Got what it takes to guide a civilization from a single primitive settlement to a high-tech, spacefaring society? Or maybe you’d rather dominate the world through military might, enlightened culture, or religious philosophy.

Civilization VI, the latest installment in game design guru Sid Meier’s renowned world-building strategy series, is bigger, deeper, and more ambitious than anything that’s come before. Every decision is in your hands, and bold strategies can set you on the path to victory—or seal your fate.

What we love: Its surprising accessibility. Pop-up hints (soothingly voiced by actor Sean Bean) help you pick from among dozens of historical leaders to lay down the roots of your realm. Intuitive point-and-click controls make it easy to do everything from researching new technologies (that “wheel” idea looks pretty interesting) to attacking enemies on the battlefield. And cleverly designed menus let you monitor every aspect of your civilization’s prosperity. Despite its many moving parts, Civilization VI is the franchise’s most welcoming entry yet.

Once you’ve finished the main game, expansion packs unlock even more civilizations, leaders, and game modes. For instance, the Gathering Storm expansion introduces Inca and Mali civilizations, while the Leader Pass’ slew of new leaders includes Suleiman the Magnificent, Qin Shi Huang the Unifier, and Abraham Lincoln.

Quick tip: An unhappy population slows your growth, and may even penalize your construction and combat efforts. To keep your citizenry smiling, gain access to mood-boosting luxury goods through trade, and build entertainment structures like colosseums, theaters, and zoos.

Meet the creator: Texas-based Aspyr Media specializes in bringing award-winning games to Mac and other Apple devices. They’re behind the pitch-perfect Mac versions of Firaxis Games’ latest entries in the Civilization series, BioWare’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire: Special Edition, and 2K Games’ Mafia III and Borderlands 2—to name a few.