CivWorld is live on Facebook now, if you want a real challenge

But remember to wait at least a half hour before you dive in. Wait, that's swimming, but it kind of still applies with a Facebook game this massive and ambitious. Developer Firaxis Games has unleashed CivWorld on the Facebook game world in an open beta. And you're invited to join in on the frantic, fraternal fun.

The game, revealed earlier this year and detailed in two preview videos by Firaxis, looks to be as close to the original as possible. Which could be a good or a bad thing, depending on who you talk to.

Of course, the game has several social features that you've come to love (or hate). However, the game operates in real time and requires some serious collaboration, which may or may not be too demanding for "casual" social gamers. We have our full impressions incoming, but check out the game for yourself while you wait.