The Civ series isn’t really an attempt at a history simulation like Vicky is, it’s a board game that uses history as a theme.

Anyway I’d say it’s worth, I’ve bought and played the piss out of every single Civ entry going back to the first one on DOS.

My advice: not matter which Civ you try, play the base game WITHOUT expansions first. Like any other board game, the expansions aren’t needed to enjoy it and are designed to breathe fresh air into the experience after you’ve already put a hundred hours in, not to be there and be distracting when you’re still trying to get to grips with the basics.