Gods & Kings articles summary

Civilization V: Gods & Kings's major new features are religion (given a makeover since its appearance in Civilization IV) and espionage (which can now give you access to the deep, dark workings of the game's artificial intelligence). The game also adds a load of new city-state quests and some tweaks to the combat system (like a shift from 10 health points per unit to 100).
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"Religion is being integrated in a whole new way that the series has not seen before," Beach told me when we spoke on the phone Tuesday. "We're looking at religions as a brand new way for you to customize the way you're playing your civilization, and sort of take advantage of your play-style, where you are in the game, what path to victory you're pursuing in that game."
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Perhaps the most exciting new feature in Civilization V: Gods & Kings is espionage, a returning mechanic from previous Civ games that, like religion, has been given a new coat of paint.

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The cornerstone of religion is a new currency called faith. Faith is used to purchase beliefs, which are small benefits that shape your nation's religion. Civilizations starting near the coast may wish to purchase the God of the Sea belief, which grants additional production from fishing boats; while mountainous civilizations may prefer the Stone Circle belief, which generates additional faith from stone quarries.
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City-states are also being expanded in numerous ways. "Feedback suggested city-states were dominated by who had the most gold and could offer the most gifts," Beach said. Therefore, completing city-state quests will become the most effective way to gain influence over them. City-states can now offer multiple quests at once, and some, such as "generate the most faith in 20 turns," don't require direct action from the player.
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This expansion is targeted for a late spring release this year in stores or through Steam for $29.99.

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The beliefs you take in your religion will have long-term repercussions, and can be used to help benefit all types of victory, so they should fit your preferred playstyle. For instance several beliefs fall into what Firaxis calls "Founder Beliefs." These beliefs include ideas such as "Just War," which grants benefits to your military when attacking an enemy city that follows your religion. Another example is "Tithing," which makes all cities that follow your religion, friend or foe, give your civilization money. The point of Founder Beliefs is to build your religion into something that directly benefits your nation, regardless of whether the follows are at home or abroad.
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Many new units have also been included, with a particular emphasis on aerial and naval units. WWI-era bi-planes and tri-planes come into play, giving aerial options at an earlier time than previously. At sea Firaxis added melee naval units, taking into account how ancient naval forces would often board one another rather than shoot, and now give these ships the option to take over coastal cities. Ground units that take to sea can now defend themselves, giving them additional protection so they aren't wiped out before ever reaching their destination. The overall hope being that these changes will make all forms of battle – be it land, sea or air – will feel more viable.

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