Civilization V will charge players with once again leading and shaping a civilisation all the way from the dawn of society through to the space age, now backed by an all-new graphics engine and boasting "unprecedented modding capabilities."

An "entirely new combat system" which includes ranged bombardment is promised. Civ V also makes the jump to hexagon-shaped tiles, which 2K says will take the series "in new directions" with "deeper strategy" and "more realistic gameplay."

"Each new version of Civilization presents exciting challenges for our team," said series creator Sid Meier in a press statement. "Thankfully, ideas on how to bring new and fun experiences to Civ players never seem to stop flowing. From fully animated leaders and realistic landscapes, new combat tactics, expanded diplomacy and shared mods, we're excited for players to see the new vision our team at Firaxis has brought to the series."

Developed yet again by Firaxis Games--who've helmed the series since Civ III--Sid Meier's Civilization V is slated for release on PC in the fall of this year.