Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Firaxis Games
- Publishers: 2K Games
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword: An In-Depth Review
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV, the 2005 PC Game of the Year. Released in 2007, Beyond the Sword expands upon the epic gameplay of Civilization IV with a wealth of new content, including 11 new civilizations, 16 new leaders, 5 new wonders, and a variety of new units and buildings. The expansion also introduces several new gameplay features, such as espionage, corporations, and advanced starts.
One of the most significant additions in Beyond the Sword is the inclusion of 11 new scenarios. These scenarios are custom-designed by the team at Firaxis and some members of the Civ Fan Community, and they offer a wide range of challenges and objectives. For example, the “Fall of Rome” scenario tasks players with defending the Roman Empire from barbarian invasions, while the “Rise of the Mongols” scenario challenges players to conquer vast territories as the Mongol hordes.
Another major addition in Beyond the Sword is the introduction of 10 new civilizations. These civilizations include the Babylonians, the Portuguese, and the Netherlands, each with their own unique units and buildings. For example, the Babylonians can build the Hanging Gardens, which provides a bonus to science and culture, while the Portuguese can build the Caravel, a powerful naval unit.
In addition to new civilizations and scenarios, Beyond the Sword also introduces several new gameplay features. One of the most notable new features is espionage. Espionage allows players to spy on opponents, stir up unrest, and steal technology. Espionage can be a powerful tool for gaining an advantage over your rivals.
Another new feature in Beyond the Sword is corporations. Corporations are similar to religions, but they provide economic benefits instead of religious benefits. Players can found corporations and spread them throughout the world, and each corporation provides different benefits. For example, the East India Company provides a bonus to trade routes, while the Hanseatic League provides a bonus to production.
Beyond the Sword also includes a number of other new features, such as advanced starts, an expanded space victory condition, and an improved AI. Advanced starts allow players to start the game with a custom-tailored empire, which can be a great way to experience the new features of the expansion in a shorter amount of time. The expanded space victory condition requires players to plan and execute their strategy more carefully, and the improved AI provides a more challenging and rewarding experience.
Overall, Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is an excellent expansion pack that adds a wealth of new content and features to the base game. The new civilizations, scenarios, and gameplay features offer a fresh and exciting experience for both new and experienced players alike. If you’re a fan of Civilization IV, then Beyond the Sword is a must-have expansion.
New Features in Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
- 11 new scenarios
- 10 new civilizations
- 16 new leaders
- 5 new wonders
- A variety of new units and buildings
- Espionage
- Corporations
- Advanced starts
- Expanded space victory condition
- Improved AI
Conclusion
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is a landmark expansion pack that takes the already excellent Civilization IV to new heights. The wealth of new content and features adds hundreds of hours of replayability, and the improved AI provides a more challenging and rewarding experience. If you’re a fan of Civilization IV, then Beyond the Sword is a must-have expansion.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
