and custom civs, to almost complete conversions that rework the gameplay, adding entirely new mechanics. And even without the Workshop, the game includes several different scenarios, each with its own rules and victory conditions, plus some good modding tools to help you create your own maps and civs.

Well, I think that's all I can say for now. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Civ V remains one of my favourite games of all time, and even if sometimes I get a bit tired of it, and abandon it for months, I always find myself coming back, for Just. One. More. Turn.

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Sid Meier's Civilization V might be one of my top favourite strategy games. It provides a great experience, going from establishing your first city, defending it from barbarians, and exploring new territories, expanding your frontiers.

Not to mention your encounters with different civilizations, which allow for diplomatic treaties, or, if needed, acts of war. And then there's the fact of how will you shape your own; the game allows for different branches of policies, each one with their own benefits.

All in all, this game provides a great turn-based strategy experience. Highly recommended.

Just. One. More. Turn.

I'm updating my review, as it was based on the vanilla version of the game, though I'll leave the original review at the end of this one. Civilization V is, without a doubt, one of my favourite games of all time, ever since I got it for my birthday back in 2011. While I might not have as many hours as other players, it's a game I have some fond memories of (also, if offline hours counted, I'd probably have a lot more). Anyway, onto the review, in which I'll mention things from the DLCs and expansions (consider this a review of the Complete Edition, rather than of the base game itself). Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game, of the 4X variety (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate), in which you play as one of many real world civilizations, some modern, some ancient. You start out by founding your civilization's capital, and from then, it's time for expansion, as you try to build a civilization to stand the test of time. Of course, you'll find many different civilizations on your journey, and it's up to you to decide how you'll approach victory, whether it be through the power of your culture, by diplomacy, by the wonders of technology, or by a show of force. With the expansions, you can even use the power of faith, or even ideology, to influence your friends and enemies as you strive for domination. With the Complete Edition, you get a game that'll provide hundreds, if not thousands of hours of entertainment. The gameplay itself is pretty good, as you several things to take into account; your empire's happiness, your economy, and even when going for a peaceful route, military strenght should not be ignored, as your enemies might take the chance to strike. Of course, you can always try to gain favours through the use of diplomacy, making deals with the different civilizations you encounter, or even becoming allies with different City-States that don't play for victory. Each civilization you can play as feels unique in its own way. Beyond "cosmetic" stuff like city names or colours, each civilization has its own leader (based in a historical or mythological figure from said civilization), as well as unique abilities, buildings and units. A fact that might also get overlooked is the soundtrack; each civ gets its own music tracks both for war and peace, and some are, in my humble opinion, excellent. The game is also highly moddable, with a healthy number of mods on the Steam Workshop. From simple stuff like maps and custom civs, to almost complete conversions that rework the gameplay, adding entirely new mechanics. And even without the Workshop, the game includes several different scenarios, each with its own rules and victory conditions, plus some good modding tools to help you create your own maps and civs. Well, I think that's all I can say for now. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Civ V remains one of my favourite games of all time, and even if sometimes I get a bit tired of it, and abandon it for months, I always find myself coming back, for Just. One. More. Turn. -------------------------------------- Sid Meier's Civilization V might be one of my top favourite strategy games. It provides a great experience, going from establishing your first city, defending it from barbarians, and exploring new territories, expanding your frontiers. Not to mention your encounters with different civilizations, which allow for diplomatic treaties, or, if needed, acts of war. And then there's the fact of how will you shape your own; the game allows for different branches of policies, each one with their own benefits. All in all, this game provides a great turn-based strategy experience. Highly recommended. Just. One. More. Turn.