Firaxis Studios promises “an entirely new combat system, deeper diplomatic interactions and a cavalcade of expanded features,” for Civilization V which is currently under development for the PC. One of the new developments will be the introduction of hexagon tiles in an effort to enable greater use of strategy and movement tactics. Fully animated leaders, screen-filling diplomatic scenes, characters speaking in their native languages and ranged bombardment also fill out the list of improvements and additions. The game will have an in-game community hub that will allow you to share user-created scenarios, scores, and achievements. Multiplayer will feature not only online competition, but Hotseat email modes as well.

“Each new version of Civilization presents exciting challenges for our team,” said the one and only Sid Meier. “Thankfully, ideas on how to bring new and fun experiences to Civ players never seem to stop flowing.” Phew, that’s a relief then! Expect the new version to be on shelves in the fall of 2010.