Sid Meier's Civilization V

Guiding a civilization from the earliest settlements to the space age is the goal of this turn-based strategy game. You found cities, research technology, negotiate with or fight rival leaders drawn from history, and aim to become the world's dominant power on a map of hexagonal tiles.

The interface is designed to welcome newcomers, while veterans of the series get depth and control. Multiplayer is available online and over a local network, and the game supports mods, with player-made maps, scenarios and interface changes available to add. It is single-player at heart, and it suits anyone who enjoys long, absorbing campaigns where every turn feeds a larger plan.