Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword

Civ IV Beyond the Sword is by far the best, despite the square spaces and dated graphics.

For "Civilization" games, it's usually like this: they release an incomplete game with some gameplay faults, which is substantially improved with following expansions – not only in terms of content, but also in terms of mechanics.)

This system adds tension and opportunity, especially in multiplayer or higher difficulties, where gathering intelligence and crippling an opponent’s production can mean the difference between dominance and irrelevance.

Still, I only play Immortal difficulty (2nd hardest) and find I loose more games then win.

+ By far better interface (except, for one thing - when you are offered research/tech choice, you need to make decision right away - you can't examine your empire first.

Civ IV's visuals are also better than you might expect for its age, though still 'ancient' compared to now, and the voicelines, sound effects and animations keep the visual side of the game satisfying enough.