This is a little long, but a nice look back at where this frachise came from and is going.

Sid Meier's name has appeared everywhere from the Guinness Book of Records to an answer on a Trivial Pursuit card, but how well do you really know his legendary Civilization franchise? In order to
understand the significance of the just released Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, it's worth taking a look back at the history of this watershed series.

1991 - Civilization

The first entry into the strategy series that defined the genre. With deep, yet accessible (and addictive) turn-based gameplay, Civilization put players in control of one of history's great civilizations, guiding it from infancy to global domination, and instantly becoming a must-play title for an entire generation of PC gamers.

1996 - Civilization II

Civilization II built on the success of its predecessor by adding greatly improved graphics, a new isometric viewpoint, better AI, and new features like the High Council. It was followed by three expansion packs greatly increased the life of the game. For many gamers, Civilization II was their first introduction to the seminal strategy series, and remains one of the most popular and beloved games in the franchise more than a decade after its release.

1996 - Civilization II: Conflicts in Civilization

1997 - Civilization
II: Fantastic Worlds

1999 - Civilization II: Test of Time

2001 - Civilization III

Enhanced rules, graphics and gameplay mechanics that included expanded Diplomacy, the addition of domination by Culture, and the inclusion of Strategic Resources, made Civilization III another innovative step for the franchise. However, it was the first expansion, Civilization III: Play the World, which revolutionized the series by introducing an all-new online multiplayer mode. The second expansion, Civilization III: Conquests, introduced players to scenarios based around specific periods in history, which were ideal for accelerated head-to-head multiplayer matches.

2002 - Civilization III: Play the World

2003 - Civilization III:
Conquests

2005 - Civilization IV

With more than three-million copies sold, Civilization IV became the series' most popular title and once again proved that the Civilization experience continues to improve with each new installment. Civilization IV was the first game to introduce fully 3D graphics to the series, adding a stunning new layer of detail to the game's visual appeal. Other new additions include domination through Religion, new technologies, influential "Great People", a flexible new civics model, a World Builder in-game map creator, and streamlined gameplay mechanics. Two expansion packs followed, including Civilization IV: Warlords, and Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, the latter of which set a milestone by showcasing the largest amount of expansion content in the history of the Civilization franchise.

2006 - Civilization IV: Warlords

2006 - Civilization Chronicles

For the first time ever, Civilization fans could own the entire series of 10 games and expansion packs in one deluxe boxed set loaded with extras. The set also boasts an original Civilization table-top card game, a video DVD with Civilization documentary segments and a detailed book chronicling the history of the franchise and its origins.

2007 - Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword

2008 - Civilization IV: Colonization Announced

Utilizing the popular Civilization IV engine, Colonization is a complete re-imagining of the 1994 classic of the same name. In Colonization, players guide one of four European nations in conquering the New World and lead that new nation toward eventual freedom and independence. Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization for Games for Windows will be available fall 2008 and will not require a copy of Civilization IV to play.

2008 - Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution

As the first Civilization game designed specifically for current gen consoles and built from the ground up for this market, Civilization Revolution harnesses the unique multiplayer functionality of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems to bring the Civilization strategy experience home to console gamers. And now, for the first time ever, players can take all the addictive Civilization gameplay with them wherever they go with the Nintendo DS version of Civilization Revolution. With a unique look, an extremely intuitive control scheme and a streamlined interface, Civilization Revolution is an accessible, fast-paced, pick-up-and-play experience in a strategic race for global domination. Up to four players can compete together as one of 16 famous civilizations to battle as teams, head to head, or in a complete free-for-all online. In addition, the updated Civilopedia provides deep background information on many of the historical scenarios and civilizations featured in the game with video and pictures from the experts at the National Geographic Society. Guided tutorials also explain all the basic strategy elements to get the action started quickly; making Civilization Revolution the perfect entry point for first-time Civilization players and longtime fans alike.

Sid Meier, creator of the Sid Meier's Civilization franchise and Director of Creative Development at 2K's world-renowned Firaxis Games development studio has been delivering entertaining, challenging and
inventive games for nearly 30 years. Recently, Sid was recognized by the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2008 for officially winning more awards than any other video game creator and is only the second game designer in history to be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame.

Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is rated E10+ and is now available for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Nintendo DS(TM).

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