There are few games with the unique ability to make you doubt your own intelligence quite like the Civilization series. I've put in over 300 hours into their last iteration, Civ 5, and I still don't feel I've a competent grasp on the depth of balance and strategy that goes into each file. Despite this I consider myself a fan and probably won't stop playing, and sucking at, the game anytime soon.
With Beyond Earth I look forward to this upcoming chapter in Firaxis's strategy series, as it tackles some of the same tactical concepts but with a specific focus on what the development of a new civilization might look like in the future on a new planet, one with the resources to start fresh.
Instead of a tech tree, there is something of a "tech web", reflecting what the progress of a society might resemble when it has advanced knowledge of science headed towards an unknown future. Users will still fight for land and resources while developing their philosophical approach to utopia, specifically in three different schools of thought reflecting their beliefs and values on how to best evolve. An orbital layer allows for strategic satellites offering economic, scientific, and military support, while a new quest system will give side missions that will aid in advancement of the game.
Players who are familiar with the series will be able to pick up Beyond Earth easily but still be challenged by the new things it has to offer.
What I've seen of the graphics so far suggests the game will also be vivid and beautiful, even more so than the stellar Civ 5. With Beyond Earth they've more liberty with the landscape and they've used that freedom to create gorgeous features worthy of any sci-fi title. The various alien lifeforms dotting the planetside also add to the striking visuals.
Civilization: Beyond Earth is due this upcoming fall on PC, Mac, and Linux.
