Civilization 4 was definitely the epic peak, so far, of this series (though I have my hopes up for 25th year anniversary of the series coming up) and Civ 5, while beautiful and intuitive, was a dramatic almost devastating (for big fans of the civformula) break from the first 19 or 20 years of the franchise, almost resembling at first glance something designed for an ipad or cellular device. That being said, the newest version improves greatly with the expansions and downloadable content and keeps the most important aspects of the Civilization series, such as hot seat and exciting gameplay to keep you on the edge of the hot seat, as it were. At first it seemed the series had taken a distinct turn towards a chess or go-like gameplay, but after playing the boardgame diplomacy, I understood the logic and methodology behind the radical new system of combat that at first literally left my brother and I sputtering in fury as we were used to stacking our units, without regard to supply. As the scenarios and expansions became available, and you actually take the time to get used to the gameplay (I actually played Colonization for some small period in protest to this newest kindergame), Civilization 5 will win converts of family and friends and eventually win back the diehard civ loyalist as well, with a minimal opening of the mind.

There are natural wonders, better graphics, better interface, it is more artistic...but there are no more videos when you build a world wonder, severely crippling the feeling of reward for doing it, there is only a image and a phrase now...

its fun. but once you are in war with everybody on the easiest level and everyone hates you for standing next to there boarders. It gets less fun