I know what i am doing over the weekend ! Sid Meier's Civilization V is now available in stores and also unlocked and available for people who pre-ordered via Steam. The latest in the turn-based strategy series from developer Firaxis Games and publisher 2K Games also comes with a playable demo on Steam as well. There's no word yet if there will be a stand alone demo for the game.

For the graphics freaks among us (um yea all of you) the title has a full DX11 codepath for some interesting eye-candy.

Civilization V takes this definitive strategy game series in new directions with the introduction of hexagonal tiles allowing for deeper strategy, more realistic gameplay and stunning organic landscapes for players to explore as they expand their empire. The brand new engine delivers a spectacular visual experience that brings players closer to the Civ world than ever, featuring fully animated leaders interacting with players from a screen-filling diplomatic scene and speaking in their native language for the first time. Wars between empires feel massive, as armies dominate the landscape and combat is more exciting and intense than ever before. The addition of ranged bombardment allows players to fire weapons from behind the front lines, challenging them to develop clever new strategies to guarantee victory on the battlefield. In addition to the new gameplay features debuting in Civilization V, an extensive suite of community, modding and multiplayer elements will also be available.

Sid Meier's Civilization V is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) by the ESRB and is available today on the PC for $49.99. A playable demo is now available to download for free.

Additionally, the Sid Meier's Civilization V Digital Deluxe Edition is available at participating digital distribution sites for $59.99, and the Sid Meier's Civilization V Special Edition is available at select outlets for $99.99. For more information please visit www.civilization5.com [via ggmania].