I don’t know about you, but today’s announcement of Civilization V, the next installment in the award-winning simulation series from 2K Games, has gotten me excited for fall. Roughly 5 years since the last installment, the latest iteration is slated to overhaul the series, introducing gameplay innovations such as hexagonal board spaces, global matchmaking, and a new suite of modding tools.
Also discussed in the statement is an upcoming Civ game for Facebook, Civilizations Network. No details on that one yet, but I’d speculate on an application similar to Farmville or Fishville. Civ already has delayed play options that would fit social networks well, such as the play-by-email option, so pick-up games of Civ played when you have the time shouldn’t be a big stretch for developer Firaxis Games. Whatever the case, I’m on the edge of my seat for developments in either of these!
Civilization V takes this definitive strategy game series in new directions with the introduction of hexagon tiles allowing for deeper strategy, more realistic gameplay and stunning organic landscapes for players to explore as they expand their empire. The brand new engine orchestrates a spectacular visual experience that brings players closer to the Civ experience than ever, featuring fully animated leaders interacting with players from a screen-filling diplomatic scene and speaking in their native language for the first time. Wars between empires feel massive as armies dominate the landscape, and combat is more exciting and intense than ever before. The addition of ranged bombardment allows players to fire weapons from behind the front lines, challenging players to develop clever new strategies to guarantee victory on the battlefield. In addition to the new gameplay features debuting in Civilization V, an extensive suite of community, modding and multiplayer elements will also make an appearance.
