Civilization: Call to Power - Macintosh

Completely redesigned in gorgeous full colour, the new artwork bears as much resemblance to its predecessors as primitive man's cave scrawls do to the Mona Lisa. The animated units prove that turn-based strategy can have some flash, and new movies celebrating the completion of civilization-boosting wonders are equally stunning.

The goal of the game hasn't changed much (create a civilization that can stand the test of time), but the playing field has been greatly expanded to include ocean and space colonisation, with more technological advances, wonders, diplomatic options and government types than ever before.

Generally, the new interface successfully simplifies control while keeping you close to the action. Any occasional awkwardness is counterbalanced by welcome game-play enhancements, such as the ability to group units together, the benefit of funding from a pooled public budget and a clearly displayed pathing line which shows you where (and how far) you can move your units.

Boldly improving on where Civilization has gone before, Call to Power stays true to its heritage and makes the struggle for civilization come alive as never before. --Jack Gardiner