Introduction
Civ 4 is the latest in what is a very long running series of turn-based strategy games, each one better than the last (as you might expect).
The basic premise is that you must build your civilation from the ground up from 4000 BC to 2050 AD, starting with only a couple of simple units and ending with a formidable army and/or a great empire (depending on how you play), this is done by building in cities, expanding borders and researching different technologies.
Gameplay
First of all, you will have to choose a ruler for your civilization, ranging from Ghandi to Genghis Kahn. each with their own unique unit and particular strengths such as Aggressive and Expansive. Choosing a ruler to fit your play style is important and should not be overlooked.
The gameplay is at first rather slow, usually warranting you to start your first city and get building while your warrior or scout explores the area. Often at this stage you'll be skipping turns until something else needs building or researching. This might seem a bit tedious but you get through it quickly and you are forever in anticipation of what the next research may bring you, something that makes it incredibly addictive so much so that you'll easily waste a whole day by just turning it on, minutes turn to hours very fast when this is on and although ive heard it will tell you to stop after a few hours, i was playing it with my brother from 8pm to 4am the other day.
The game has several win conditions including a space race, diplomatic victory, owning 70% of the map, destroying all other civs, etc..
There are so many different ways to play this that you will find ages of fun from just trying new strategies to see what works, for instance, when i first strated playing it was a case of research as hard and fast as i could, whereas now i work hard on increasing the borders and size of my civ by adopting religion and working hard on culture, both of which are good tactics if used properly.
Sights and Sounds
This is the first game of the series that is in full 3D and although most models are quite low poly, you'll hardly notice as they all look good.
The sounds are also great, in particular the music that changes style depending on the era, some of which are original scores by famous composers wheas many are classic songs by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.
Need more convincing about the game? how about this, when you research a technology you will hear a quote relating to it voiced by none other than Leonard Nimoy, and hearing him say "Beep..Beep...Beep...Beep" (quoted from Sputnik) when satelites are researched is worth anyones time.
Stuff that sucks
Theres actually not much at all that does suck, sometimes it's a bit tedious but that doesn't last long.
Personally i would like to see them extend the technology to fictional things such as settling on mars or creating walking mechs.
Conclusion
A great game and definately the best thing in the TBS genre at the moment and if you like this, get the expansion pack too as it's brilliant.
Score :
, but then again...maybe not 
