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It's clear that Firaxis did an excellent job of deciding what to change and what not to change in the Civilization series. Civilization III's new diplomacy, trade, and culture systems expand the game in meaningful and exciting ways, while the game's streamlined technology tree and new combat system simplify the game for new players while still giving experienced players enough options to keep them entertained. The culture system alone provides an entirely new way to approach the game, in which players can expand their empires by using the power of entertainment, art, and religion, rather than military conquest. In addition to the game's inherent replayability, Civilization III includes a complete editor for players to create their own mods and scenarios for virtually endless variety.

More than any other strategy game this year, Civilization III celebrates the epic turn-based empire-building gameplay that made its predecessor one of the best strategy games of all time.