@f I think that beginning with Civ V, the desktop game became way too elaborate. It was also demanded far greater computing resources. On the other hand, Civ Revolution for the gaming platforms was fun, but way too easy.
On the Sims front, I played all the SimCities, SimTower, and a few rounds of SimCopter and SimEarth. I think SimTower had huge potential, but Maxis gave up on it really quickly. :-(
@f I think I was using Windows at the time, and Civ V slowed it to a crawl. From then on, regardless of reality, I perceived the game to be too slow-paced, too sprawling, with too many military unit types and confusing battle rules. I just wanted to build an overpowering culture and win over my enemies with Spaghetti-monster evangelism and fabulous cheesecake.