With Civ IV: Beyond the Sword now looming ever nearer, due on shelves later this month in fact, have today confirmed that a repackaging of the original Civilization IV is also on the cards - as part of a flashy new 'Gold Edition'.

The new edition will include the first Civ IV title, and its first expansion, 'Warlords'. The pack will also offer a few special extras, including a behind-the-scenes DVD, offering an overview of the popular simulation from veteran designer Sid Meier.

Then there's talk of two new posters, one of which has been created by Greg Hildebrandt, designer of famous and posters. The second poster - quite patently not designed by anyone famous - is a tech tree of the game.

The Gold Edition will launch on July 17th for the PC, giving gamers the chance to get to grips with it prior to the arrival of Beyond the Sword.

By Luke Guttridge