This is the first time I have ever played a Civ game but I have always been interested in the series. I tell you this because I do not have any knowledge as to what has been improved or what new additions have been added to the game. This review is specifically for those that are looking for a strategy game to play. This game plays from a top down view although you are allowed to zoom in very closely. I'd compare this game similar to a board game but I want to be careful with that description as its really not like that. You start off with a choosing which leader you want to play as and must claim land to which to build your civilization. Every turn you make decisions as to what you can research to expand your knowledge of new tech or policies. Your cities must be expanded through addition of various buildings that grant benefits such as increasing science. You select what characters to create much in the same manner as rts games and must wait a set amount off turns before you can use them. You can move them around the map to either scout, claim land, or battle cities or other infantry. The game is a very long game though as you start off in BC and go well into the 2000s. It has lots of complexities, which I believe adds many exciting things to do within the game. I'm sorry if I'm confusing or not providing lots of detail but trying to explain how this game works is best left to a video. If you are looking for a game that has lots of replay ability and lets you build a civilization from nothing and see how far you can take them, then I recommend this game.