Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Firaxis Games
- Publishers: 2K Games, Aspyr Media
Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings: Divine Dominion Over Time
Released in 2012, Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings is the first expansion pack for the critically acclaimed 2010 PC Game of the Year, Civilization V. This robust expansion covers the entire scope of time, from founding your first Pantheon of the Gods and spreading religion across the world, to deploying your spies in enemy cities to steal information and technology.
Pantheons, Beliefs, and Religion
One of the most significant new features in Gods & Kings is the introduction of religion. Players can now found a Pantheon of the Gods, which provides various bonuses and abilities. As your civilization advances, you can adopt Beliefs, which further enhance your Pantheon and provide even greater benefits.
Religion plays a major role in Civilization V: Gods & Kings. You can spread your religion to other cities, either through missionaries or by conquest. Cities that follow your religion will provide you with various benefits, such as increased production, happiness, or science.
Espionage and City-States
Another new feature in Gods & Kings is espionage. You can now send spies to enemy cities to steal information, sabotage buildings, or even incite revolts. Espionage can be a powerful tool for gaining an advantage over your opponents.
In addition to religion and espionage, Gods & Kings also introduces a number of new city-states. These city-states can provide you with various benefits, such as increased trade, culture, or science. You can also complete quests for city-states to earn additional rewards.
New Civilizations, Wonders, and Scenarios
Gods & Kings also includes nine new civilizations, nine new wonders, and three original scenarios. The new civilizations each have their own unique abilities and bonuses, which makes for a more diverse and challenging gameplay experience.
The new wonders are also impressive, and they can provide significant benefits to your civilization. For example, the Great Mosque of Djenné provides a large happiness bonus, while the Uffizi Gallery provides a large culture bonus.
The three new scenarios are also well-designed and offer a variety of challenges. The “Fall of Rome” scenario, for example, tasks you with defending the Roman Empire from barbarian invasions.
Enhanced Gameplay
In addition to the new features and content, Gods & Kings also includes a number of gameplay enhancements. For example, the combat system has been overhauled, making it more strategic and engaging. The AI has also been improved, making the game more challenging and unpredictable.
Conclusion
Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings is an excellent expansion pack that adds a wealth of new content and features to the base game. The new religion system, espionage system, and city-states add a new layer of depth and strategy to the game. The new civilizations, wonders, and scenarios also provide a lot of replayability.
If you’re a fan of Civilization V, then Gods & Kings is a must-have expansion. It’s one of the best strategy games ever made, and it will provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
9.0 out of 10
Pros
- Adds a wealth of new content and features to the base game
- New religion system adds a new layer of depth and strategy
- Espionage system is a fun and rewarding way to gain an advantage over your opponents
- New city-states provide a variety of benefits and challenges
- New civilizations, wonders, and scenarios add a lot of replayability
Cons
- Some of the new features can be a bit overwhelming for new players
- The AI can still be a bit too aggressive at times
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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