Editor's note: the Mac version of Civilization V is due out on 23 November. Strategy fanatics have lost hundreds of hours of their lives to Sid Meier's beguiling creations over the years, and they should prepare to lose hundreds more.
Hours of addictive turn-based glee; Fantastic new tactical-combat system; Excellent interface makes it easy to keep track of every aspect of the game; Great automation features allow you to focus on the big picture; Lovely visuals and classical soundtrack
Inconsistent; overly aggressive AI; Scattered annoyances; particularly in multiplayer