From writer, scientist, educator, and artist, what hasn’t our heroic icon done? It comes as no surprise that Dr. José Rizal returns, this time in video game form. Rizal has been included as one of the selectable leaders in the upcoming strategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. 

As of the release announcement, several comments have expressed a positive reaction to the hero’s inclusion in the much-anticipated title. In the brief trailer, the game hints that Rizal’s strength as a leader will be evident in providing cultural and diplomatic bonuses for the player. Keeping your nation happy under Rizal’s lead will also grant the player bonuses that will give players a tactical advantage. Among these bonus traits is the “Kapwa” effect, which allows for an increased beneficial relationship toward fellow civilizations in-game. He also provides bonuses for successful narrative events. For an extra perk, players who select Rizal are also granted a tropical location bonus.

Prior to Civilization VII, the Philippines has already made special appearances in its fifth and sixth edition. In Civilization V, Manila appears as a maritime City-State that provides a food bonus upon befriending its citizens. Bohol’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chocolate Hills also shows up in Civilization VI as a natural wonder tile that provides food, production, and scientific bonuses. There have also been fan-made mods for both titles which allow players to include the Philippines in game, represented by leaders like former Presidents Emilio Aguinaldo, Manuel Quezon, and Corazon Aquino, plus revolutionary figures like Lapulapu, Dayang Kalangitan, and Sultan Kudarat. 

Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise has long been a favorite among strategy gamers and history enthusiasts. Since its release in 1991, it has become a staple in the industry as players look forward to the new set of leaders and nations included upon each release. Among its most popular characters is Indian revolutionary figure Mahatma Gandhi, lovingly referred to by fans as a nuclear overlord after a rumor spread that a glitch in coding accidentally made him the most violent character in the game. Other notable appearances include US President Abraham Lincoln, the Roman Empire’s Julius Caesar, Zulu warrior king Shaka kaSenzangakhona, and England’s Queen Elizabeth I. You can embark on your journey with Rizal at the helm starting Feb. 11 once Civilization VII is released on Steam.