Don't TRUST the scores / reviews. For a FIFTH version of this game, this limited improvements are not acceptable.
OK, I give a score 3/10 is because this game DO have improvements, and I can only give such low score is, these improvements are so limited and not worth in a NEW version of game, I need MORE improvements. It is already the FIFTH version of the game, but its still following the main route without revolution at all.
The quality of the map is slightly improved, but it is still not REAL enough. I DO think the quality of the images/map/units should be more detailed, please compare with Civ4. As I am playing with Chinese Nations, the background music is Chinese instruments, thats is what I am appreciated. I DO appreciated with the MAP system, as it clearly shows the position of resources / production and other cities, which give me a better image to plan my further development and deciding where to build new towns.
The game is still running on its traditional route, where you have to collect/produce points for developments. Although the variety of points is increased, the buildings/structures are not. I had played for more than 10 hours, but what I've found in the game is, the buildings/structures are nearly the same as Civ4, with only very limited additions.
TIME is NOTHING in Civilization series. At the beginning, it takes 30 turns to build a market place; what is the meaning of 30 turns? how many years spent in this 30 turns? thats what I have asked since Civ2.
The NEWLY added "policies" is not really impressive, as it has to collect enough Culture points to BUY such policies, and these policies are limited, only 5 - 6 chocies under each policy. Is the developer aims to give this limited improvement instead of providing a FULL set of it? then left the other parts been provided in Civ6 or Civ7? This "Policies" is just a small improvement, which give people one more topic to discuss only, if you compare this "Policies" system with other Simulation games, then this is nothing at all.
What the Gamespot review said, "Fantastic New Tactical Combat system" ? I can only say, it is a NEW system, but not fantastic. What I have experienced is, I had TWO Pikemen Group facing two spearmen Group (Amercian), but I can only choice ONE Pikeman (group) for the battle. The Tactical Combat System said I must win the battle a bit easy, yes, I DO win the battle by killing 6 Amercian Spearmen, but I also lost 5 Pikemen. On the other hand, soldiers on the hillside should have advantage (vs. soldiers on grassland), but the result is not reflecting it at all. I know the Tactical Combat system is a NEWLY added features, but I hope the system be more balance.
The other new feature is the map changed to hexagon (from square), is it really a new feature? Yes, its really a new feature in Civ5, but I can tell you, I've been playing War Simulation game in Hexagon since 199x, which were developed by Japanese Game Developer.
Next, the "Diplomacy" system, it seems there is not much difference from Civ4, where the nations always refused to form ally with you when you first meet him. In the middle of the game, I was developed into a relatively big nations in compare to others, when I first meet a new nations (which is about 3/4 of my power), I DO proposed to make friend with him, but he just rejected. OK, then I requested for the open of border (actually, its no use for my nation as I just wanna explore only), he requested for gold. Does he know that he is weaker than me? Then, I declare war with one of the small nations on my Island. I had destory FOUR cities of his nations, then go into Diplomacy and requested for Gold per turn, he rejected. Does he know if I destory his last city, he would lost the nation? Why the AI is so stupid? On the other hand, I DO like those City-states, as they only need GOLD, I give them 50 gold and they make friends with me; then, when we improve our relationship, they would give me military units periodically. In conclusion, I don't think the Diplomacy Victory is possible.
Finally, I could only say Civ 5 is a improved version of Civ 4, but that is not enough. If I want to play this kind of Simulation game, I do have many choices, like Empire: Total War gives a great 3D battles (turn based), Supreme Ruler / Victoria 2 gives a deeper strategies/policies/diplomacy system, Age of Empire / Starcraft gives a faster battles (real time)...etc. This Civ5 providing only very limited new features (most of features copied from Civ4), and this limited NEW features seems not good enough, how can you give this game a 9 or even 10 score?