Game ReviewGame Review

I know how the United States should handle its problems in Afghanistan. First, we've got to station a couple of spearmen in Kabul to quell rebellion. Then we have to turn some of the citizenry into entertainers and rush production on a coliseum. There are still enemy troops in the mountains, so send in a few musketeers. And if things really get hairy, we can team up with the Zulus or the Aztecs and really kick some butt.

Or maybe I've been playing too much Civilization.

I can't help it. Ever since video game legend Sid Meier released the first Civilization a decade ago, it's been one of my favorite diversions. A generation of gamers agrees with me, too. Each successive update has been a huge seller. And when Civ III came out Oct. 31, I was instantly addicted. This version is the most detailed, complex, and difficult yet. It has already won a handful of awards and promises to be one of the holiday season's best sellers.

Each game of Civ puts you in the role of a famous historical leader, such as Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc, or Abe Lincoln. You build an empire from scratch, starting only with some settlers, and gradually explore your world, build cities, fight wars, and negotiate with your neighbors. It's great fun, and unlike many of today's games, intellectually challenging instead of just a test of your reflexes.

Civilization III is available for Windows-based PCs for $50. A Macintosh version is expected to be released in March. For more information, see civ3.com.