C-evo (Civ Evolution)

C-evo is a freeware 4X turn-based strategy game created by Steffen Gerlach for Windows, with design roots in Civilization II but a noticeably different philosophy. Instead of chasing flashy presentation, the project emphasizes rules, challenge, and especially stronger artificial intelligence, to the point that improving on the weak AI of Civ II is explicitly described as one of its main goals. Players build an empire across thousands of years, balancing exploration, expansion, diplomacy, warfare, industry, research, and administration, and the game can be played solo or in hotseat mode. Because of that focus, C-evo feels less like a commercial spectacle and more like a pure strategy sandbox built for players who enjoy tough decision-making and demanding AI opponents.