Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth (called Civilization: Beyond Earth, Beyond Earth, or CivBE for short) is a turn-based strategy game created by Sid Meier and Firaxis Games and released on October 24, 2014. Beyond Earth is not an expansion pack for Civilization V; it was released as a standalone game. It is said to be the spiritual successor to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. Lead designer David McDonough has even said "For all the fans out there of Alpha Centauri, this is the game we have made for you."[1]
An expansion pack called Rising Tide was announced in May 2015, and was released on October 9, 2015.
Plot[]
The story of the game takes place in 2210,[2] when humans must leave Earth as a result of an event called "the Great Mistake." In the game, humanity travels through space to start a new life by colonising extraterrestrial planets.
Gameplay[]
Beyond Earth is unique to the Civilization series: in contrast to the other Civilization games, apart from certain modes of Civilization II: Test of Time, which take place across the historical periods of human history, it takes place in the distant future. Beyond Earth uses the Civ V engine (which means no stacking units, with the exception of civilian/military and orbital units and hexes).
The game also features a number of significant departures from the Civilization series. In the previous Civilization games, players assumed control of historical empires led by historical figures, each with preset personalities and unique features. In Beyond Earth, players can choose from anything they want at the game startup, from the one who sponsored their expedition to anything they brought to the new world, allowing players to create a customized civilization of their own. Unlike previous games which featured linear tech trees, Beyond Earth has a tech "web" which branches off in several directions.
Beyond Earth also has several affinities, similar to the Ideology feature in Brave New World. Affinities, as stated in the game, are overarching philosophies on human advancement that shape players' technological advancements. In addition, some of the in-game units are only available to a certain affinity. There are three available affinities to choose from in the game: Harmony, Supremacy, and Purity.
The Harmony affinity tries to co-exist with the planet, utilizes genetic modification, and is able to domesticate the native species. The Supremacy affinity puts its trust in advanced technology, and utilizes highly specialized units that aid each other in the field. The Purity affinity is attempting to make the planet into a new Earth by conquering and "Terra-forming" it.[3][4]
Fryda Wolff serves as the game's narrator.
Sponsors[]
Sponsor | Special Ability | Capital | |
---|---|---|---|
American Reclamation Corporation (ARC) | Covert operations are 25% faster and cause 25% more intrigue. | Central | |
Pan-Asian Cooperative (PAC) | +10% Production towards Wonders +25% Worker speed |
Tiangong | |
People's African Union (PAU) | +10% Food in growing cities when Healthy All cities start with an Old Earth Relic |
Magan | |
Kavithan Protectorate | Cities and Outposts acquire new tiles twice as fast | Mandira | |
Brasilia | Units have a +10% Combat Strength in melee combat Units have a +5 Heal when fortified |
Cidadela | |
Franco-Iberia | Gain a free Virtue for every 10 Virtues earned normally through Culture | Le Coeur | |
Polystralia | Plus two trade routes in the capital | Freeland | |
Slavic Federation | Orbital units stay in orbit 50% longer +50% Petroleum resources |
Khrabrost |
Aliens[]
- There are seven different wild alien species.
- Aliens start out relatively docile.
- You might not see some of the more advanced Alien units until later in the game.
Updates and Patches[]
- The Beyond Earth Winter 2015 update was released on March 11, 2015 and included a number of changes to the game. A comprehensive list of changes is located here.
- New updates have been done since then.
DLC[]
The Exoplanets Map Pack was originally a preorder bonus DLC for Beyond Earth. It is available to purchase on Steam. It provides six additional maps.
The expansion pack Rising Tide was announced in May 2015, and was released on October 9, 2015. It introduces several new game systems as well as adding new sponsors.
Sid Meier's Starships connectivity[]
Beyond Earth used to be able to connect with Starships via a player's My 2K account, allowing for a transfer of assets and bonuses. This functionality was broken during an update to the My 2K system that was not carried over into the games. As such the My 2K login in both games is no longer functional, and with it none of the unlocks or bonuses can be accessed.
Gallery[]
Screenshots[]
Concept Art[]
Videos[]
Let's Play Civilization: Beyond Earth[]
References[]
- ↑ http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/04/firaxis-takes-civilization-to-the-star-with-beyond-earth-announcement/
- ↑ This article states that humans leave Earth in the year 2210.
- ↑ Senior, Tom (April 12, 2014). "Civilization: Beyond Earth interview - everything you need to know about the new factions, aliens, technology and more". PC Gamer. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
- ↑ Stapleton, Dan (April 12, 2014). "Firaxis Revisits Alpha Centauri With Civilization: Beyond Earth". IGN. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors). |
External links[]
- Official homepage
- Civilization: Beyond Earth Wiki
- Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth at MobyGames
- PC Gamer's in depth interview with the designer duo
- A nice visualization of the Virtues screen
- GameSpot's 5-day coverage
- Civilization V Analyst: Beyond Earth Overview
- AngryJoeShow interview with Anton Strenger, the gameplay designer of Beyond Earth
Civilization: Beyond Earth [Edit] | |
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Games: Base Beyond Earth • Rising Tide • Starships† | |
Lists | |
Affinities | |
Concepts | |
Yields | |
Misc. | |
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Civilization Series | |
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Game | Expansion packs |
Civilization |
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Civ II | |
Civ III | |
Civ IV |
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Civ V | |
Beyond Earth | |
Civ VI | |
Civ VII | |
Official Spinoffs | |
Other Games | |
Comparisons |