Devs talk Civilization V: Gods & Kings expansion

If you’re a fan of turn-based role-playing games, you are probably at least somewhat familiar with Sid Meier’s Civilization.

For the uninitiated, the franchise allows players to cultivate the development of a civilization from the age of the bow and arrow all the way up to space travel – if one is willing to put in the time and effort.

The latest version of Civilization is V, with the first official expansion pack, Gods & Kings, due to hit the virtual shelves later this month.

As expected, the expansion pack will bring new tactics and mechanics to the game, such as religion and espionage, along with fresh civilizations. Apparently, multiple bonuses will be rewarded based on the use of religion, which will be enforced or encouraged by missionary and inquisitor units.

The expansion pack is slated to simulate 11 major religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, Tengrism and Zoroastrianism.

The new playable civilizations and leaders in the game include the Netherlands under William I, the Maya led by Pacal the Great, Carthage ruled by Dido, Theodora’s Byzantium, the Huns under Attila, Austria under Maria Theresa, Haile Selassie’s Ethiopia and Isabella’s Spain.