The Flagship of Turn-Based Strategy Games Returns in Sid Meier’s Civilization V - Available Today24.09.2010

2K Games announced today that Sid Meier’s Civilization V is available today at retail outlets across Australia and New Zealand. Developed by 2K’s world-renowned Firaxis Games studio for the PC, the latest addition to the franchise that popularized the addictive “just one more turn” gameplay is back and the critics have spoken: it’s bigger and better than ever.

Here are a few of the things that the Australian and New Zealand industry’s top critics are saying about Civilization V:

• "Even though the nuts and bolts of development have passed to a new generation, this is undoubtedly the true successor to the Civ crown. Now, as always, Uncle Sid's games are magic". - games.on.net, 4.5 out of 5.

• "..the most addictive game this year." - Atomic MPC

• “..easily the best Civilization yet.” – Aus Gamers, 9.2 out of 10.

• “In a dark sea of tepid first-person shooting sequels, Civilization V shines so brightly you won't realise it's already midnight.” – Gameplanet NZ, 9.0 out of 10

• “Radically reinvented and beautifully presented, Civilization V is a must-buy for fans and just as accessible for newbies.” - PC Powerplay Magazine, 9 out of 10

• “Civilization V is one of the best turn-based strategy games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing.” – IGN.com, 9.0 out of 10, Editor’s Choice Award

• "A Masterpiece." - Game Informer Australia, 9.75 out of 10

• “Sid Meier's Civilization V is a fantastic sequel to the popular series and once again pushes the genre forward in polish, accessibility and insane depth”. PALGN, 9 out of 10.

• “This series’ ability to turn a static turn-based, board-game-esque world into a microcosm of war and peace is unparalleled. And Civilization V is just the next jewel in its crown.” - NZ Gamer, 9.3 out of 10

• “It’s a title anyone with a PC can play and that anyone with a PC should own.” - Game Arena, 9.5 out of 10

Civilization V takes this definitive strategy game series in new directions with the introduction of hexagonal 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 delivers a spectacular visual experience that brings players closer to the Civ world 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 them 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 be available.

Sid Meier’s Civilization V is rated PG by the Australian Classification Board and is available today on the PC for $99.95. A playable demo is also available to download free of charge. For more information please visit www.civilization5.com.