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Instead, much of what makes Wolfenstein such a great game overall is its intense team-based multiplayer component, which is already being played by thousands the world over. The multiplayer mode uses many of the game's best locations for asymmetrical assault-type maps, but there are no zombies here--the game plays it completely straight, with Allies facing human Axis opponents. Clearly demonstrating id Software's experienced contribution to the game, Wolfenstein's polish, balance, teamplay, and integrated tools for preventing abusive players all contribute to making it easily this year's best multiplayer action game--one that you can easily play for months on end. Considering the accomplishments of the game's two halves when treated as a whole, there's no doubt that Return to Castle Wolfenstein is one of the greatest PC games this year.
 
 

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When Civilization was first released a decade ago, it was hailed as one of the best strategy games ever, and the sequel repeated the feat while also making the game more accessible to beginners. Civilization III has followed in the footsteps of the previous games while adding whole new dimensions to the series. The game features updated graphics and sound, as well as an updated interface, but beneath the colorful maps and entertaining animation lie subtle and powerful changes to the basic Civilization game.

In particular, the addition of culture to the game provides an entirely new way to play and win the game through the use of religion, entertainment, art, and literature. Rather than being confined to scientific research and military conquest, players can now also expand their empires through cultural conquest, effectively swallowing up neighboring cities through social interaction. Scientific research and military conquest have also been improved with an updated and streamlined technology tree and a new flexible and intuitive combat system. In addition, the game's trade and diplomacy features have been greatly enhanced, simultaneously giving the player more options while simplifying the overall process.

Overall, Civilization III deserves recognition as one of the top games of the year for its overall appeal to strategy game fanatics and novices alike. No game since Civilization II has expanded the reach of turn-based strategy like this game, and Civilization III has done it with style.