In the 'News (01m40s), breaking down the Civilization V: Gods and Kings playthrough show at PAX East 2012 a couple of weeks prior. Under the 'Open Mic' (41m53s), verbal feedback emailed in from a listener that expands on their forum post in response to a topic discussed last episode. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (47m35s), strengths, weaknesses and next steps for a survey to serve as the basis for a university dissertation connecting interest in Ancient Egypt and video games.

In the 'News' (01m36s), on the first of Civilization V: Gods and Kings' presence at PAX East 2012, as well as its announced release date. In 'Forum Talk' (34m00s), an analysis of the 'CIV5Worlds.xml' file catches the panel's attention. Next in the 'Senate' (41m27s), the connection between Great Scientists, bulbing for research and the Fishing technology is scruitinized in Civilization IV (recorded for Episode 134). Then under 'Miscellaneous' (43m06s), a collection of saves for instant CivV achievement gratification draws ire, while an April Fool's Joke for its Gods and Kings expansion generates buzz (53m02s).

In the 'Senate' (01m11s), treating a self-diagnosed 'irrational fear' of technological inferiority, and tips for co-operative multiplay (18m16s) -- both for Civilization IV, with extension to consider CivV on comparable terms. Next under 'Miscellaneous' (33m17s), getting in on an argument that Downloadable Content (DLC) for Civilization V has been 'done right'. Then in an 'Interview' (42m09s), chatting with the person behind a newer series of CivV 'Let's Plays', and looking back on the efforts of another such creator (49m56s; recorded for Episode 114).

Under 'Miscellaneous' (01m22s), on which Wonders of the World have been seen in 'real life'. In the 'News' (06m24s), pouring over continuing developments on the upcoming Civilization V expansion pack, Gods and Kings. Next in 'Forum Talk (13m40s), evaluating the viability of adding corporations and debating the value of advisors (22m02s), both in Civilization V; next, adding to advice for playing a One City Challenge (OCC) in Civilization IV (31m16s) and then back to CivV to assess the need for being able to see rival civilization's technology tree progress (37m34s). In the 'Senate' (43m06s), demystifying the link between gifting cities and stealing technologies easier through espionage in CivIV. Then in the 'Research Lab' (46m40s), what of a place for Chemical and/or Biological warfare in the Civilization series.

In the 'News (Part 1 of 2) (03m13s), coverage galore on the offical announcement that the first Civilization V expansion pack, Gods and Kings, is set for release this spring. Through analyses and sleuthing alike, its following aspects are discussed first: religion; espionage (15m02s); diplomacy (19m40s); civilizations (22m34s); buildings (25m06s) and combat (26m44s). Next under 'Miscelaneous' (28m47s), observing CivV leaders' reactions to defeat (recorded for Episode 111); counting down a Top 10 things 'Learned About the World' through the game (32m39s; recorded for Episode 129); some continued disbelief that females play Civilization games (35m01s; recorded for Episode 134), and critiquing CivV's difficulty levels in correlation to the Artificial Intelligence (40m44s; recorded for Episode 136). Then in the 'News (Part 2 of 2)' (47m19s), considering the stated release timeline for CivV: GandK, and a possible sneak peak of some modified CivV settings to come following an accidental then reversed patch rollout (50m17s).

In the 'News' (01m14s), reacting to Sid Meier being interviewed by GameInformer on the future of strategy gaming. Next, in 'Forum Talk' (11m37s) the scoring forumla being broken in Civilization V, CivIV before it, and the top multiplayer civs in CivV. Then under the 'Open Mic' (48m16s), answering 'Verade''s call-in question pitting Civilization III against CivIV as playing preference.

In the 'Research Lab' (01m14s), on a request for unique technologies for Civilization's, well, civilizations. In 'Forum Talk' (11m37s), considering the most important attribute in CivV, and the ability to run a negative treasury. Next in the 'Senate' (31m12s), combining late game and air unit analysis, and how to stop Giant Death Robots in Civilization V. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (48m16s), the sizzle of comparing gaming and cooking.

In 'Forum Talk' (02m08s), looking back on, and the reaction to, the latest Civilization V patch released just before Christmas 2011. Under 'Miscellaneous' (06m36s), a collective enthuasiam for, concern cast or indifference towards not one but two sequels to XCOM: Enemy Unknown through publisher 2K Games. In the 'Senate' (11m54s), converting forests into lots and lots of gold in Civilization IV, not wasting worker turns in CivIV and CivV, and getting too close for comfort -- so to speak -- in CivV. Then under the 'Open Mic' (44m10s), responding to the call for feedback for the show's fifth season that received fifty-nine responses in total.

Under 'Miscellaneous' (00m48s), whether or not to give Open Borders to an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-controlled civilization for gold in Civilization V (recorded for Episode 122), and balancing the intelligence equation for Civ AI in general (04m13s; recorded for Episode 124). In the 'Senate' (07m36s), to, or not to, trust unit automation in CivV (recorded for Episode 127), going for a CivIV Cultural Victory through the Cultural Slider (10m01s; recorded for Episode 129), which Great People to target post-Liberalism technology (15m35s; recorded for Episode 132), areas of play under which beginning CivV players are lacking (26m42s; recorded for Episode 134) and are mounted units weak in CivV (35m52s; recorded for Episode 136). Then in 'Forum Talk' (49m39s), why some of Civilization V's luxuy resources are not as strong as others (recorded for Episode 135).

Presenting the present that is the fourth annual PolyCast Christmas Special. In 'Email #1' (02m21s), answering Norman Ma regarding the effect of game speed in Civilization V and particular victory conditions. In 'Email #2' (07m05s), responding to a message from Jason Hermsen who makes inquiries on a number of topics to Civ: comparable strategy games, adaptability of the franchise to other gaming genres (12m03s), preferred talent that would be new to its development (14m55s), minimizing warfare desirability (23m50s), and renewing the expansion vs. Downloadable Content (DLC) release consideration (27m06s). Onto 'Forum Post #1' (32m54s), from 'Dale' on the direction of the Civ franchise from its adaptation to the console to a presumed Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game. In 'Forum Post #2' (42m28s), from 'eastkitton' looking for the 'most INTERESTING to play' DLC for Civilization V. In 'Forum Post #3' (46m06s), from 'Alexander', what an 'ideal' holiday modification for Civ would be. Next in 'Forum Post #4' (49m33s), select points from 'MARDUK' on the pros and cons to a number of gameplay suggestions. In 'Forum Post #5' (60m03s), addressing both a question and a request from 'Tremonti'. In 'Forum Post #6' (62m50s), from 'AwesoMe', seeking the panel's view on science as executed in CivV. In 'Forum Post #7' (70m36s), from 'E_T', on the 'resurgence' of CivIV play as backlash to the state of CivV. Then in 'Forum Post #8' (78m30s), from 'Mythdracon', choosing and being specific about the most important 'fix' needed for CivV presently.

This second sampler from the fifth season gives would-be and current listeners a sense of the content and atmosphere of the show. Select moments are excerpted from the one-hundred-and-twenty-second through one-hundred-and-thirty-sixth episodes and mixed together.

In 'Forum Talk' (00m55s), the best way to cure city sickness in Civilization IV's later(r) game, and then an intensive focus on both the best and worst unique civilization abilities in CivV (08m12s).

Submit questions to answer, comments to reflect on and topics to investigate to drive the PolyCast 2011 Christmas Special's content to be hosted by the show's regular co-hosts: Civ in nature, strategy/computer gaming in general or even PolyCast specific inquiries are all welcome... you are not limited to just one!

In the 'News' (01m41s), on the carrying out, and fallout, of the hacking of Steam's servers that permitted access to user forum accounts and financial information. Next in the 'Research Lab' (18m29s), implementing an national currency system in the Civilization series. In 'Forum Talk' (28m53s), choosing the best civilization for a One-City Challenge (OCC) in first CivV, then CivIV, and are Nuclear-powered weapons unfair in CivV with inevitable comparison to CivIV. Then in 'Community Focus' (49m03s), looking at the youngest of the largest Civ fan websites at present, WePlayCiv.

In 'Forum Talk' (02m15s), concern over a tactic being seen as cheating in a co-operative Civilization IV multiplayer game, on the use of Airports and air lifting in CivIV and CivV (10m39s) and sharing food between cities within your empire in either game (26m08s). Then under 'Open Mic' (43m43s), comparably last experienced during the show's first season, engaging in telephonic message tag over a misdirected missing rental.

Under the 'Open Mic' (00m34s), being proactive in Civilization IV warfare (recorded for and on the general difficulty of CivIV and CivV (recorded for Episode 124). Next in 'Senate' (08m30s), whether or not to accept Friendship offer from a remote civilization in CivV (recorded for Episode 119), how many Stables should one build in a CivIV game (recorded for Episode 125), on using roads and railroads in CivV (recorded for Episode 127) and comparing and contrasting a CivIV Cottage vs. Farm economy (recorded for Episode 129). Then under 'Miscellaneous' (27m37s) making sense of of the "Top 5 Cities" in Civilization IV (recorded for Episode 90), the difficulty behind bringing Civ to the Macintosh platform (recorded for Episode 97) and on the war delcaration mechanics of CivIV's Artificial Intelligence (recorded for Episode 99); further still, discovering El Dorado National Wonder in Civilization V and ending point for Civ sessions (recorded for Episode 110), why people play Civilization (recorded for Episode 120), what if your people wrote books about you (recorded for Episode 124) and noting a trick in CivIV (recorded for Episode 125).

Under 'Open Mic' (02m15s), reacting to some responses to the most previous episode the show. In 'Forum Talk' (05m57s), an argument to modify the movement and effect of Great Generals in Civilization V, dealing with quitters in Civ multiplayer, and using the cultural slider in CivIV. In the 'Senate' (32m10s), stealing the Settlers and Workers of CivV Artificial Intelligence (AI) opponents and dissecting a 1190AD Conquest win on Deity in CivIV. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (46m08s), brainstorming ideas for a children's Civ-themed birthday party, and acknowledging the approach of the show's fifth birthday.

In 'Forum Talk' (01m00s), are one-tile island cities worth the effort (recorded for Episode 112); has anyone ever made a defensive pact (recorded for Episode 120) (08m03s); the purpose of Hydro Plants (recorded for Episode 122) (20m15s); should jungle tiles be developed (recorded for Episode 124) (26m48s) and what should and should not be Downloadable Content (DLC) (recorded for Episode 127) (32m25s). Then, roleplaying with Social Policy trees (44m14s) and bringing back culture conquering (recorded for Episode 129) (46m58s). In the 'Research Lab' (53m21s), making Culture civilization-wide to limit over expansion (recorded for Episode 125).

Under 'Open Mic' (02m15s), reacting to some responses to the most previous episode the show. In 'Forum Talk' (05m57s), an argument to modify the movement and effect of Great Generals in Civilization V, dealing with quitters in Civ multiplayer, and using the cultural slider in CivIV. In the 'Senate' (32m10s), stealing the Settlers and Workers of CivV Artificial Intelligence (AI) opponents and dissecting a 1190AD Conquest win on Deity in CivIV. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (46m08s), brainstorming ideas for a children's Civ-themed birthday party, and acknowledging the approach of the show's fifth birthday.

In 'Forum Talk' (02m30s), using Civilization IV Governor's ability to stop growth in a city, seeing an incorporation of a colonization system (11m55s) and another means to war without diplomatic penalty (25m19s), both in CivV.

In 'Forum Talk' (02m30s), using Civilization IV Governor's ability to stop growth in a city, seeing an incorporation of a colonization system (11m55s) and another means to war without diplomatic penalty (25m19s), both in CivV. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (36m49s), counting your favourites as traits in V, and on Electronic Arts seeking copyright renewal of Alpha Centauri amongst a few other gaming titles.

In the 'News' (01m08s), on the August 2011 patch for Civilization V being just released, and on the game's new Downloadable Content (DLC) in the form of Korea and "Wonders of the Ancient World" (23m17s). Then under 'Open Mic' (44m53s), responding to an email on the challenges of carrying out Succession Games (SGs) for CivV as compared to CivIV or CivIII, and then a call-in to discuss the DLC competition in writing CivV strategy articles (55m28s).

In the first cluster of four-topic Civilization V strategy in 'Senate' (01m48s), moving from a starting Settler position), the importance of rivers for cities (07m49s, when to prioritize a Granary city improvement build (09m05s), and if and when to build on top of a resource (16m53s). In the second cluster dealing with being denounced, how to get other civs to like you (23m48s), avoiding the 'warmongering menance to the world' label (27m09s), and if selling 'lost cause' cities is a good idea (38m22s). Then under 'Miscellaneous' (42m53s), an extension of CivV diplomacy on blending Alpha Centauri's Planetary Council mechanics into the mix, and why so many City States want to see others dead.

In 'Forum Talk' (01m50s), responding to a statement made by the President of 2K Studios in an interview that strategy games are 'not contemporary'; preferring a number of aspects of Civilization IV or V; rolling back to an earlier version of CivV following a patch release, and research efforts teach a computer to play FreeCiv yields considerably encouraging results. Next in 'Research Lab' (40m04s), fleshing out a concept to have technologies spread gradually throughout a civilization once discovered. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (53m36s), whether playing a civilization with a 'butt ugly' colour is bothersome or not.

This first sampler from the fifth season gives would-be and current listeners a sense of the content and atmosphere of the show. Select moments are excerpted from the one-hundred-and-ninth through one-hundred-and-twenty-first episodes and mixed together.

In the 'News' (02m22s), initial impressions following first playthroughs of the substantial June Civilization V patch. Starting with Social Policies, the conversation then moves onto science and technology, including Research Agreements (13m22s); Infinite City Sprawal, also known as I.C.S. (25m22s); difficulty levels (29m42s), and finally Declarations of War (34m58s). Next in 'Forum Talk' (44m01s), what to think, and make, of CivV's starting bias for civilization placement on maps. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (50m12s), weighing in on the substantial examination into stock image use in Civilization V.

In 'Miscellaneous (Part 1 of 2)' (01m00s), accounting for the most nuclear weapons launched in a game of Civilization IV (recorded for Episode 85). In 'Senate (Part 1 of 2)' (04m16s), maximizing the mechanics of technology 'bulbing', and whether making the Lumbermill improvement available earlier than presently in CivIV would unbalance gameplay (recorded for Episode 91). Next in 'Miscellanneous (Part 2 of 2)' (17m00s), classifying one's identity, CivIV-style (recorded for Episode 113). Onto 'Forum Talk (Part 1 of 2)' (26m23s), responding to an article arguging that liberals play computer gamges like conservatives (recorded for Episode 114). Into 'Senate (Part 2 of 2)' (34m53s), the viability of a Civilization IV economy based on religion (recorded for Episode 120). Then in 'Forum Talk (Part 2 of 2)' (45m47s), the worthiness of building one-tile-island cities in CivIV (recorded for Episode 122).

In 'Forum Talk' (01m38s), weighing the advantages of using a Civilization V Great Artist to 'culture bomb' over its other uses. Next, in 'News' (12m16s) extensive coverage of the the then-up-and-coming June/July 2011 patch for CivV. Following a thorough interview: changes to the Happiness (22m46s) and Social Policies (28m12s) systems, technology tree/combat system considerations (31m18s) and assorted changes (34m27s). Then on minimal treatment of the game's Mutiplayer mechanics (37m59s), incremental vs. comprehensive patching (43m13s), beta testing practices (48m42s) and summarizing thoughts (53m34s).

For 'Introduction', an introduction to Civilization: World, a strategy/online multiplayer-hybrid game to bring Civ to the Facebook platform. On 'Impressions', panelists share what their initial impressions were upon learning of the game being in development. Under 'Design' (08m13s), for better and worse on the design elements of CivWorld. Of 'Mechanics' (15m09s), reviewing a number of the game's mechanics that are still very much a work-in-progress. Regarding 'Concept' (20m55s), considering the concept towards what CivWorld is looking to accomplish, and its effectiveness to date. For 'Minigames and Maps' (28m49s), what is -- and what is not -- present within the title's minigames and on its maps to its benefit and detriment. On 'Implementation' (38m34s), assessing the implementation of CivWorld, including whether the means are looking to justify its ends. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (45m59s), the state of the game's Throne Room, Wonder's of the World and reflecting on the involvement of Sid Meier himself..

Under 'Miscellaneous (Part 1 of 2)', on interest and desirability for Civilization: World, then still with its original Civilization: Network title (recorded for Episode 91) and the Trading Post improvement replacing Civilization IV's Cottages in Civilization V (recorded for Episode 103). hen the removal of a Religion mechanic to CivV during development and multiplayer woes twice over (recorded for Episode 106); then, both missing a Replay feature, and favourite and least favourite Ruin bonus, in CivV (recorded for Episode 108). Next in 'Forum Talk' (30m27s), questioning first whether CivV's Longswordsmen unit replaced the Horsemen as the game's leading offensive unit, and then if Research Agreements are exploits (recorded for Episode 110). Finally returning for 'Miscellaneous (Part 2 of 2)', preferences for either warring over or building up cities in Civ with its fifth installment front and centre (recorded for Episode 120).

In 'Forum Talk (Part 1 of 2)' (01m44s), critiquing Civilization V's National Wonders to come up with a 'best of' list, with the National College in a steady lead. Next in 'Miscellaneous' (24m20s), an extension on the first topic, debating the merits of a 'Tall' (fewer, larger cities) versus a 'Wide' (more, smaller cities) empire in Civ with an emphasis on its fifth iteration. Then back into 'Forum Talk (Part 2 of 2)' (38m04s), on a call for the removal of the minimum 1-hitpoint damage in attack in CivV.

Under the 'Open Mic' (02m19s), responding to an email from a frequent listener on bringing the Permanent Alliances (PAs) concept from Civilization IV into CivV. In the 'News' (10m15s), the first walkthrough video of Civilization: World having been released by publisher 2K Games. Next in the 'Senate' (28m59s), countering the sneak naval attack in CivIV, and then in CivV choosing between Research Agreements and befriending City States and why 'Pledge to Protect' one of the latter. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (28m59s), CivWorld may have some competition in the form of the also up-and-coming Empires and Allies.

In the 'News' (01m39s), first preview and fact sheet for CivWorld surfaces which leads to much discussion. Next in the 'Senate' (20m00s), returning to top Unique Units for Civilization V to consider the Reinassance, Industrial and Modern Eras -- again sans those found in paid-for Downloadable Content (DLC) -- with reference to ranking them across all eras. Then under 'Open Mic' (34m20s), responding to not one, but two, listener emails: first, on a missing element towards informed diplomacy in CivV, and second how to increase difficulty within a difficulty level in it or immediate predecessor Civilization IV, last discussed pre-Beyond the Sword expansion.

In the 'News' (01m15s), new Downloadable Content (DLC) for Civilization V is now available for purchase. Next in 'Forum Talk' (13m16s), maintaining a preference to do no exploring in, and criticism of the calcuation of Victory points in, CivV; then, how does a player stop their civilization from striking in Civilization IV. Then under an 'Open Mic' (35m26s), an email inquiring about CivIV saved game sources and mods, and another message on having this game's resource variety reflected in CivV.

In the 'News' (01m10s), dissecting the list of the latest upcoming patch for Civilization V. Next under 'Open Mic' (014m57s), responding to not one, but two, emails 'on-air': one from a "Patrick M." requesting tips to guide a new Civilization IV player, and another from "Creatureboy11" about a thread he started on Cottaging vs. Farming flood plains titles in the game. Then in the 'Forum Talk' (36m16s), teaching CivIV to a friend, and one's favourite Downloadable Content (DLC) civilizations for CivV.

In 'Forum Talk' (05m59s), tips for different and interesting games in Civilization IV, and who wants wildlife back for Civilization V. Next in the 'Senate' (25m13s), research priority for the Currency technology in CivIV, and then both general city build priority and constructing Watermills in CivV. Then in the 'Research Lab' (40m07s), taking a stance to reinterpet game maps in Civilization V.

In 'Forum Talk' (05m59s), tips for different and interesting games in Civilization IV, and who wants wildlife back for Civilization V. Next in the 'Senate' (25m13s), research priority for the Currency technology in CivIV, and then both general city build priority and constructing Watermills in CivV. Then in the 'Research Lab' (40m07s), taking a stance to reinterpet game maps in Civilization V.

In 'Forum Talk' (02m21s), on initial impressions of the Civilization V 1.0.1.217 patch. Then in the 'Senate' (46m45s), considering the top Unique Units in CivV's Ancient, Classical and Medieval Eras sans those founded in paid-for Downloadable Content (DLC).

In the 'News' (03m15s), there is new Downloadable Content (DLC) for Civilization V: pay-for Polynesia, and three freebie multiplayer map types. Next in the 'Research Lab' (15m14s), the pursuit of unhappiness; randomizing technology acquisition; an idea for bringing back health; a unitless espionage model, and idea: Great Philosophers. Then in the 'Senate' (46m45s), constructing the Industrial Park city improvement in Civilization IV.

In 'Forum Talk' (02m50s), in-depth consideration and analysis of the massive February patch notes for Civilization V, and removing city bombardment for cities that are garrisoned. Then in 'Community Focus' (49m58s), all about the oldest and largest Civ multiplayer league, CivPlayers.

In 'Forum Talk (Part 1 of 2)' (02m16s), the position that Civilization V's resources need to adapt as the game advances in time, and arguing that cities are too strong on defence. In the 'Senate' (14m03s), spreadsheeting CivV diplomacy by its numbers. Returning to 'Forum Talk (Part 2 of 2) (21m16s), should Unique Units keep their special abilities upon upgrade, and moving from a resource supply to resource demand-based economic system in Civ. Next under the 'Open Mic' (44m41s), 'MadDjinn' calls in to add to the discussion on a number of topics covered to this point, and both on Deity difficulty complaints and Great Person points comparison between CivIV and CivV. Then in 'Miscellaneous' (55m21s), on some colourful observations of CivV leaders' personalities and habits.

In 'Open Mic (Part 1 of 2)' (01m55s), answering a letter from a listener regarding naval combat in Civilization V and how it differs from previous Civ titles. Following in 'Forum Talk' (11m19s), the "Chick Parabola" and CivV relevancy, and liking or not liking the game's Denouncement diplomatic mechanic. Next in 'Senate' (22m29s), on a long standing practice of stealing Worker units in Civ, with a focus on CivV, and the good, the bad and the ugly of Wonders of the World in this latest series iteration. Then in 'Open Mic (Part 2 of 2)' (40m27s), continuing the Wonders discussion from the previous segment with a call-in from Daniel "dacole" Cole, a past guest co-host: beyond Domination Victory efforts, singleplayer versus multiplayer approaches, and a way within to generate wealth for one's civilization.

In the 'News' (01m34s), Civilization V Lead Designer Jon Shafer leaves Firaxis Games and joins Stardock Systems; Civilization: Network is renamed Civilization: World, with an alpha testing opportunity; version 1.0.1.135 patch for CivV is now available; and on CivV Downloadable Content (DLC) released to date. Next in 'Forum Talk' (72m23s), what do those still opposed to Civilization V like about the game, and an open invitation by someone who rejects this position. Then in the 'Research Lab' (89m30s), a suggestion for Unique National Wonders per civilization in CivV.

PolyCast has an announcement to make: January 8, 2011 at 12PM ET (North America) marks the recording of Episode 109 of the show... and you're invited! PC is switching to a live format effective immediately.