Civilization III: Complete announced

Those few PC gamers who haven't played Civilization III yet are in luck. Atari and Firaxis announced today they are planning on rereleasing the third installment in the ultra-addictive strategy series this September. Civilization III: Complete will include the original Civilization III Play the World and Conquests expansion packs, and it will sell for just $39.99.

First released in 2001, Civilization III saw the return of creator Sid Meier to the series after a five-year hiatus (which saw the release of the lackluster Civilization: Call to Power). Since its release, the so-called "God game" won numerous accolades for its addictive, open-ended gameplay, which combines strategy with simulation. Civilization III: Play the World, released in 2002, added a multiplayer mode, as well as new civilizations, wonders of the world, forms of government, and other content. Civilization III: Conquests, which came out in 2003, refined the multiplayer mode and added still more content, including a series of historical scenarios.

Firaxis is currently in development on Civilization IV. No release date has been announced for the game.