Sid Meier's Civilization V is a fantastic game with insightful texts, historically accurate scenarios, and animated rulers from various cultures such as Attila the Huns and Oda Nabunaga. Your kingship is put to the test as you compete with other civilizations, militarily, culturally, scientifically, religiously, and economically. You Rule the ages turn by turn, progressing you people toward global power, achieved through many different means. I have played through a few rounds enjoying the intellectual nature of the game. My favorite thing is the historic quotes you get once you reach a certain point in history, or once you build one of the world wonders. They are large architectural accomplishments through out the ages. for example the Statue of Liberty, or the Pyramids. I mentioned that religion was a portion of the game. You gain faith from religious structures or resources that you can spend to create missionaries. these missionaries can travel to other cities to influence them with your nation's religion. Personally I think this is a very simplified view of religion. It disregards the influence of wars, and morale of the people, as well as the influence of natural disasters, or the values of a religion.
    I suppose this isn't a game entirely centered on religion. Given its shortcomings its still a very enjoyable game. Who doesn't wish to influence the stream of history? Weather you are a military general at heart or a diplomat, this game has got something in store for you. Currently I'm in a game as Queen Theodora of Spain in the industrial era, building my nation to be the cultural center of the world, fending off Ramkhamhaeng's armies allied with the Ottoman empire. Its fun to think of all the different ways history could have unraveled, as well as how we are so greatly influenced by the land we live on.