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!
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
