Targeting Sid Meier's 1994 turn-based strategy for an overhaul, 2K Games today unveiled the latest title in the Civilization IV universe with the stand-alone release of Civilization IV: Colonization.

Due for release during autumn 2008 and based around the Civ IV engine, Civilization IV: Colonization challenges players to embark on a quest to conquer and rule the New World as the English, Spanish, French, or Dutch.

"We've received many requests from fans over the years to bring back Colonization and now seemed to be the perfect time to do that," said Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis Games. "The Civilization IV engine provided a fantastic foundation for a new Colonization experience and allowed us to create something great for both new players and long time fans of the game."

Billed as a complete re-imagining of the 1994 title and a total conversion of Civilization IV, Colonization offers a new interface, improved diplomacy options, all-new graphics, and exhaustive modding tools.