Looking at how many people are concurrently playing the latest instalment in Sid Meier's history-spanning empire-building franchise is a sight to behold. This game just doesn't lose popularity. Gaming trends may come and go, but the appeal of Civ is as constant in the world of computer games as a keyboard and mouse. You can see why, because each game of Civ is different, while at the same time playing out like some strange, wonderful, alternative-dimension version of the history of humanity. In one game Indonesia will build the Eiffel Tower, in another Communism will become a global ideology thanks to US Chairman George Washington, or perhaps the whole world will crumble in nuclear holocaust. The possibilities are vast, and the raw fantasy of being the hive-mind of an empire from its first stone-age settlement to - hopefully - a world power in the 21st century is one that never grows old. Civilization V vies with Civ IV for the honour of best game in the series, and its removal of certain fan-favourite mechanics and nuances is made up for by the cleanest, most accessible interface yet, and a couple of excellent expansion packs in Gods and Kings and Brave New World - both of which are crucial for the full experience. If your PC friends own the game, you'll be happy to hear that you can play it cross-platform, too!