Infogrames has announced the beginning of presales for its upcoming empire-building game Sid Meier's Civilization III. A special limited edition is available for preorder as well. The limited edition comes packaged in a tin box, and in addition to the Civilization III game and manual, it includes an exclusive video of the making of Civilization III, another video of Sid Meier's induction into the Interactive Digital Software Association's Hall of Fame, designer notes from Sid Meier and Jeff Briggs, and a foldout guide to the game's technology tree.

　　Civilization III is the next game in Sid Meier's popular Civilization empire-building game series. It will include a number of improvements, such as better graphics, additional diplomatic options, and new combat features. The special edition of Civilization III, which is limited to 75,000 units, is now available for preorder for an approximate retail price of $59.99. The standard version of the game is available for preorder for approximately $49.99. Civilization III is nearing completion at Firaxis, and it is on track for release on October 30. For more information, take a look at our in-depth previews of the game.