Civilization V: Gods & Kings expansion pack announced, detailed

2K Games has announced that developer Firaxis is currently working on an expansion pack for Civilization V.

Gods & Kings introduces new gameplay content, as usual spanning the breadth of human civilisation, from founding the first Pantheon of the Gods and spreading religion across the world, to deploying spies in enemy cities to steal information and technology.

Nine new civilizations, nine new wonders, three original scenarios, and dozens of new units, buildings, technologies and resources will be added with the expansion.

“Our team has a strong vision for bringing religion and espionage to Civilization V and the incomparable Civ community has expressed their enthusiasm for these features as well,” said Sid Meier, director of creative development for Firaxis Games. “We’re excited to deliver this robust expansion pack that will give players countless hours of new gameplay experiences and more reasons to take just one more turn.”

New key features include:

• Expanded Epic Game: The core game experience has been expanded with the addition of new technologies, 27 new units, 13 new buildings and nine new Wonders.
• New Civilizations and Leaders: The expansion features nine new civilizations including Carthage, the Netherlands, the Celts and the Mayans, each with unique traits, units and buildings.  Gods & Kings also adds nine new leaders including William I, Prince of Orange, Boudicca and Pacal the Great.
• New Game Scenarios: Three new scenarios let gamers experience the medieval period, the fall of Rome, and embark on a new adventure in Empires of the Smoky Skies, a Victorian science-fiction scenario.
• The Return of Religion: A first for  Civilization V, players seek out Faith, choosing a Pantheon of the Gods and creating Great Prophets to found and spread their customized religion across the world.
• World Domination: The fight for world domination is more dynamic than ever.  Gods & Kings features a reworked combat system and AI that places more emphasis on a balanced army composition. Additionally, the navy is now split into two different ship types, melee and ranged, making coastal cities vulnerable to a surprise naval attack.
• Enhanced Diplomacy and Espionage: Establish embassies at foreign courts for closer ties or clandestine operations. As the religions of the world start settling in and the world moves into the Renaissance, spies can be unlocked to establish surveillance of foreign cities, steal advanced technologies from your strongest competitors, or garner influence with City-States through election rigging, or even a coup.
• City-States: Two new city-state types have been added, Mercantile and Religious, adding new gameplay to an expanded quest system to further the narrative of the game and making diplomatic victories more challenging.

Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings is expected out in the Northern Hemisphere Spring, so our Autumn.

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