Civilization, if you don't know what it is (first of all start downloading it), it's a series of strategy games made by a chap called Sid Meier (the god of all that is strategy). They've all been excellent and Civilization IV is by far the cream of the crop.
First thing that you'll notice when you start the game is that it's now in 3D. It's not something the Civilization ever needed in the past, but zooming in and out and rotating the camera makes it all modern. Once you actually get clicking to build one of the 18 civilizations up from the stone age to conquering the world, you'll notice that the gameplay is more streamlined and the interface much easier to use and intuitive than the previous titles in the series. This doesn't mean that there's less strategy, they've just got rid of what you didn't need (e.g. unit attack and defence points have been merged).
In fact there's even more strategic choices; the tech trees are more flexible so you can develop your Civs along spectacularly unique political paths; each unit can have it's own improvements and enhancements turning a simple unit into one that you will really want to protect for that special occasion.
All this strategy means that the hardened Civ master will be able to get right in there and start conquering the world, and thanks to a great tutorial that'll teach you all the bits and pieces even a beginner can get right on in.
Of course Civ IV has multiplayer, and you'll be pleased to know that you can speed up the match to knock a game back in a couple of hours with a mate online, and you'll be happy for that mate as you can team up in co-operative online.
You really shouldn't need to have read this far down the page, it's an excellent game, just download it and be happy.

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