Civilization V: Brave New World extends the turn-based strategy game with two new sources of conflict.

Amateur strategists can rewrite history of the American Civil War while arts fans can bring their craftsmanship to the game. Another new feature is touch-optimized user control for Tablets with Windows 8.

A game of skill, diplomacy and destruction of art

At first glance, you can see very little difference between Civilization V and the Brave New World extension. Again, we start by building a village, forming troops and exploring the map. With the materials we collect, we build the town into a powerful metropolis and expand its territory through new settlements. Neighbors either invite you to round table talks or you fight them on the battlefield.

When you get into it a bit more, you can see the new features of Civilization V: Brave New World. You can send archaeologists to search for relics, promote the arts as a patron and boost tourism. Or you can side with Venetians and Moroccans for major world trade. Followers of a peaceful strategy definitely get more out of Civilization V: Brave New World.

In two new scenarios the American Civil War can be re-enacted, or you can participate in the colonial scramble for Africa. The American Civil War will appeal to warlords, testing talents on the battlefield, while diplomats can come to Africa to get their money. With tact and finesse, you can forge alliances, making technological advances - without points - for the construction of a record-length railroad.

Classic turn-based game design

The amateur strategist can play around with the features of Civilization V: Brave New World. As in other strategy games, the first base is established and then extended to other buildings. The entire game is easily controlled with the mouse.

Moreover, Civilization V: Brave New World is optimized for tablets. This is in addition to the Windows 8 designed finger control for tablet-PCs.

Fantastic music, annoying load times

The soundtrack of Civilization V: Brave New World is vast and expansive with orchestral music which is quite catchy. Graphics are good, but there is a surprising loss of detail at maximum zoom. On the gameplay, however, this has no effect.

What's most troubling, however, are the long loading times, especially in the advanced training game - apparently left over from Civilization V.

Conclusion: One of the best strategy games with some fresh ideas

Civilization V: Brave New World is definitely an improvement on its ancestor, Civilization V, without fundamentally changing anything big. Peaceable strategists will like the improved diplomatic options, arts and improvements in the economic system.

The two new scenarios are a perfect complement. Less convincing are some of the technical flaws such as slower loading times.