The controls map well to the Xbox 360 controller, allowing you to issue orders via the d-pad and flick through the menus effortlessly. It’s not as intuitive as using a keyboard and mouse, generally feeling a bit slower, but it does the job effectively and it’s simple to pick up.

The core gameplay elements from previous Civilization games are here, including unit building, diplomacy, research and combat. There are also many different paths you can choose to take on your way to world-wide domination, including building armies and iconic structures, researching technology, or making wads of cash, with the hope of eventually taking control of a world bank. Diplomacy also plays its part and you gradually get introduced to leaders of other nations who you can spy on, trade with, make peace with or destroy if you so wish. The fact that you can take multiple paths on your way to the top ensures that Civilization Revolution has high replay–value.

Click for larger image