Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth is the spiritual successor to the classic 1999 PC game Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. Players can choose from one of eight expedition sponsors and head out to space in order to start a new colonization on an uncivilized planet. The worlds are already full of dangerous enemies that will challenge players that enter too close to their homes, but there are also plenty of valuable resources to be harvested for those brave enough to venture into the hazardous conditions. It's a neat storyline that definitely has a strong science fiction influence that is felt throughout all of the design choices in the game. The change from traditional historic settings and people make the game a completely different experience, but it's a welcome change for the series that feels like a breath of fresh air in a series that typically offers similar storylines with only improved graphics and features for each new release.
In addition to building up various buildings and establishments, players will need to scout the nearby areas looking for new supplies to bring back to base and use to develop new technologies and advance their civilization. One cool feature we noted was how the natives of the planet when players accidentally walk into their territory. Depending on how close players venture to their home or how much damage is done to the area, a whole swarm of enemies can come down on the scouting party and cause some real problems for players early on. Another neat feature was how the game allowed a player to join in the game later but receive in-game benefits that allowed them to more easily catch up in technologies and other resources to compete with players that had already established their colony.
One other neat feature the team showed off at E3 2014 was the non-linear technology web that allows civilizations to build up their colonies and unlock new technologies or improve existing ones. The feature allows players to unlock technologies in any order and focus heavily on certain aspects of establishing a new civilization. without the need to go through certain prerequisites beforehand. This is a good way to keep one match from being different from another and keep gameplay feeling fresh. Of course, the game will still add even more features, expedition sponsors and levels as the game nears completion. Look for more information on Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth as we near the game's release in the Fall.
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth is scheduled to release exclusively for PC in Fall 2014. Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth is not yet rated. For more information on the game, check out the official Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth website.
Game Features:
- Online Multiplayer 1-8
- Explore and Colonize Alien Worlds
- Harvest Undiscovered Resources
- Futuristic Setting and Technologies
- Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Platforms: Available exclusively for PC (previewed)
Release Date: Fall 2014