Games of Spring 2008

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, DS

Genre: Strategy

Release Date: June 3

For the first time ever, the legendary simulation game conquers the consoles. Refining the franchise's groundbreaking formula, Civilization Revolution lets console gamers play as 16 different historical leaders in an effort to build the greatest empire the world has ever known.

Why It's Hot: There's a reason Sid Meier's name gets top-billing - the dude is a game design genius who has yet to release anything remotely close to a dud. Few understand the simulation genre as intimately as Meier, and his last effort, Civilization 4, might have been his best yet. If he can nail the interface and successfully tweak the gameplay for the less patient console gaming crowd, he might have another smash on his hands.

Why It's Not: Clearly, we're big fans of the man, but Sid Meier doesn't have much experience with developing for home consoles. As in, none. Zilch. That makes this a debut effort of sorts, and it might not live up to our lofty expectations. Dubious sign: the Wii version has been put on indefinite hold.

Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution Screenshots