Maybe it's because it was the first one I played, but something about the 2d aspect of this game gripped me. I don't have the same love for the games that came after it, the 3d graphics somehow take me out of the historical element.
The fact that in the older games you are basically playing on a map, gives off this almost board-game feeling that is cosy and immersive. (I know that civ was inspired by a board game)
Playing civ3 as a kid really made me feel like I was in whatever era I was playing at. Still remember those jazz fusion tracks especially.
I do this in Stellaris.
I grind some foul xenos empire down until they're left with a single blockaded system.
I then enslave them and make them pay excessive overlord taxes.
If they complain I glass the planet.
Did someone say consume everything? All are prey. Especially the ones that fight back.
This galaxy is a human galaxy