New idea for expanding borders - letting player grab tiles they want

[Andrej]

I don´t like much and i don´t see any logic in border expansion system from Civ4. The main weakness is that player has no influence on expansion, cities expand their borders like rings on water. I propose this system: Every time when city puts together enough culture points to expand from one level to another, game highlits tiles around the city player can grab. In this way player could choose his strategy for expansion (which direction to go/focus on production tiles/commerce tiles or tiles providing good defensive line). It could be very simple and intuitive concept greatly enhancing player´s freedom.
One more point: Fat cross is in my view absolete. Civ5 should implement concept in which any tile at player´s territory can be used. In Civ 4 due to priorities in city placement app one quarter of tiles of my territory has no use. I read rumors that Civ 5 will adress this issue. Do you know any details on this?

[tryx42]

Since they let you buy tiles you want, I don’t think it is much of a weakness. I see it as more of a game mechanic that makes you think harder about how to use your money. You could always look at it like you are getting a random tile for free when it expands instead of having to always pay for tiles. I’m hoping it adds a little more depth to that aspect of the game. I won’t really know how I feel about it until I play around with it.

[Procylon]

You can already buy tiles in Civ 5 using your settler units.