Sid Meier's Civilization V

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2963 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,247 out of 2963
  2. Mixed: 454 out of 2963
  3. Negative: 262 out of 2963
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  1. Masakillercz
    Apr 29, 2015
    10
    This is the best game of its genre in the world, combining both the historical facts as well as a very high variability game of Civilization 5 which makes super game and especially with dlc is almost perfect, graphic design is a wonderful mode, so plenty to suit all tastes.
  2. sbuenger
    May 25, 2015
    10
    Without a doubt one of the best games I have every played (if you download all the expansions). Vanilla game was fun, but the expansions make it worth the money. Definitely get this game!
  3. habibitheimpale
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    My leader was Julius Caesar so therefore I named my first city Caesar Salad. Currently losing to the french

    Best game of the Year, every Year.

    10/10 IGN
  4. dualbunny
    Dec 31, 2015
    10
    One of the best strategy games for the PC Master Race platform. This is my first Civ game, after playing it I couldn't get into previous games in the series. I think it gets so much hate here only because it's different from the previous entries in the series. It's just more streamlined and easier to get started.
  5. LilBaggins
    Mar 8, 2016
    10
    "Im gonna play this game for an hour" said no one who has ever played this game. Oh great and powerful gandhi please spare my city your... up nope, nuked me anyways!
  6. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    This is just quality. The game that got me properly hooked on CIV. Endless hours spent on this game.
    Best to get the complete edition if purchasing and comes highly recommended. 10/10
  7. ISCybercoreSI
    Sep 1, 2017
    10
    A todas las críticas negativas, que dios les perdone porque yo no, preparaos para la guerra!
    Nah, hablando en serio creo que el juego nos sería lo mismo sin Brave New World, aunque de todas formas la saga es un gran logro no solo en lo técnico y jugabilístico, sinó que es un buen punto de apoyo cultural :)
  8. dogii
    Aug 7, 2016
    10
    Pretty much one of the best and most addictive civilization games I've ever played. My first game was a 2 on 2 with my friends and I was instantly hooked. The gameplay, strategy was so fluid you just couldnt wait for the next turn. Although its not its full form without the expansion packs its still filled with amazing replay-ability and makes you eager for your next Civ sesh.
  9. veedub
    Dec 21, 2016
    10
    Overall an amazing game. Procedural generation of the world makes it feel fresh, especially when you disable start biases. Doing well at the game requires an overall balance of strategy -- doing well in one area might make you deficient in others and leave you open to getting beat by someone else, running out of resources, being unable to expand the way you want, or getting dominated byOverall an amazing game. Procedural generation of the world makes it feel fresh, especially when you disable start biases. Doing well at the game requires an overall balance of strategy -- doing well in one area might make you deficient in others and leave you open to getting beat by someone else, running out of resources, being unable to expand the way you want, or getting dominated by your opponent's superior military (either in numbers or in technology).

    Game looks good, plays well on a full range of hardware.

    Gandhi declares nuclear war? America embraces Communism? Aztecs the most technologically advanced nation? Pacifist Germany? HECK YEAH BABY!    … Expand
  10. TatsMcGee
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    Turn-based or Action:

    This is a turn-based strategy game. Was it fun? I love this game and have played almost 1,000 hours. I can not say enough good things about this game. Are there any similar games? It reminds me a simpler (but more enjoyable) total war game. I love the total war games but in some ways I think this game is better. Favorite Character/Unit to use? The    Turn-based or Action:

    This is a turn-based strategy game.

    Was it fun?

    I love this game and have played almost 1,000 hours. I can not say enough good things about this game.

    Are there any similar games?

    It reminds me a simpler (but more enjoyable) total war game. I love the total war games but in some ways I think this game is better.

    Favorite Character/Unit to use?

    The Great Scientist, I am the king of Science victories and with Great Scientists make everything that much easier.

    However my favorite Civ in the game is Babylon. Such a science powerhouse.

    Would you play it again?

    I will continue to play this game (atleast until CIV VI comes out).

    Any Complaints?

    I don’t have a great computer and sadly my computer can barely run it so I wish it was available for other platforms because a PS4 is much cheaper than buying a good gaming CPU.

    How many hours did you play it?

    I have played this game for at least 900+ hours. Its a fun game to get together with friends and play this game and then get into Nuke wars.    … Expand
  11. bigcountrylolz
    Nov 2, 2016
    10
    My 1st 10 rating!!! One of the best games IMHO of the last 5+ years. I have thousands of hours into it, and I am not finished yet. I got VI, but I'm already sliding back into V. The community and the mods and the everything really, has made this game what it is. I am still getting converts even today. If you like 4x games this one is a MUST OWN.
  12. Roke_
    Mar 23, 2017
    10
    Fantastic strategy game as it really is one of the best of its kind as the single player is interesting even though the difficulty need to be a bit higher on some higher difficulties and later the AI do just start cheating but its fun and has massive replay-ability as you can do what ever you want in the game as there are hardly any restrictions and they also included scenarios which areFantastic strategy game as it really is one of the best of its kind as the single player is interesting even though the difficulty need to be a bit higher on some higher difficulties and later the AI do just start cheating but its fun and has massive replay-ability as you can do what ever you want in the game as there are hardly any restrictions and they also included scenarios which are really cool as you play out historical events which can be really fun but they could be better if they were multiplayer as you could verse each other in historical events. Also the multiplayer is fantastic even though it can be hard to setup as there are problems with servers and glitches but once you get playing its so addicting and fun to play.… Expand
  13. WalterDisney
    Nov 14, 2017
    10
    My favortite game from the series. If you're debating between CIV V or CIV VI, definately choose CIV V.

    P.S The game was just on sale for $0.90... that's less than a damn coffee.
  14. randomphoenix03
    Jun 29, 2017
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. It's addicting, but it's a good type of addicting. There is so much gameplay and content that you'll end up playing for hours upon hours without realizing it. And if the endless amount of content isn't enough for you, you can either make or download user-made mods so you can have even MORE content. The amount of gameplay and possibilities areOne of the best games I've ever played. It's addicting, but it's a good type of addicting. There is so much gameplay and content that you'll end up playing for hours upon hours without realizing it. And if the endless amount of content isn't enough for you, you can either make or download user-made mods so you can have even MORE content. The amount of gameplay and possibilities are endless, and you won't regret buying it.… Expand
  15. nicholas06
    Nov 15, 2017
    10
    I've put 1061 hours into Civ V and its expansions. That's more than 44 days straight. It's a great game and probably one of my favorites all time alongside The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and maybe World of Warcraft.

    The number of civs you can play as + the number of ways you can win + a randomly generated map every game = a game that has paid for itself over and over and over. The    I've put 1061 hours into Civ V and its expansions. That's more than 44 days straight. It's a great game and probably one of my favorites all time alongside The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and maybe World of Warcraft.

    The number of civs you can play as + the number of ways you can win + a randomly generated map every game = a game that has paid for itself over and over and over.

    The only negatives are that there are clear strategies that are head and shoulders above the rest. The AI can also be infuriating with "forward settling" where the map is wide open, but they still insist on plopping a city right by you. But, these are nitpicks.

    The complete edition of this game is probably so cheap and easy to play on current PCs that it's one of the better games you could possibly get!    … Expand
  16. DrawTheLine
    Nov 23, 2017
    10
    No game has ever made time fly by so fast as Sid Meier's Civ. V. The game which can be played for hours every evening without ever getting boring or repetetive. Simply an amazing game.
  17. Psiraphim
    Mar 21, 2019
    10
    Это самый лучший сиквел лучшей пошаговой стратегии всех времен.
    Первая цивилизация была шедевром. ВТорая очень сильна ушла от своих же стандартов. Третья перевела основы первой на современные движки и механики. Четвертая продолжила эту тенденцию. И только пятая сказала: мы возьмем основы первой, но сделаем их интересней и глубже.
    Игра получила черты варгейма с одним юнитом на гекс. И это    Это самый лучший сиквел лучшей пошаговой стратегии всех времен.
    Первая цивилизация была шедевром. ВТорая очень сильна ушла от своих же стандартов. Третья перевела основы первой на современные движки и механики. Четвертая продолжила эту тенденцию. И только пятая сказала: мы возьмем основы первой, но сделаем их интересней и глубже.
    Игра получила черты варгейма с одним юнитом на гекс. И это самое главное изменение которое превратило Цивилизацию в настоящую стратегию. Никогда не забуду как я ковырял последний город последнего противника в четвертой: у него был один город, с одним жителем, без каких-либо клеток вокруг - кормила только земля города. В нем было бомбоубежище и 100 юнитов танков. Я утюжил их бомбами, артиллерией и ядерными бомбами, но они очень медленно умирали. О какой стратегии может идти речь?
    Пятая решила эту проблемы - тут есть кавалерийстксие рейды по тылам с артиллерией, фланговые атаки и удержание позиции пехотой. Танковый прорыв и морская блокада. Так и должна выглядеть война в игре Цивилизация.
    Дополнения решили все проблемы - не перегруженная механиками и очень полезная и разнообразная религия. Социальные институты позволяют собрать нужную цивилизацию, а высокая культура позволяет собрать их все!
    Зданий ровно столько, сколько нужно, великие люди крайне полезны, а игра за разные цивилизации идет очень по-разному.
    в игре есть именно то, что делает ее идеальной. Как говорил Экзюпери: "Идеал это не тогда, когда нечего добавить, но когда нечего убрать"...    … Expand
  18. nekut
    Jul 13, 2021
    10
    Прекрасная игра, лучшая в серии. Интересный геймплей, огромные возможности, действительно сложная стратегия. Наиграл 500 часов, но все равно регулярно возвращаюсь. Чтоб научится понадобится не один час но это точно стоит того.Прекрасная игра, лучшая в серии. Интересный геймплей, огромные возможности, действительно сложная стратегия. Наиграл 500 часов, но все равно регулярно возвращаюсь. Чтоб научится понадобится не один час но это точно стоит того.
  19. Ugliest_boy
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    I have no word on how good this game is. I can understand why some people doesn't like it but it's one of my favorite game.
  20. aap4ixx
    Nov 23, 2020
    10
    Кома как а мне игра крайне хорошо зашла. Переигрывал не раз.
  21. eefeef
    Aug 31, 2023
    10
    From 2010-2014 I lived to play this game, and also in 2020. Do not recommend this game to others.
  22. 7thru7
    Aug 4, 2021
    10
    An incredibly in depth and detailed game, Sid Meier's Civilization V is a masterpiece. I have been a civ player for nearly 9 years now, playing almost every game in the franchise, and there is not a doubt in my mind that Civ V is the best of them all. It is beautifully looking, with a moving soundtrack. Each civilization has a wonderfully unique playstyle that results in muchAn incredibly in depth and detailed game, Sid Meier's Civilization V is a masterpiece. I have been a civ player for nearly 9 years now, playing almost every game in the franchise, and there is not a doubt in my mind that Civ V is the best of them all. It is beautifully looking, with a moving soundtrack. Each civilization has a wonderfully unique playstyle that results in much replayability. The possibilities of how to achieve victory are endless. The game is balanced both for singleplayer and multiplayer, so you can play alone or with friends, each providing a special sense of fun. The mechanics are deep and intricate, yet easily learned. The progression of this game is satisfying like none other. To watch your civilization grow with such detail and precision is rewarding like nothing else in a game. If you have yet to try this game, all I can say is it will be well worth your time.… Expand
  23. BrianDavid94
    Aug 26, 2022
    10
    Quick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now I hardly play any. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find something new that I didn't think I'dQuick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now I hardly play any. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find something new that I didn't think I'd like. I play on every platform but prefer PlayStation.

    I just like playing god in this game and commanding forces. I spend way too much time on this game sometimes. Just one more turn.    … Expand
  24. MrBrooun
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Одна из лучших пошаговых стратегий, даст фору многим современным проектам
  25. ericdn627
    Mar 1, 2022
    10
    Perhaps THE BEST Civilization game in the whole series! You start out with a band of settlers and (usually) an armed escort, from which you build your civilization's first city. As time goes on, you micro-manage the activities of your cities, citizens, armies, industrial and agricultural output, and where you go from there is up to you: take over the world through violence, charm yourPerhaps THE BEST Civilization game in the whole series! You start out with a band of settlers and (usually) an armed escort, from which you build your civilization's first city. As time goes on, you micro-manage the activities of your cities, citizens, armies, industrial and agricultural output, and where you go from there is up to you: take over the world through violence, charm your opponents into submission, explore the stars, or hoard the wealth of the whole planet. The whole Civilization series is quite remarkable, but Civilization V is the perfect blend of action, management, diplomacy, and city building that always makes me want to come back and try again and again to see how successful my next game will be... or not. Tremendous fun. You may (no, you WILL) unwittingly stay up countless nights as you get lost in the gameplay.… Expand
  26. saksukasermet
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    The best strategy game ever made, my friend. I played this game for exactly 672 hours and I can still play it. Great balance, great gameplay, great civilization choices, and also Genghis Khan and horse fetish :)
  27. Denta-80
    Oct 23, 2010
    9
    I already played on the Amiga Civ1 and can regard thus as a veteran. CIV became from everyone part appeared in my opinion worse. The play remained always equivalent only ever more unimportant things implentiert which I does not need and which obscure the play to have made (politics with different parties are not sowas of unnecessarily straight in the today's time where 90% of the people inI already played on the Amiga Civ1 and can regard thus as a veteran. CIV became from everyone part appeared in my opinion worse. The play remained always equivalent only ever more unimportant things implentiert which I does not need and which obscure the play to have made (politics with different parties are not sowas of unnecessarily straight in the today's time where 90% of the people in politics to interestâ… Expand
  28. baalsoptio
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    The newest Civilazation entry is yet an another awesome advance in the series. Everything is more streamlined, but the depth is not really sacrificed (other than the omission of religion and espionage...which in my opinion were among the weaker aspects of Civ IV). My only major complain is that the diplomacy options in this new Civ are poorly handled. Diplomacy with City States is veryThe newest Civilazation entry is yet an another awesome advance in the series. Everything is more streamlined, but the depth is not really sacrificed (other than the omission of religion and espionage...which in my opinion were among the weaker aspects of Civ IV). My only major complain is that the diplomacy options in this new Civ are poorly handled. Diplomacy with City States is very clear, and you know exactly where you stand with each of them. Diplomacy with other nations is a total mystery though...you have no idea how they feel about you, or others, and the interface is not as clear as other aspects of the game. Since this will no doubt be addressed in a future patch, and does not break the game in any way now, it is a negative but does not lower the games score too much. Out of the box this game is a 9, but some clever patches/expansions could push it to a 10. Definitely worth buying...a marathon civ session awaits!… Expand
  29. molinator11
    Mar 14, 2012
    9
    As background, I've played Civilization only since the 3rd, which was the one that turned me on to all turn-based games. The intro pooped on my computer, but I'm still running a dual core on a 32-bit OS, so I kind of expect things like that. Right clicking to move is a bit frustrating, was the first thing I noticed. I have played only at the Warlord (4) level so far - they are foolish,As background, I've played Civilization only since the 3rd, which was the one that turned me on to all turn-based games. The intro pooped on my computer, but I'm still running a dual core on a 32-bit OS, so I kind of expect things like that. Right clicking to move is a bit frustrating, was the first thing I noticed. I have played only at the Warlord (4) level so far - they are foolish, but not wholly incapable of taking advantage of your missteps. I think the "denouncement" feature is what drives a lot of the aggressive diplomacy in the AI - at one point after being denounced by a few major civs, every city-state on the continent declared war on me. What I truly enjoy is how the new and the old have been paired in this game. The concepts are true to the core of turn-based strategy - the hexagonal tiles paired with the decision to remove stacking units makes combat and assaults of cities much more engaging. Though it is a lot easier to defend cities from early barbarian attackers, It's also much harder to make impenetrable fortresses of your major cities in the later stages of the game - a proper siege is very possible using artillery and infantry. The new culture system coupled with the happiness and social policy system makes for interesting game choices. Happiness levels in your empire are entirely transparent, and there are many ways to adjust these levels through social policies which are funded by culture. The other thing I enjoy is the lack of universally expansionist AI. In previous titles, the enemy AI would pack their cities like sardines and aggressively nab resources by simply building a new city - even if it meant stifling that city's ability to expand beyond 6 or 7 population. However in Civ V, the AI avoids this and develops each city properly, allowing room for expansion - in one of my marathon/huge games, I still had room just beyond my borders to develop cities at year 1810. Beyond all the new features that have added to the depth of the gameplay, a few simple ones have made it turns go MUCH quicker. The "End Turn" button will be replaced by important prompts such as "Choose new Research" when you finish a tech on that turn, or "Unit needs orders" when a unit that isn't asleep or fortified has not expended its moves. This makes things a lot easier because instead of tediously browsing over a large battlefield, the game simply finds those units for you and prevents you from ending turn without giving them an order or telling them to wait/sleep/fortify - I'd be surprised if every turn-based game doesn't adopt this feature eventually. This review has been a haphazard collection of new features, but I'd like to say that I am very pleased with the game overall - it brought more new features to the game in a single expansion than many of the previous installments, and did so with a surprising amount of grace. This review might be a year and a half after release (time flies- next turn) but I think this is a major stepping stone for the Civilization series and look forward to its refinement in future titles.… Expand
  30. muzziklover
    Jun 1, 2012
    9
    I'm just going to let it out that this is the first Civilization game I have ever played and you know what? I'm glad I played this first because I want to play the rest of the Civilization games and see how they evolved. Civilization V to a new comer like me is pure straight addiction. When I first played this game, I couldn't stop playing until it was 8 in the morning and I was startingI'm just going to let it out that this is the first Civilization game I have ever played and you know what? I'm glad I played this first because I want to play the rest of the Civilization games and see how they evolved. Civilization V to a new comer like me is pure straight addiction. When I first played this game, I couldn't stop playing until it was 8 in the morning and I was starting to hallucinate from the lack of sleep. I was determined to build my empire, I wanted my enemies to burn for defying my empire and I wanted to get every single hexagon spaces for my cities. This game is so addictive that I try my best to avoid playing it. Getting my personal experience out of the way, I'm going to say how Civilization is from a new comer's perspective. I think this game is really good. I don't know how the previous Civilization games played or how their mechanics work or how good they were but I really like the turn based style of this game. The board game like nature of the game made me think harder than most strategy games and I also thought the overall mechanics of it was really deep. What I think is that this game is for people who are completely new or just being introduced to Civilization as I have seen some gameplay of the previous games and they look quite complicated, maybe even more complicated than this. I say if you want to be introduced to this franchise, check Civilization V out. I know I did.… Expand
  31. Zebb
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    Civilization V is an excellent game in one of PC gaming's greatest franchises. As a longtime fan of the series, I was eagerly awaiting the release, and I'm pleased to say that while there is some room for improvement, the game's overall quality greatly exceeded my expectations. The change in combat systems, with the switch to hex tiles and elimination of the much-maligned Stack of Doom,Civilization V is an excellent game in one of PC gaming's greatest franchises. As a longtime fan of the series, I was eagerly awaiting the release, and I'm pleased to say that while there is some room for improvement, the game's overall quality greatly exceeded my expectations. The change in combat systems, with the switch to hex tiles and elimination of the much-maligned Stack of Doom, is by far the game's greatest accomplishment, shoring up one of the franchise's two major historic problems. The other, sadly, still has some work yet needed; that being the ineffectiveness of the AI, especially in diplomatic situations. The worst example I've seen in gameplay so far was when a computer player on the opposite side of the continent declared war on me, never moved any units anywhere near me (and vice-versa), and twenty or so turns later offered a peace agreement with a sizable tribute despite no actual conflict ever occuring. But aside from AI foibles, and the rather steep system requirements, the game is a hit on all accounts. The same deliciously addictive ego-fluffer for the megalomaniac in all of us, all in a more inviting, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing package. Perfect for old fans and newbies alike.… Expand
  32. GoneFishingX
    Sep 26, 2010
    9
    Civilization 5 is a great game and out does its previous installment in every way except for an iffy diplomacy system. The tech tree feels much more streamlined without dead end techs that feel worthless its less complicated but it's much better more often than not simpler is better. Lack of espionage, religion, and unhealthiness makes the game function better and I don't miss them. TheCivilization 5 is a great game and out does its previous installment in every way except for an iffy diplomacy system. The tech tree feels much more streamlined without dead end techs that feel worthless its less complicated but it's much better more often than not simpler is better. Lack of espionage, religion, and unhealthiness makes the game function better and I don't miss them. The combat system and map has improved the game fantastically and now warfare is actually fun which is a first for the series that alone is enough to overlook a few other flaws like a bland city state interaction system and rather wild and unpredictable AI (they play like a crazy human guy). Also the new culture use is genius and the new civics system is so much better than CIV 4. This isn't going to convert people who don't like the game but as it is its better than CIV 4 when it first came out and with expansions it will be the best in the series.… Expand
  33. Damon
    Oct 17, 2010
    9
    I played Civ 1 through 3 but unfortunately missed 4 due to World of Warcraft. I'm glad I waited for Civ 5, what an upgrade on every level. Amazing graphics, combat is vastly superior, the interface is much improved and easier to use. I also haven't experienced a SINGLE glitch, crash or problem - its been SOLID. If you could name your multiplayer saves and if they had included end gameI played Civ 1 through 3 but unfortunately missed 4 due to World of Warcraft. I'm glad I waited for Civ 5, what an upgrade on every level. Amazing graphics, combat is vastly superior, the interface is much improved and easier to use. I also haven't experienced a SINGLE glitch, crash or problem - its been SOLID. If you could name your multiplayer saves and if they had included end game videos, I'd give it a 10 for sure. Great job Sid, glad you're still at the top of your game.… Expand
  34. CarinWinters
    Oct 26, 2010
    9
    As a gamer whose played a few Civ games off and on, this iteration of Civ had me hooked from day one. Yes, there are some bugs, and some graphic issues but if you can look beyond that, you have a great game. Combat has been revised to be more strategic, no more stacks of death, you'll form lines, use range attacks and consider how you move your army. City-States add a new layer to theAs a gamer whose played a few Civ games off and on, this iteration of Civ had me hooked from day one. Yes, there are some bugs, and some graphic issues but if you can look beyond that, you have a great game. Combat has been revised to be more strategic, no more stacks of death, you'll form lines, use range attacks and consider how you move your army. City-States add a new layer to the game, city management is made much easier through a better clearer interface and strategic resources become a catalyst towards waging war, rapid expansion, or trade. This is probably the most accessible Civ game to date but still retains the core of what makes Civ fun. Enjoy!… Expand
  35. TheNoobifier
    Jan 8, 2011
    9
    A great CiV game, regardless of some minor bugs or issues, a must buy for any Strategy gamer.
  36. shinerboy
    Jan 6, 2011
    9
    One of the worst things about the gaming industry these years, specifically PC, requires you to have a much better system. Civilization V is one of those things that just requires a better computer. If your system is not up to date, well, Civ is going to be tough to play.
    Civilization is a wonderful game, etching out the grand scale of empire across millennia. It's your road, and your    One of the worst things about the gaming industry these years, specifically PC, requires you to have a much better system. Civilization V is one of those things that just requires a better computer. If your system is not up to date, well, Civ is going to be tough to play.
    Civilization is a wonderful game, etching out the grand scale of empire across millennia. It's your road, and your decision. Each civilization is complete in it's own, the worlds greatest superpowers (well, somewhat - never understood why the Songhai Empire was there when the Spain and Portugal were left out) are melded to your command. As time passes you will be attached to the empire you created. It is relieving. It wastes time. It is quite the game.
    Immersing game play is not short in Civilization V, you will go to war and you will live through peace, you will race to construct magnificent wonders that bolster your culture and other key importances. I will admit it was probably the poorest release game I've ever heard of, but the updates came (more may come) and the game is just golden for me. It's definitely a keeper.    … Expand
  37. Pelu
    Oct 27, 2018
    9
    The best modern strategy game I've played. Hexagonal grid and getting rid of stacks was a good way to limit the maximum efficient army size. A game can last exciting for the whole time if you pick a hard enough level, I would recommend Emperor. AI is somewhat stupid so I would not give a 10.

    For me it's the best Civ but I haven't played widely loved Civ IV.
  38. Ian277
    Jan 24, 2011
    9
    i started with civ 2 and loved it. then civ 4 came and disapointed me. so i needed a pick-me up and civ 5 was the answere. the first game was so exiting. i love the diplomacy it makes the game revived after civ 4's failure in diplomacy. the combat system is great and fun it is not just #'s vs #'s. if you have less units you can win a war if you use terrain and uprades to your advantage.i started with civ 2 and loved it. then civ 4 came and disapointed me. so i needed a pick-me up and civ 5 was the answere. the first game was so exiting. i love the diplomacy it makes the game revived after civ 4's failure in diplomacy. the combat system is great and fun it is not just #'s vs #'s. if you have less units you can win a war if you use terrain and uprades to your advantage. this is for REAL STRATEGY GAMERS that know how unlike the civ 4 freaks that have only played #4 and have no idea what strategy is. you need to use your noggin to win. fun and addicting. deserves alot more attention.… Expand
  39. gamer1234
    Nov 28, 2011
    9
    Bought this in a Steam sale for $20 instead of the usual $50, and perhaps that inclines me to be more positive about the game than some people here, but I find this a rewarding and very addictive game. have not played Civilization games for many years (Civilization 2 was the last one I played) so I'm not comparing this to its predecessors.

    To me this seems to strike a nice balance    Bought this in a Steam sale for $20 instead of the usual $50, and perhaps that inclines me to be more positive about the game than some people here, but I find this a rewarding and very addictive game. have not played Civilization games for many years (Civilization 2 was the last one I played) so I'm not comparing this to its predecessors.

    To me this seems to strike a nice balance between playability and depth, and the automation features are a nice option to save you from some of the tedium of doing the same thing over and over again. Just automate those units you don't care about and focus on the units that are most important for your main strategy. You don't have to use the automation if you don't want to, so any "dumbing down" it brings is entirely optional.

    It's fun without being too shallow, there's a fair amount of complexity to it, and it's challenging enough for me. I'm not a really hardcore strategy gamer so perhaps it's not for them and I can see why they might worry for the series if previous instalments were more complex, but it's still one of the best strategy games I have played.    … Expand
  40. CoreDave
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    Fantastic installment in the series, at launch there were a lot of issues and the multiplayer was all but unplayable but over the years the various expansions have massively enhanced and improved this game into the utter gem it is today. Great single player, great multiplayer, probably the best turn based strategy game I've ever played. Love it.
  41. SJ_pl
    Jan 31, 2012
    9
    Let me start by saying that it's a special game. Civ V could go for a single player campaign like Anno series. Go for some tutorials + hours and hours of complicated mission forcing you to fulfill the screenplay writers idea. But that's not Civ V! It has tons of freedom in it's gameplay design and it is not ashamed to use it. You can play it for a week, you can play it for a month. You'llLet me start by saying that it's a special game. Civ V could go for a single player campaign like Anno series. Go for some tutorials + hours and hours of complicated mission forcing you to fulfill the screenplay writers idea. But that's not Civ V! It has tons of freedom in it's gameplay design and it is not ashamed to use it. You can play it for a week, you can play it for a month. You'll be thrilled to see your civilisation blossom.… Expand
  42. Lewg999
    Jun 2, 2011
    9
    As a strategy veteran but a newcomer to the civ franchise i thought i would give an honest opinion from an unbiased position.This is straight up the most addictive strategy game (maybe the most addictive game) i have ever played, to start with there are many factions to choose each with varying pros and cons that mean it is not a game that gets old quickly and the gameplay is absoluteleyAs a strategy veteran but a newcomer to the civ franchise i thought i would give an honest opinion from an unbiased position.This is straight up the most addictive strategy game (maybe the most addictive game) i have ever played, to start with there are many factions to choose each with varying pros and cons that mean it is not a game that gets old quickly and the gameplay is absoluteley superb for a strategy game with just the right balance between economics, diplomacy and warfare to keep the game interesting. My only complaint with civ 5 would be that without saves in multiplayer and given the length of most matches multiplayer is difficult to organise and play however this will hopefully be fixed later on. on hte subject of multiplayer it seems to be working pretty well currently and teamed with the massive amount of time you will spend in single player civ 5 has teh best value for money of a strategy game i have played in a long time. The graphics are another area in which the game excels with the game being clear and easy to understand from a zoomed out perspective and yet very detailed up close. Overall as someone who loves the strategy genre but has never before played a civ game this is a game that deserves to be in every strategy fans collection… Expand
  43. CD001
    Jul 5, 2011
    9
    A late review based on the game as it is now - with patches. If, like me, you remember playing the original Civilization on the Amiga, you'll see how much the game has changed over the years - and this one is a big change in the series - if you can get past the "this isn't Civ 4" factor it IS a great game - hell, I've clocked up 576 hours on it according to Steam. The diplomacy systemA late review based on the game as it is now - with patches. If, like me, you remember playing the original Civilization on the Amiga, you'll see how much the game has changed over the years - and this one is a big change in the series - if you can get past the "this isn't Civ 4" factor it IS a great game - hell, I've clocked up 576 hours on it according to Steam. The diplomacy system isn't gone, it's just been streamlined - you don't need to send diplomats out - and the NPCs respond to you according to how you act (well, they'll all hate you if you're WAY out ahead)... it's actually better. Espionage IS gone though as is religion - which takes away a couple of layers of depth from the game unfortunately. The difficulty curve has been tweaked so that it doesn't jump from "too easy" to "impossible" in about a step and the cultural system has been overhauled, as has the combat (massively) it's no longer a matter of stack a thousand units on a square and romp in, you now need to utilise your ranged units, stand them behind "melee" units and fire over them - yup, no more stacking on the squares. Oh, and cities can defend themselves now. In short, so much has changed that this is a totally different game - I suspect the low scoring here is largely due to people carrying baggage over from previous Civ games. If you're prepared to approach it with fresh eyes you'll probably find it a rewarding, infinitely replayable, turn-based strategy game - much like any other Civ game (except Civ 3 which I never really liked for some reason) - Civ 5 is more about tactics, strategy and exploration and less about micro-management so an important thing to bear in mind is - THIS IS NOT CIV 4! - (it's more like a supercharged version of Civ 2 - with less railways)… Expand
  44. Simon150999
    Jun 13, 2013
    9
    The only thing i miss about this game vs Civilization IV is the politics system, i hate the new social policies and poor cultural victory, but they are going to change that in the next expansion anyway.
    Its easy to pick up for newbies, and experts can think out some complicated devious plan, the combat is much better now (no archers destroying my tanks or spearmen taking down helicopters)    The only thing i miss about this game vs Civilization IV is the politics system, i hate the new social policies and poor cultural victory, but they are going to change that in the next expansion anyway.
    Its easy to pick up for newbies, and experts can think out some complicated devious plan, the combat is much better now (no archers destroying my tanks or spearmen taking down helicopters) and the only thing that is unsatisfying about it is the lack of grenadiers and a bonus against infantry for tanks, otherwise it is really great, the diplomacy is ok but a little dumb and does not lead anywhere, the civilization i am threatening as the only nuclear state (yet) refuses to give me 50 gold, 10 turns later i won a domination victory, however the different personalities are quite nice, if they fix the flaws in a way that cannot be abused and also feels more natural they are going to make the greatest strategy game in history.    … Expand
  45. Quasi
    Sep 3, 2011
    9
    Heck - how can such a great game have such a low score? Yes, there are new aspects. If there were none, people would complain even more. Civ 5 is better than all other games in the series.
  46. DeadlyCornbread
    Jul 12, 2011
    9
    I am new to Civ. I never played the old ones, only seen them played, so I'm fresh to the series, since I only recently acquired a PC capable of playing decent games. Civilization V is one of my favorite games in recent memory. I've spent well over 30+ hours playing it, and I am not tired yet. Each race and location adds an exciting change and it's fun to attempt a victory in the manyI am new to Civ. I never played the old ones, only seen them played, so I'm fresh to the series, since I only recently acquired a PC capable of playing decent games. Civilization V is one of my favorite games in recent memory. I've spent well over 30+ hours playing it, and I am not tired yet. Each race and location adds an exciting change and it's fun to attempt a victory in the many different ways you can in this game. But as I mentioned, I feel the game is well worth the money you spend, but I am also new to the series and have nothing to base this game on other than the fun I get from it. And from my perspective, this game is an instant classic.… Expand
  47. RazorEye
    Apr 20, 2015
    9
    While more simpler and straightforward than other entries in the Civilization series, Civilization V, despite possessing an overwhelming sense of something missing, is a fun and enjoyable game nonetheless. A game that seems more tailored to newcomers to the franchise, Civilization V pays great respect to presentation, with a more alive and animated gameplay that Civilization IV had leftWhile more simpler and straightforward than other entries in the Civilization series, Civilization V, despite possessing an overwhelming sense of something missing, is a fun and enjoyable game nonetheless. A game that seems more tailored to newcomers to the franchise, Civilization V pays great respect to presentation, with a more alive and animated gameplay that Civilization IV had left mostly to the imagination, bringing new life into the world that players have been running around in for the past two decades.

    While experienced Civilization players may find emptiness in the many removed and replaced features and aspects compared to Civilization IV and previous entries in the franchise, others can find elation and waste countless hours with a game that, on it's own, proves to be one hell of an experience. What contributes mostly to the game's attractive atmosphere are the opponents you play against. In Civilization V, all leaders that you compete alongside have been given such rich personalities through vivid animation and luscious voice acting, giving new strategy to gameplay that isn't necessarily a physical aspect of the game, but rather an emotional one. For example, Caesar's passive-agressive attitude and Wu Zetian's consistently defiant personality gives weight to the player's actions against these particular people, deepening the fog of war and giving a new dimension to the gameplay.

    While Civilization V is undoubtedly better with the Gods and Kings and Brave New World expansion packs which have been released in the years following the game's original release, the original "vanilla" release is still a great game on it's own. Having played it bare for five years, I still think Civilization V is one of the best PC games on the market. Bold and beautiful, it's definitely a game you must play at least once before you die. Or twice. Or a hundred times.    … Expand
  48. mintlo
    Dec 16, 2012
    9
    My first time playing the civilization series and I got hooked on it. It is much fun and challenging - right when you think you just might have peace with your neighbor civs they attack you from all sides. A really fun game to play.
  49. Teraksus
    Aug 14, 2011
    9
    It's just brilliant, I've been playing it for 440 hours, and it just never get boring. But, there are still room for improvement:
    I) The AI have to grow, because after some time the problem is that you don't lose. Of course you can use more challenging levels, but still the main difference is that the computer got an upper hand on you at the start of the game, but the AI are still the    It's just brilliant, I've been playing it for 440 hours, and it just never get boring. But, there are still room for improvement:
    I) The AI have to grow, because after some time the problem is that you don't lose. Of course you can use more challenging levels, but still the main difference is that the computer got an upper hand on you at the start of the game, but the AI are still the same.
    II) The online game experience is weak. It is just about to do things faster than the other players, and every time I played it was same thing, everybody just leave the room before someone got the chance to win.
    Still is a nice piece of business.    … Expand
  50. grok70
    Aug 31, 2011
    9
    I love this version. I've been playing since civilization 3. All of my habits are actually developed around Civ 3 Civ 4 still bugs me because I keep expecting to get samurai as knights instead of horseman, and free granaries from the pyramids. Don't know what I'm talking about? This review probably isn't for you.

    But let's talk about Civ V and why I like it. One, the combat is fantastic.    I love this version. I've been playing since civilization 3. All of my habits are actually developed around Civ 3 Civ 4 still bugs me because I keep expecting to get samurai as knights instead of horseman, and free granaries from the pyramids. Don't know what I'm talking about? This review probably isn't for you.

    But let's talk about Civ V and why I like it. One, the combat is fantastic. The visual representation is very effective, and the sounds and details of it feel great. The fact that frigates and such can directly attack units is awesome. The hex system is the perfect system, and it gives the whole combat the feel of the board game Battletech. The fact that you can't stack units introduces meaningful 2 dimensional strategy. The combat now has a degree of depth to it that makes it much more fun, and when manipulating large armies, LESS OF A GRIND. It's the difference in space combat between Star Trek Online and Eve Online. In Eve it's a numbers game, maneuvering, except speed and distance is meaningless. In STO you have to rotate your shields, making 3 dimensional maneuvering vital, and group maneuvering meaningful. Same thing for CIV 4 vs. Civ 5. This is a VAST improvement. The whole combat system is a vast improvement.

    Diplomacy: All the features I look for in diplomacy were there. The diplomacy layout was great, even the new interaction screen gives me a good vibe. When I'm talking to Montezuma I am connected to the culture through his background and body language. Much better than the Victorian portrait.

    Expansion: I like that this is no longer a settler race early game. There is plenty of land. Don't bother expanding to an area that isn't rich in luxuries or strategic resources. I'm currently playing the Iroquois, I've 3x'd my way into being the largest empire, and I'm rich, but my people are unhappy (annexing causing problems) and the English, who only have 3 cities (vs. my 8) are an age further ahead in tech, have a better military, and are better connected diplomatically (I'm playing on prince difficulty). I squandered all my political and human capital on conquering the Aztec. To me this is depth, and I like it. I won the war but lost the greater competition because of my land greed. Tech Tree: There are now two tech trees. There is the traditional science tech tree, which makes a bit more sense and has actually been expanded, and then there is the new social tech tree. Civ5 takes the idea that there is an endgame for policy. I could do either sytem, but I think there is a lot of strategy and depth to pursuing the social tech tree (fed by culture, awesome.) I'm enjoying it, though it was fun before to become a fascist, nationalistic theocracy and go storming the world. Cities: The cities look great and feel great. The funeral dirge of the Fat square is an ode to joy. The end of neurotic micromanagement of workers and tiles is poetry. Managing the city, the purchase model vs the old rush/ slave model makes more sense. THANK GOD FOR EMBARCATION. Makes the whole game smoother and better. The People's revolt that occurs when your citizens are too unhappy is awesome. This is a sophisticated though simplified model for Civ. The city states are an effective way for us To temporarily expand in times of need, and contract as the need ends. They also provide mini-missions and many interesting dynamics to fill vast tracts of time. Everything that was added I like, I miss NOTHING about the old city system, though I can see the roots of the current system in it. The interaction between the city system and the new combat system is fantastic, and now sieges are so much more dynamic and interesting. Far more so than the previous civs. The overall feel of the game is very much improved. There are two big problems with the civilization series: it becomes tedious when you have a large empire, and late game there's a lack of flexibility, if you're not top dog, it's unlikely you will be by 2050. This game has helped a lot of with the tediousness of empire by limiting the size and by streamlining the micromanagement of cities. I have yet to see if late game is improved.

    The Civilization series has a lot of die hard fans who invested a lot of time and energy into the the minutiae of the previous systems. Their conservative view means this game is worse, because it's tactical and strategic depth is different, not immediately apparent, and perhaps simplified, definitely less technical, though intricate in what I think is a better way. The game is very system heavy. The graphics engine a little buggy. Even the opening movie doesn't like to let me escape out. Hopefully these issues will be solved soon. I'm very happy with it. I wake up early to play it before work, I stay up late playing it after school. I'm 27 years old, and if I'm lucky, I might just conquer St. Petersberg before the day is out.    … Expand
  51. stocean
    Oct 9, 2011
    9
    Civ V is definitely my favorite 4X games out there and I still play it along with Civ IV BTS(Yes! playing both is possible). The core gameplay of Civ series is still there presented in beautiful graphic and slimmed down interface coupled with very engaging combat system. The game had many issues on its first release but since then great effort from both Firaxis and Civ community hasCiv V is definitely my favorite 4X games out there and I still play it along with Civ IV BTS(Yes! playing both is possible). The core gameplay of Civ series is still there presented in beautiful graphic and slimmed down interface coupled with very engaging combat system. The game had many issues on its first release but since then great effort from both Firaxis and Civ community has improved this game a lot more just like in 2005 they did to Civ IV.… Expand
  52. chevmech
    May 5, 2012
    9
    Civ 5 is not a bad game. I think they just went the wrong direction with it. The graphics are updated beautifully but the depth has been stripped back some. This will change to some degree with the release of Gods and kings, but if you are looking for more depth and content, you are better off loading Civ 4 mod Caveman to Cosmos. The mod is everything I hoped 5 would introduceCiv 5 is not a bad game. I think they just went the wrong direction with it. The graphics are updated beautifully but the depth has been stripped back some. This will change to some degree with the release of Gods and kings, but if you are looking for more depth and content, you are better off loading Civ 4 mod Caveman to Cosmos. The mod is everything I hoped 5 would introduce including so much depth and content it's almost TOO much to process. Some improvements that were made in 5 are: City-states- a cool new addition. Ranged units are ACTUALLY ranged units being able to attack from more than one space away. Hex grid is way better than square and unit stacking is gone. I find it more realistic, but it is a pain in the @$$ when you have to move garrisoned units to produce more. Gods and Kings will re-introduce a religion resource and units will receive a large bump in HP. I'm anxious to see how this will affect overall game strategy. Overall the game is solid and I must give it a thumbs up.… Expand
  53. ashiphire
    Nov 8, 2011
    9
    An amazingly well done game to add to this great franchise of games. the new hex tiles work so much better than the previous tiles. Only complaint is the ai can be a bit dim witted at times.
  54. Invader-Nik
    Aug 12, 2013
    9
    One of my favorite strategy games. I always thought Civ was a boring series, but after playing Civ V during a Steam free weekend I actually enjoyed it. It allows you to forge your own empire, and choose whether to pursue a republic of peace, or an empire of destruction. Fun, addictive turn-based game. Hasn't crashed once on me.
  55. whitewi666
    Nov 15, 2011
    9
    I have played Civ since the first one!!! This is another great addition to the great series! Some feathers are good some not but overall it's still amazing game! I just hope they won't dumb down it too much in next one!!!
  56. JimCorbett
    Jun 12, 2013
    9
    Civ V is a fantastic strategy game. This is my first foray into the series and I am very impressed. I've lost hours in its infinite replayability and addicting gameplay. Definitely one of the best Turn based Strategy games available.
  57. Okamimaster
    Nov 14, 2011
    9
    Okay I love it. Great game graphics, I love the integration of city-states and the tech-tree is so diverse. I could go on and on about the pros of Civ V. The game was so well made and I highly advise this game for anyone to purchase. Only one con, something I liked from Civ Rev, whatever happened to culturally converting cities?
  58. Sputniknet
    Nov 22, 2011
    9
    1) Ð
  59. sadistiko
    Dec 22, 2011
    9
    I play Civ series from Civ II, and every new version have something new. I like new graphics but also only one unit per hex is also better solution than endless stack units.
  60. ultraviper
    Mar 22, 2012
    9
    A great addition to the Civilization series, but not quite as good as Civ IV. The removal of things like espionage and religion, only to be re-added in a later expansion, is very disappointing. It does try to shake things up by not only going to a hex tile system instead of squares, but only allowing one unit per space when before you could stack up an entire continental army on a singleA great addition to the Civilization series, but not quite as good as Civ IV. The removal of things like espionage and religion, only to be re-added in a later expansion, is very disappointing. It does try to shake things up by not only going to a hex tile system instead of squares, but only allowing one unit per space when before you could stack up an entire continental army on a single space. A lot of players see such a huge change as a bad thing but being different isn't necessarily being worse.… Expand
  61. Azuth
    Jun 9, 2015
    9
    Excellent in every way, one of the best strategy games I have ever played. Armies are more manageable than ever and the policies add an interesting meta. (It would have been a 10 with the xpack included)
  62. Tick
    May 29, 2012
    9
    I have been playing Civilization since the first game was released back in 1991. I can only give this game 9/10 with all the expansions installed. Without the expansions and without the patches that have been released to day it is a 7/10 at best. I am a fan. I avoid multi-player because I ONLY play Marathon game-length. The AI is pretty stupid and predictable, but I play to win! It is anI have been playing Civilization since the first game was released back in 1991. I can only give this game 9/10 with all the expansions installed. Without the expansions and without the patches that have been released to day it is a 7/10 at best. I am a fan. I avoid multi-player because I ONLY play Marathon game-length. The AI is pretty stupid and predictable, but I play to win! It is an enjoyable game, and I am a fan of no unit stacking. I always hated that I could make an invincible stack that would move around the game as a stack of death razing every city I came accross until I won. Combat is great in this game! It requires strat. You have to move an army into place before-hand, plan your routes, use land and sea, you need to send in reinforcements to areas which are wearing down... and none of the pathetic click and win RTS style. I am a Big fan of this game.… Expand
  63. abasche
    Sep 8, 2013
    9
    This review is based upon over 250 hours of gameplay

    Why you should buy it: -Intelligent UI -Dynamic and unique civilizations to play -Gameplay is PERFECTLY paced if you like turn-based strategy -Research system is logical and requires strategy -Variety of victory paths gives you a dynamic gameplay experience (replayable) Why you should think twice: -Combat is static and boring    This review is based upon over 250 hours of gameplay

    Why you should buy it:
    -Intelligent UI
    -Dynamic and unique civilizations to play
    -Gameplay is PERFECTLY paced if you like turn-based strategy
    -Research system is logical and requires strategy
    -Variety of victory paths gives you a dynamic gameplay experience (replayable)

    Why you should think twice:
    -Combat is static and boring
    -AI diplomacy is basic
    -AI trading is linear
    -Aircraft can get stuck in combat loop

    Conclusion: Some minor issues, but overall I LOVED this game. Probably one of the few games I have played this much over the past year. WORTH your money.    … Expand
  64. Tricky_Dicky
    Jul 22, 2013
    9
    Never played Civilization before and having decided to purchase Civilization V I found myself getting to grasp pretty easily how things operate, At first the turn based aspect put me off but then found myself playing for 5 hours straight completely addicted.

    I've played a fair share of strategy games but Civ V has made my top 3.
  65. KvltKitty
    Aug 1, 2012
    9
    Civilization V, the ultimate time waster. A very solid game, especially since the patches and expansion for a night kickin back with friends and having a few beers. A long night at that. For both long time and newcoming players of the Civilization series, you'll feel right at home here. A lot of reviews on here complain about the "lack of depth" in the game, but they act as though itCivilization V, the ultimate time waster. A very solid game, especially since the patches and expansion for a night kickin back with friends and having a few beers. A long night at that. For both long time and newcoming players of the Civilization series, you'll feel right at home here. A lot of reviews on here complain about the "lack of depth" in the game, but they act as though it is no longer difficult or deep because of the removal of a few features (many of which are now available in DLC's), but I personally think that they improvements they made over the previous games allow for more tactical depth than ever. Gone are the days of stacking so many units that you could ceaselessly barrage a city until it falls to its knees. Now, you really have to plan carefully and prepare for a siege, as you should. I had tremendous fun figuring out and mastering the combat system. Everything from where to place the catapults so as to be useful, but not too vulnerable as well as who are the front line marines sent in essentially to do little damage on a suicide mission before you bring in the big guns. The gameplay is fluid, and in multiplayer the combat is intense once air units are introduced as you scramble to intercept air units headed for your beloved cities. Early game, building wonders and researching technology can take FOREVER. But what a lot of people here seem to overlook is the realism that goes along with that. Fact is, it did take forever to build The Great Wall, Hanging Gardens, etc. And once nations began becoming industrialized, things really sped up. This holds true in the Civilization series. By the time I hit the industrial era, I was completing wonders in 3-4 turns, builds in 1-2, and every unit in 1. BUT, if you play your cards wrong, you could end up developing no research a turn, or with your production at or near a standstill. Every decision you make seems to have greater implications in Civ V than the previous, as there are less to make which ends up making you really have to weigh your options much more. I'd argue that the game has more depth in that each decision you make is absolutely crucial, whereas in Civ IV I found myself able to let a lot more go with much less staring at that screen while others wait for you to hit that next turn button.

    There's a lot of very negative reviews out there with scores of 0-5, and to you I say... Really? The programming, design and execution of the game is excellent. A lot of people here discuss Civ like it's some sort of sacred thing. It's a board game in virtual form people, they have to make changes if they want to progress. Stop acting as though the series holds any sort of loyalty towards you. I personally see video games as art, and like good art, the artist does what they think is best. If you have a better idea, get involved in the process yourself. If not, at LEAST give constructive criticism, not this "this game is a waste of money, total piece of **** It's not like the old one." Just makes you look like a douche, as this game was obviously meticulously crafted from the ground up by the developers. If you think Civ IV is the perfect game, then keep playing that. As for myself, I honestly cannot think of a better turn based strategy game out there. Total War: Shogun 2 was fun, but the limitation of 2 players per campaign has really limited myself from playing it as on my weekend off I like to LAN with 3-4 friends, bbq, and play some strategy games. I have always seen games like this as a highly social thing, like board games. This crushes any turn based strategy or board game in terms of replayability.

    I just don't understand why people refer to it being more of a casual game. Aren't all games casual? Cause I feel the term is being used very loosely. Cookin Mama and CoD is casual, and no CoD kiddie would even make it halfway through a game of Civ without throwing a bored tantrum from lack of headshots. Just because Civ allows more of a social experience is not a bad thing, as it IS just a board game video game essentially. We already have RPG's for that antisocial desire in us. I think between Fallout, Dragon Age, Dark Souls, Elder Scrolls, The Witcher, Disciples, etc. I have had my fill of sitting in a room by myself. Being an IT guy, that is my job pretty much, so on weekends I like to get together with fellow nerds and game hard for those few days off. And this game is perfect for that when you don't feel like dealing with the clenched shoulder intensity of a SCII or LoL game.    … Expand
  66. Gabcd
    Aug 6, 2012
    9
    4+/5 (Very Good)

    If you enjoy playing games like RISK, where a game can take DAYS to finish, CIV5 is for you.

    The best part? I don't actually care about winning in CIV5, it's how you get to the end that is fun and somehow hugely satisfying. (even if you lose)

    I don't even finish all of my games and still feel good about them!
  67. DexEngineer
    Aug 14, 2020
    9
    Addictive game... One more turn... Sleepless nights. Hundred hours played. Lots of fun if you are determine to explore the rules.
  68. BlackAkatosh
    Apr 2, 2013
    9
    This is game is pure strategy. If you're looking for a game like AoE or Warcraft, you probably need to look elsewhere, but if you like turn based games, you came to the right place.
    Everything in this game needs to be done patiently, and time is not a problem, so if you forget to do something, it's not the game's fault.
    One of the best features is the longevity. I can play two days in a    This is game is pure strategy. If you're looking for a game like AoE or Warcraft, you probably need to look elsewhere, but if you like turn based games, you came to the right place.
    Everything in this game needs to be done patiently, and time is not a problem, so if you forget to do something, it's not the game's fault.
    One of the best features is the longevity. I can play two days in a single map. And the variety of units is amazing. The AI seems smart in higher levels of difficulty, but annoyingly dumb in easier modes. And visually it looks very nice!
    But the lack of options to "talk" to other civilizations (single player) and city states, is one of the things that takes 1 point from perfection. And the almost non existence of unique units from the various empires is something that makes gamers think twice before play it multiple times. Some variety would be much appreciated.    … Expand
  69. Shadowbane
    Oct 22, 2013
    9
    I never cared for the Civ series all that much. It was always playable, but slow tedious and boring to me. Oddly I enjoyed the heck out of Civ 5. It was easy to get into, faster paced than I expected and a hell of a lot of fun multiplier with my mates. A couple things I didn't like, AI was a bit dumber than expected on hard, late game really slows down, and the tech tree for the modern andI never cared for the Civ series all that much. It was always playable, but slow tedious and boring to me. Oddly I enjoyed the heck out of Civ 5. It was easy to get into, faster paced than I expected and a hell of a lot of fun multiplier with my mates. A couple things I didn't like, AI was a bit dumber than expected on hard, late game really slows down, and the tech tree for the modern and space age was to simple. They really should have spread out the tech more at the end. Overall a highly recommended game I will play well into the future.… Expand
  70. ausgebombt85
    Aug 31, 2014
    9
    I've never played a Civ game before. And from screenshots, reviews and lets play videos, this seemed like the most boring video game ever. But I was looking for good games I haven't played and decided to give this a try. At first, I sucked bad, got bored and just Retired when I pissed off every other nation by invading a city-state and then tried to invade Portugal with a few brawl units..I've never played a Civ game before. And from screenshots, reviews and lets play videos, this seemed like the most boring video game ever. But I was looking for good games I haven't played and decided to give this a try. At first, I sucked bad, got bored and just Retired when I pissed off every other nation by invading a city-state and then tried to invade Portugal with a few brawl units.. On my second day playing, 7 hours went by without me even realizing it. I'm making progress and I can't stop thinking about what to do next with my session.

    This game has a steep learning curve, and it might not even be "fun" in the traditional way; but once you grasp the basics (something made very simple with a very thorough in-game tutorial system), then you can easily spend countless hours building your Civ and never realizing it.

    I don't know if this is the best Civilization game out there or not, nor do I care; this game is like a drug.    … Expand
  71. N1ghtshade3
    Mar 5, 2013
    9
    This is the first Civilization I've ever played, and I have so much fun with it. If you're not comparing it to any of the previous games, it's a great game. I do wish I could stack units like you apparently could in the old games, but on a Huge map, it isn't so much of an issue. Well worth the money spent.
  72. EduardoLuiz
    Dec 19, 2012
    9
    Civilization itself is a work of improved its grand chapter. Here is the incursion of new technologies, counselors, and draw some possibilities of Chapter IV, which are mostly of military strategies (where one can no longer join several troops in the same area), and that the areas do not expand automatically only, here you have to buy 'lots' to expand the boundaries. Among all recentCivilization itself is a work of improved its grand chapter. Here is the incursion of new technologies, counselors, and draw some possibilities of Chapter IV, which are mostly of military strategies (where one can no longer join several troops in the same area), and that the areas do not expand automatically only, here you have to buy 'lots' to expand the boundaries. Among all recent strategy games, Civilization V is by far the best.… Expand
  73. Grugnir
    Jan 3, 2013
    9
    I've played civilization since Civ 2 was out and I really love the series. As always, there are a large number of changes from the last installment, but it still retains the basic feel of civilization. There are things I feel are improvements over the last installment, and things I do not feel are better, but for the most part I see the differences as positive. I would have given it aI've played civilization since Civ 2 was out and I really love the series. As always, there are a large number of changes from the last installment, but it still retains the basic feel of civilization. There are things I feel are improvements over the last installment, and things I do not feel are better, but for the most part I see the differences as positive. I would have given it a rating of 10, but there are some stability issues that cause frequent crashes. Update all drivers and run DXDIAG before playing, and even then, save often.… Expand
  74. ericcoutinho
    Jan 17, 2013
    9
    É um clássico! Todos os jogos dessa franquia de 1991 são ótimos.
    Civilization V não fica atrás e realmente vale a pena, dá pra ficar horas direto.
    Pra quem nunca jogou nenhum deles, vale a pena deixar pra comprar a expansão Gods & Kings depois, mas pra quem já está familiarizado com a série, sugiro nem jogar    É um clássico! Todos os jogos dessa franquia de 1991 são ótimos.
    Civilization V não fica atrás e realmente vale a pena, dá pra ficar horas direto.
    Pra quem nunca jogou nenhum deles, vale a pena deixar pra comprar a expansão Gods & Kings depois, mas pra quem já está familiarizado com a série, sugiro nem jogar antes de comprar a expansão.

    É uma parte importante do jogo que não deveria vir em um DLC, mas no pacote principal, já que não é uma adesão apenas de recursos e não de conteúdo. Espionagem e Religião, Profetas, Missionários, Inquisidores, manipulação de eleições e roubo de tecnologia são algumas novidades de Gods & Kings.    … Expand
  75. mckw
    Oct 31, 2013
    9
    This game is addiction, it defines addiction. But being addicted to a game does not always mean its good. But Civilisation as a franchise is great. There are issues, but it does not hide the fact that a good game exists here. Just one more move
  76. twombsy
    Feb 12, 2013
    9
    This is an excellent game that you can spend many hours playing. I can also leave this game for a few months and come right back and have no issues with with remembering how to do things because it is very user friendly. That said, I think it is somewhat like Civilization for dummies compared to Civ 4 because of its simplification, but it is still very good. Graphics and game-play are great.
  77. TFORPULLONE
    Jul 6, 2014
    9
    REVIEW UPDATE---The best strategy game in gaming history. It's so addicting that you can play this like 16 hours straight easily. Excellent make this also it's mods. It has so many good mods in Steam Workshop. Only reason why this game is a 9/10 cause of it's multiplayer sucks. Lobbies are hard to join. Saving is almost impossible. Also and well you see when play this game. Then u knowREVIEW UPDATE---The best strategy game in gaming history. It's so addicting that you can play this like 16 hours straight easily. Excellent make this also it's mods. It has so many good mods in Steam Workshop. Only reason why this game is a 9/10 cause of it's multiplayer sucks. Lobbies are hard to join. Saving is almost impossible. Also and well you see when play this game. Then u know what i'm taking about. 9/10.… Expand
  78. Ecaelia
    Mar 2, 2013
    9
    A great addition to the Civilization series. The new one unit per tile setting allows for great and strategic games. Diplomacy is a bit of a down point, thus no 10/10 game.
  79. ratt22
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    I have always loved strategy type games in the this one did not let me down! I use my game on a MAC and it runs perfectly. The graphics and game play are smooth and I do like to plan my attacks on other civs. With the inclusion of different parameters such as the happiness index makes you think about what the leader is doing, if its good or bad. Hopefully new updates will expand theseI have always loved strategy type games in the this one did not let me down! I use my game on a MAC and it runs perfectly. The graphics and game play are smooth and I do like to plan my attacks on other civs. With the inclusion of different parameters such as the happiness index makes you think about what the leader is doing, if its good or bad. Hopefully new updates will expand these different parameters.

    I guess my only real complaint is the maps and having to pay to get new maps (and Civs) into the game; the prices are not all that bad, $4 to $5.

    Keep it up 2K!    … Expand
  80. Sifu
    Mar 23, 2013
    9
    A very smooth, addictive and fun strategy game. The game is extremely well made and you can easily lose hours. You don't have to be a history buff to appreciate this, although it does add to the games charm.
  81. Memburg
    Feb 10, 2014
    9
    I would make a short, snappy, funny review, yet it needs to be 150 characters long, so I'll just fill it up with nonsense. qijnfkongfangfj;naf;jnal;jfn;aljfn;ljafnajf'o[iqwjhvfio'jhq3woithq[0t0[qhfo[uihqofhq;ofhaqhf;oiaushf;iuabhsf;iuahwfi;uahfi;uahfihbafjhaifbaoifioauhfiafhiauf. THERE WE GO! This is the best game I ever played. 7.

    -IGN
  82. electricspit
    Jun 15, 2013
    9
    I see a lot of people complaining that this game isn't what they expected based on older Civ games. I've never played any of the older ones, so I didn't know what to expect, but I know that this game is amazing. It is addicting, fun to play with friends, and a great overall strategy game. There is a lot to manage, and happiness is an issue, but if you take time and learn how to play itI see a lot of people complaining that this game isn't what they expected based on older Civ games. I've never played any of the older ones, so I didn't know what to expect, but I know that this game is amazing. It is addicting, fun to play with friends, and a great overall strategy game. There is a lot to manage, and happiness is an issue, but if you take time and learn how to play it shouldn't be a problem.

    I gave it a 9 because there are still some issues to be worked out, like Multiplayer mods as well as city-states being almost completely useless.    … Expand
  83. lach1223
    Nov 7, 2013
    9
    I particularly enjoyed the additions to Civilization V. The introduction of city states adds a layer of depth to the game. You can develop alliances with them and this can result in them giving you free units, or you can fight with them. The interface is also much cleaner in Civilization V, with the exact level of happiness and culture produced clearly displayed. The graphics have alsoI particularly enjoyed the additions to Civilization V. The introduction of city states adds a layer of depth to the game. You can develop alliances with them and this can result in them giving you free units, or you can fight with them. The interface is also much cleaner in Civilization V, with the exact level of happiness and culture produced clearly displayed. The graphics have also been vastly improved, with terrain surfaces looking highly detailed and vibrant, especially the water which reflects the sunlight. The sound effects and music is also good, although I did prefer the Leonard Nimoy voice overs in Civilization IV than the voice overs in Civilization V. Some of the gameplay mechanic changes have drastically altered the tactical aspects of the game. Having only one unit on a tile encourages more tactical unit placement rather than just mass unit rushes like you can do in Civilization IV. The capture mechanics of cities is also better with cities having a health rating. I also like the fact that cities can bombard nearby units, and this is especially useful in counteracting annoying barbarian attacks.… Expand
  84. braeden
    Jun 25, 2013
    9
    Probably the best Civilization game thus far especially for anyone looking just fun strategy gaming. The game looks gorgeous and features some new features like hex-tiles and social policies (get to select civilization bonuses when culture grows enough).

    Can't say if this is the best CIV game (or not) for all you hardcore strategy nuts since I'm not that hardcore myself. I do think that    Probably the best Civilization game thus far especially for anyone looking just fun strategy gaming. The game looks gorgeous and features some new features like hex-tiles and social policies (get to select civilization bonuses when culture grows enough).

    Can't say if this is the best CIV game (or not) for all you hardcore strategy nuts since I'm not that hardcore myself. I do think that the current user score (7.2) is unfair. If this was was non-civilization game, the score would easily be around 8 or 9.    … Expand
  85. Phack
    Aug 5, 2013
    9
    Best strategy game I've ever played. The game play is so complete. You'll rarely find a game that much complete. There's still some little annoying things like the on-line. Getting an on-line server is way too long. When you're in game..it's lagging frequently but you can have fun even with these lag. The rest is awesome.
  86. SL539
    Dec 26, 2015
    9
    Civilization V is probably one of the best turn based strategy games I've played. If you don't have it you should probably pick it up, especially since it's pretty cheap on sales. Every minute you play you'll have fun and it's pretty addicting (maybe too addicting) with a "one-more-turn" eventually turning into a hundred more turns. Mods greatly enhance the fun and diversity of this gameCivilization V is probably one of the best turn based strategy games I've played. If you don't have it you should probably pick it up, especially since it's pretty cheap on sales. Every minute you play you'll have fun and it's pretty addicting (maybe too addicting) with a "one-more-turn" eventually turning into a hundred more turns. Mods greatly enhance the fun and diversity of this game but none are necessary as base-game is just as good. Every match you play will be different in some way. The only downfall to this is that it takes up a lot of time in the sense of research, expanding, exploring etc. Some single matches can last up to a month, so if you don't really have much patience it may not be the best experiance, you can make the game go faster but even then it still can drag on up to a month.

    Highly Recommended.    … Expand
  87. funboyfun23
    Oct 14, 2013
    9
    I enjoyed this game to hell and I still enjoy it now.

    This game is a new adventure every time you play it and it gives it a major replay value. I had a ton of fun with this game and the DLC's are worth it to, you will have tons of fun crushing enemy empires or becoming a culture, science or diplomacy based empire. If you love turn based strategy games or just love strategy games    I enjoyed this game to hell and I still enjoy it now.

    This game is a new adventure every time you play it and it gives it a major replay value.

    I had a ton of fun with this game and the DLC's are worth it to, you will have tons of fun crushing enemy empires or becoming a culture, science or diplomacy based empire.

    If you love turn based strategy games or just love strategy games at all this is a must get!

    (Except planes are really god damn cheap).    … Expand
  88. Ebelon
    Nov 8, 2013
    9
    Another great sequel to an awesome series. All the additions to 5 make it stand out form past entries and the visuals are just amazing. Playing offline is very fun because games could last you months; you come back and play whenever you want. Online matches take a while but they're a blast; kind of like monopoly in a way. I would love to see an port of this game to next gen consoles. 9/10
  89. xxOPNOOBZxx
    Nov 12, 2013
    9
    Being my first Sid Meier's and Civilization game, I love it. I original never liked the lead because I never liked turn based games. This game is very time consuming.

    The only reason it's getting a 9 and not a 10 from me is, imo, it's missing some major civs to play as. (Canada anyone?)
  90. LordAutocrat
    Nov 30, 2013
    9
    As my first turn-based strategy game (other than Chess), Civ 5 provided an excellent and fun experience. It took some time to learn the game, and I had some serious moments where I sat there thinking "what the hell is going on?" but it was actually fun to be stumped. If this is your first Civ, then you will feel amazing every time you take over a city, no matter the difficulty level. TheAs my first turn-based strategy game (other than Chess), Civ 5 provided an excellent and fun experience. It took some time to learn the game, and I had some serious moments where I sat there thinking "what the hell is going on?" but it was actually fun to be stumped. If this is your first Civ, then you will feel amazing every time you take over a city, no matter the difficulty level. The tutorial is pretty terrible, and it does not help one understand the game at all, so I recommend you just jump in there in a real game against 1 AI on Warlord to learn the ropes. After you've practiced enough and can assure yourself you won't inadvertently destroy your own civilization, jump in another game with 3 AIs on either Warlord or Prince. Practice makes perfect in this game. I have over 700 hours on this game, and my friends and I love it. Religion, Espionage, and a souped up Diplomacy and Culture are all included in expansions, by the way.… Expand
  91. drunkenFrog
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    Huge fan of the series. Was certainly not disappointed by this installment. If I had to complain, it would be about how long it will take me to get all those Steam achievements.
  92. Farmboy102
    Jan 28, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 53 Hours in to the game and I am still loving it...

    Civilization V is my first game in the Civilization series and now that I got it I don't Understand why I never played the others.

    You start the game off with one group of settlers and a warrior to protect them, from there you start building your civilization.
    It's not like other strategy games where you literally build every single building, the map is divided into Hexagonal tiles with different resources, all you have to do is build your settlement and from there on expand to the surrounding tiles, as you play you unlock new buildings to upgrade your settlements, you can found new settlements as freely as you like but you always run risk of attack so make sure you have the proper amount of troops to protect those new found bottom feeding settlements of yours.

    There are 5 ways to win the game: Domination victory, Science victory, Cultural victory, Diplomatic victory or a Score Victory.
    But this means there are 5 ways for you to get beaten as well so you will need to not only keep an eye on your own civilization but your enemy's as well, and know exactly when it's time to attack or ally up.

    If you get tired of the standard game check out the scenarios, that is where the real fun begins, with scenario's that actually happened like the Boers vs the Zulu's in Africa, the Mayan's who feared the end of the world and all the troubles they faced like the french invading them with weapons they have never even seen before in their lives, the scenario's have it all.

    And if that's not enough, Civilization V supports the steam workshop so there are endless mods for you to choose from to spice your game up even more.

    The game is very easy to learn with the help of your advisers who even though they can be pretty annoying sometimes, make sure you know what you are doing and what the Consequences will be if you take a certain action. They will take good care of you.

    My Rating 9/10 - (-1 the game sometimes feels like it's taking forever to finish, but there are settings to change the game speed which will sort this out for you, but I found that on Standard settings the game takes forever and on quick settings you can't help but feel extremely rushed. It would have been nice to have something in between. )    … Expand
  93. Hall7718
    Feb 21, 2014
    9
    I've never had a turn based game made me lose track of time the way Civ V has. You would think a turn based game could get old... but after spending almost 100 hours in the game... I keep coming back for more. Great game.
  94. Hack-Man
    Feb 21, 2014
    9
    Hands down a GREAT addition to the Civ series! Even if this is your first Civ still buy it! You can buy the new Gold Edition on Steam for a very good price for he time you get out of it. Each game is around 4-6 hours long and is very exciting every second! A must it!
  95. davskal
    Feb 6, 2015
    9
    I never really was into the genre of strategy games and I would probably never get into it, if it wasn't for Civ 5. For me, as a total newbie in the genre, it blew my mind. I stayed up for 2 nights in a row and played that well known "One more turn". Thanks to this game I openned my mind to the new horizons and to be honest, this openning was hella fun.
  96. DaveAllDay8
    Apr 11, 2014
    9
    Probably my favorite strategy game in my library. It's one of those games I don't play every night or even every week, but when I do sit down to play it, I get engulfed for hours trying to conquer lands and be a world leader.
  97. lordT
    Jul 10, 2014
    9
    As someone who always loved history, never touched a strategy game, but always wanted to: This is the game that started my love for the genre. And i can say that i was lucky to start with the best of the best.

    This game has almost all the things you would need to be a leader of a civilization, Diplomacy, Anarchy, Economy and of course Total wars.
  98. mevsthevoices
    Jan 22, 2016
    9
    Having put in atleast a thousand hours, well qualified to tell you, this game is great. Whatever the price is now, it's a steal.
    Maybe this sort of game isn't for everyone, but if you are a turn based strategy fan, then this is one of the best there is.
  99. TKBuffalo
    Jun 21, 2014
    9
    The Civilization Series continues to deliver high quality products! Bravo! Just need more actual civilizations to begin with. Dont try to bleed the consumers with add on after add on like the Sims Series. Other than that, the game is great. Play it over and over!
  100. domadordepollos
    Apr 18, 2015
    9
    A work of art. A freaking work of art. II dont understand why isnt there a copy in the cosmopolitan museum. Stupid jokes apart. This is an extremely immersive turn-based strategy game which keeps up fun till the end. I´ve dived 65 hours in it and still want to play at least another 60. Tons of civilizations, and if theres sme missing, you can always go to the workshop and find what youA work of art. A freaking work of art. II dont understand why isnt there a copy in the cosmopolitan museum. Stupid jokes apart. This is an extremely immersive turn-based strategy game which keeps up fun till the end. I´ve dived 65 hours in it and still want to play at least another 60. Tons of civilizations, and if theres sme missing, you can always go to the workshop and find what you want, lots of unit types, challenging in higher difficulties, extremely fun in singleplayer, let alone multiplayer... It pays attention to detail and its two expansion packs really improve gameplay. Try to get them as well as they are essential. Very good graphics and soundtrack as well. Even though Beyond Earth is out, I still find this game much more fun. I guess its because BE needs expansion packs. Religion is amazing, trade is amazing, diplomacy is amazing, war is amazing. The only thing I would improve is the fact that when you have a big empire it is extremely tedious to assign building contructions to each of your cities. Some automation is also needed. It would also be nice to create your own civiization.

    +Good graphics
    +Nice soundtrack
    +Extremely immersive
    +Challenging
    +Religion and trade are amazing
    +Lots of civilizations
    +Tons of fun
    +Mods
    +Extremely long and replayable
    +Diplomacy with lots of options

    -Tedious building construction in late game
    -Needs automation of unit-building
    -No option to create your own civilization

    "Just....One...More......Turn....."    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PC Game of 2010
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Thunderbolt
    Apr 3, 2011
    90
    Despite my gripe with the animations in multiplayer, Civilization V is the perfect entry for the series' debut in the current generation of gaming.
    Read full review
  2. games(TM)
    Jan 20, 2011
    80
    We're just a little bit disappointed that this Civ evolution isn't as polished as we'd expected. [Issue#102, p.108]
  3. Eurogamer Spain
    Jan 15, 2011
    80
    An old franchise that knows who to evolve to adapt to modern times. Its latest new ideas might not be perfect, but serve the purpose of making the game even more interesting.
    Read full review
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