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   In yet another example of classic PC strategy franchise "streamlined" (as in dumbed-down) for consoles, Sid Meier's Civilization will be making its way to "next generation consoles and handhelds" early next year. Today's announcement issued by 2K Games / Take-Two does not mention exactly which platforms these would be, so it could be any or all of the following: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP and DS. The name of the game is Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, it's of course being developed by Firaxis, and it's coming in spring 2008.

   Returning as lead designer for Civilization Revolution is Sid Meier, who was kind enough to share some of his thoughts on this occasion:
"Civilization Revolution is the game I've always wanted to make!" said Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at Firaxis Games. "We are excited to take advantage of the power of next generation consoles and the ingenuity of handhelds, to create a great and unique strategy game for newcomers to the series, as well as the millions of fans around the world who enjoy Civilization on the PC."    Civilization Revolution promises to be a crucial game for Sid's empire-building series, not by making it any more hardcore, of course, but more accessible, visually immersive and action-packed. Or, in 2K's words, "accessible maps and streamlined time scale for quicker games, intense combat, and constant action" is what it's all about. The game will pack epic single-player campaigns with 16 civilizations and some of their famous historical leaders, along with the well-known addictive gameplay and various "revolutionary features" (such as real-time interaction with leaders and advisors), and also extensive multiplayer capabilities with integrated video- and voice-chat. Multiplayer games will be either team-based, head-to-head or epic free-for-all matches, and Civilization Revolution will also feature auto-matching, ranked games, leaderboards, achievements and future downloadable content.

   So... looks like it wasn't Civilization V they were talking about earlier this year, after all. Oh well, don't forget that next month it's Civ time again, with the Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword expansion.