I haven't played Civ since Civ 3 or so, back on the PSX. I've always loved RTS style games and really just forgot about Civ/the 4X game type until a friend recommended it for a group play 3 weeks ago. Oh man. Where have those 103 hours gone?

It has no right being this fun.
-The depth of texture, even when zoomed in on a unit, is pretty nice. (I have a 9900k/1080 Ti).
-Every menu/alert is placed well and in intuitive locations.
-The unit actions are also clean and intuitive.
-The diplomacy and government development features come in so clutch when you're expanding.
-A match isn't over in an hour, like goofy, ignorant me is used to when playing traditional RTS titles.
-Every match has been around 12 hours for me so far on the largest map tap with 8-10 other civs. (250 turns)

You can win under multiple conditions. Some examples are:
-Progressing science/culture.
-Having a massive military dominate the world.
-Having apostles/rock bands sing sweet nothings into heathen's ears.
-Gaining diplomatic clout.

Specific leaders have traits that can be actively and passively utilized during the game to help with:
-resources
-religion
-military depending on who you choose.

Mods make this part of the game super fun as well. You ever imagine Teddy Roosevelt, rough riding through someone's territory, laying down that thicc Western sausage? Come to papa Civ. It's here.

It's already my favorite strategy game again after all these years. All my playtime equates to like 6ish games and I've enjoyed all of it.

Visuals - 8/10
Gameplay - 9/10
Risk of addiction - 14/10

Overall - 9/10