I dunno... I still prefer Civ 3. This one allows you to choose anything from total micromanagement to virtually having the game play itself, but it just fails to engage in that crucial way. I try to get excited about the new development routes of the land around your cities, and the fact that they dumped the pollution-feature warrants a 4-star rating in and by itself. But beyond that ... The old-school magic is gone. Too bad - I really wanted to like this game!