I like Paradox games, but are they really in the galciv development. Never heard such a rumour before. And then DimionsFan seems to know all the new people coming here but is long gone himself. I smell a conspiracy.
Hello Raymo! Welcome to our forum.
How do you mean more focus in effects then mechanics? Sounds like the same to me.
For boardgames may I suggest Imperial. Look at
www.worldofboardgames.com or gamegeek. Really interesting game. To give more favour to the game see the movie The Money Masters (google videos) before playing. But then I guess you are more into the heavy stuff like OCS or WiF. Can only play one game a year if playing them. But they can be really fun.
If it was less then ten years ago you switched to computers you might like Master of Orion. Probably the best game made so far for single player. Take a look at
http://www.the-underdogs.info/game.php?gameid=688 .