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Civilization heads to consoles

Next-gen and handhelds in spring.

2K has just pulled the wraps off Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, due out on next-generation consoles and handhelds in spring 2008.

Developed by Firaxis, Civ Revolution claims to offer the same epic empire-building of its PC counterparts in a newly accessible world fit for its destination formats.

There'll be 16 civilisations to master and lead to victory in the turn-based strategic theatres of, well, everywhere, along with various famous historical leaders to control or compete against.

Civ fans of every flavour are likely to be interested in the extensive multiplayer side of the game, too, with integrated video and voice chat promised in team-based, head-to-head and free-for-all matches of the ranked and unranked variety, along with leaderboards, unlockable Achievements and the promise of downloadable content.

"Civilization Revolution is the game I've always wanted to make!" Meier himself said.

"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."

The game is expected to feature as part of 2K's E3 showing, and is likely to appear in some form at the press conference the publisher - a division of Take Two - is holding on the morning of Thursday 12th July.