Recs.
Updated
Civilization V is a 4X turn-based strategy game where tactical planning through diplomacy, war, or science is the key to becoming the ruler of the world.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Endless selection of scenarios creates a ton of replayability
Civilization V has a large assortment of leaders to choose from and an even bigger assortment of scenarios that you can play out for each. Each game can be very different because each leader controls a distinct nation with unique strengths and weaknesses.
Pro Lush and beautiful graphics that are very well animated
From the players, cities, and armies to the lush landscape, Civilization is a beautiful game for those with systems powerful enough to push the graphics to the limit. Even when on lower graphical settings the game looks rich and well animated.
Pro Weeks worth of entertainment for groups that enjoy long sessions together
Because its possible to mix and match leaders in so many ways, you’ll get dozens, if not hundreds of hours of play time out of Civilization V. Combining these customization options with group play allows for an even wider assortment of gameplay scenarios.
Pro Easily plan out tactical attacks using the new hexagonal grid
Civilization V has a great combat system that feels very tactical. There is no longer troop stacking, as there was in previous Civilization games; instead troops move on a new hexagonal grid that enables them to surround enemies and allows for better tactics when planning attacks.
Pro Customization through policies
Policies are used as a tool to gain a variety of customizations that benefit ones society. There is a branching tree of policies that will allow the user to pick certain aspects that will suit them best such as adding law or religion to ones society which will give gains in certain aspects.
Pro Endless scenarios and replayability
Civilization V has a large assortment of nation leaders to choose from that have an even bigger assortment of scenarios that are able to play out for said leaders. Each game can be quite unique in this way as each leader allows for a different nation to be controlled.
Cons
Con Co-op is unbalanced
If you aren’t careful about who you’re playing with, co-op can be made severely unbalanced as the result of one player having greater skill and knowledge than another.
Con No stats on other Civ attitudes
Unlike past Civilization games, there are no longer stats related to the attitudes of the player’s neighboring civilizations. This allowed one to see how each other nation felt about the player. Now that it this feature is gone, you’ll simply have to guess, which is definitely not as helpful.
Con Turn-Based play brings lots of boredom
Even though it's turn-based, all of the players execute their moves at the same time. The problem with this is when you are relocating troops (quick decision) while another player is performing attacks and city planning. This can leave you enough time to go make coffee while you wait for your next turn, which you'll just be moving troops again and then making more coffee. In short, turn-based multiplayer can lead to a lot of sitting around and waiting.