This week I don’t offer just a game … I offer the world! Well, that’s a bit overdramatic. What I’m really directing your attention to is “Freeciv,” an open-source clone of Sid Meier’s long-running “Civilization” series.

Title: Freeciv
For: Windows, Mac
Developed and published by: Freeciv project
Age rating: N/A

Why “Freeciv”? Well, as publisher 2K Games has just released a somewhat pared-down version of the series in the form of “Civilization Revolution,” I figured this would be a good way to direct anyone who likes that game to a more complex version; “Freeciv” is based strongly on “Civilization II.”

Of course, for the most complete modern “Civ” experience, the best way to go is to pick up  “Civilization IV” and its two expansions, “Warlords” and “Beyond the Sword.” The amount of content in this package is pretty staggering, and that’s before taking into account the wealth of user-created scenarios, units and other modifications available for download for free from the Internet.

Ah, but I’m getting carried away; “Civ IV” is not “Freeciv,” though this version shares much in common. In any case, the point of “Freeciv,” as in any other “Civ” game, is to guide a fledgling people from their first humble settlements through the ages on to victory, whether by martial victory, cultural dominance or other means. It’s turn-based strategy gaming at its finest, with players required to balance technological research and popular well-being with defensive and diplomatic concerns.

(Image courtesy of Freeciv.org)