I like CIV3 alot. You can't just go out and conquer the world so easily anymore, which is why alot of these guys don't like it so much. I have played WIZ8 and it is OK, but I tend to get frustrated easily, so I am finding it slow going
If you want a good strategy game you should try Europa Universalis 2. Be warned, that it has a very steep learning curve but well worth the effort in my opinion.