Civilization V is the culmination of two and half years of development by Firaxis Games. So, you know this has had time to simmer to just the right temperature. I could see the results immediately from the moment the demo began. The detail in the models, especially zoomed in, is spectacular. Though, let’s face it, you aren't reading this to hear about the graphics, you want to know about the new bells and whistles.

During the entire demo, it felt like they were dropping bomb after bomb (no pun intended) on us of new features. The first one that jumps straight out at you is the introduction of hexagon tiles. Increased and more accurate movement can now be attained - providing more flexibility and better strategy on the battlefield. It also just feels more realistic and true to the shape of a planet rather than a world on a flat map.

The change to hexagon tiles becomes even more important in lieu of a couple of the changes to the battle system in regards to tiles – one unit, one tile. You will no longer be allowed to stack units out in the field. Battle strategies will take on new meaning as tile placement and unit protection will be of utmost importance. Ranged units and siege weapons will no longer be able to hide under a stack of protection. To help balance this change, those ranged units will now have the ability to fire over the front lines in a bombardment in order to weaken the enemy before engaging. Personally, I look forward to the change and to devising new strategies.

Staying on the war aspect, a new feature for victorious armies includes the option to place newly conquered cities under a puppet government. Basically, you get all the funds and resources, but you can’t make any decisions. Not entirely a bad deal.

One of the few things that have bothered me in all the Civilization games is opening and dealing with the city interface. Previously cumbersome and confusing, the city interface has had new life breathed into it. The new menus are sleek and easy to read. Unwanted sections can be minimized and forgotten. It’s pretty much everything I've wanted and then some. Another new feature in city view is the ability to expand your city’s borders by purchasing tiles a la carte. I know I've had the one tile just out of reach, so it’s a nice, albeit small feature.

Diplomacy has a few new tricks up its sleeve. The biggest one being improved AI for the opposing rulers. Not only do they speak their native language to you when they address you, but they will adapt to your play style. An opponent who you stop from a military conquest victory may change his/her tune and try to outwit you in a cultural victory. Also a part of the diplomatic victory is the inclusion of independent City States. They are not one of your competitors, but more of an X-factor when dealing on the political stage. Friendly city states could sway votes in the United Nations or have an effect on other players.

Cultural victory has also seen a vast change. They now have ten social policies (e.g. suffrage, piety) and achieving six of these will now be the key to a cultural victory. What makes me happy about this is that religion is not playing such a huge role in influencing international policy. They specifically made mention of their relaxing the role religion plays in the game.

Outside of each Civilization game, there has always been a strong, supportive modding community. For Civilization V, Firaxis takes it one step further by providing the best modding tools created to date, as well as creating an in-game community hub. From the hub, all players will be able to upload and download/install mods directly from inside the game. You no longer have to search the web for the right mod, find it, download it and then go through the process to include it. They wanted to remove any fear or barriers from people being involved and it sounds like they succeeded.

If you cannot tell, I left the demo pretty amped for this game. I enjoyed it so much that when I returned from E3, I jumped on Civ IV and started a new campaign. I cannot wait for the US release date on September 21^st (worldwide 9/24). After that date I can guarantee I won’t be the only person saying “Just one more turn.”