2. Sid Meier’s Civilization V

Sid Meier’s Civilization V trailer

Sid Meier’s Civilization V was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint. Firaxis Games got their addition to the series right. In a masterful blend of brilliant visuals, thoughtful game mechanics, tactical focus and staggering variety in-game, Civilization V invites you to build up your own empire and conquer the world on your terms.

While you won’t be loading up an individual plot of land and then building a complex city like in the other games on this list, you will be required to build up across the world map, manage resources, keep your people happy and develop a thriving economy like other city-builders. You’ll also need to raise armies with which to raze the cities of your enemies while defending your own. Conversely, you can choose to focus on diplomacy and forming alliances, a very important tactical element in this game.

Civilization V keeps things interesting by letting you choose from among 18 civilizations and building them up through several eras of world history. You’re also given multiple means of achieving victory and a lot of resources and technologies to take advantage of. Whether you choose to conquer by might or by being voted into power by the United Nations, Civilization V offers a lot of diversity and entertainment to keep you playing for hours on end.

Build up settlements, gather resources, defend your borders and claim new territory in a bid to conquer the entire world.

Civilization V is a smart blend of turn-based strategy and city-building.