A landmark turn-based 4X strategy game that refined the Civilization formula with deeper diplomacy, religions, and a fully 3D engine, inviting "one more turn" sessions.
- Developer: Firaxis Games
- Year/Platforms: 2005; PC (Windows, later Mac/Linux)
- Genre: Turn-based 4X strategy
- Core mechanics: City specialization, civics system (government choices), religion spread, Great People, improved AI diplomacy
- Reception: Widely acclaimed as a high-water mark for strategy design; influential mods and robust expansion packs (Warlords, Beyond the Sword)