The Civilization series has had strategy fans hooked for the best part of two decades.

It’s the kind of game that can take over your life, or at the very least every waking hour either side of the 9 to 5.

The fifth incarnation does all that and more.

Pitched perfectly for newcomers and seasoned series followers alike, pulling your civilization from 4,000 BC through to 2050 AD has never been so much fun, and requires a hefty dose of grey matter if you’re going to succeed.

From early land exploration and cross-border conflict to technology development and diplomatic negotiations between leaders, there’s an abundance of equally important tasks to juggle, all made possible through an intuitive and incredibly helpful interface.

Dazzlingly detailed graphics complete the polished package, but be warned, you’ll need to approach it with a brimful of patience and plenty of time you’re willing to invest.

Overall rating 4/5