First - My overall rating reflects my feelings toward the game itself, which I feel is one of the best I've ever played (along with Diablo II: LOD, and my initial foray into PC gaming with the Gold Box games). However, I really would have to give this particular edition a 4 1/2 star rating. This isn't due to any problems with GOG, but more with the lack of Firaxis Games' support for the game once widescreen monitors started becoming the norm. Okay - putting that aside, this is a great game, with practically limitless replay possibilities (you can select your opponent civilizations, you can load/save at any time, you can even replay a particular map using the map *seed*). The learning curve isn't too difficult, however developing strategies for city-building sequences can really have you pulling your hair out (and looking like Sid Meier). Also, there are some military units which I personally don't use often (I don't care much for air units, and the only sea unit I'll use are the transport types - which can also be used for exploration). Now - the bad news. With the introduction of wide-screen monitors, for some particular reason the fonts/text when negotiating trades, treaties, etc. with leaders are displayed in almost invisible colors. And, to make matters worse (for example, trying to cease a trade agreement), there doesn't appear to be any way to access that particular dialogue. Finally - there are many hacks/fixes out there which supposedly fix that problem. However, I personally haven't had any luck with them. I'm not saying they don't work, just that I can't do much with them to solve the display problem. In conclusion, This is quite possibly the "Holy Grail" of turn-based strategy/city-building games. When I first saw the GOG announcement, I literally squeeeeeeed with joy. Though some may not like it, I feeling this is a game that most people would/could/should enjoy.
