Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth

 PC
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1084 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 343 out of 1084
  2. Mixed: 374 out of 1084
  3. Negative: 367 out of 1084
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  1. Garet1218
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    A great throwback for Alpha Centauri fans!
    The new mechanics and atmosphere really separate it from other Civ titles, and really the themes remind me a lot more of Alpha centauri. I feel like if this had come out and Civ 5 was not a thing, it would had been held as revolutionary. I think far too many will group it with Civ 5 for using the same engine. They are two quite different games    A great throwback for Alpha Centauri fans!
    The new mechanics and atmosphere really separate it from other Civ titles, and really the themes remind me a lot more of Alpha centauri. I feel like if this had come out and Civ 5 was not a thing, it would had been held as revolutionary. I think far too many will group it with Civ 5 for using the same engine. They are two quite different games though. I say this as a long time fan.
    I for one love that they made culture more useful in a game play sense, they made espionage what it use to be back in the old days... Awesome..

    The tech web is probably my favorites system, I have always been a large science player.. The web and technologies they have change everything. I find myself conflicted far more often than in civ, not to mention it can be very situation based. The affinity system is awesome, and I like how it mixes.

    Here is my wishlish for the G&K sized expansion that should be coming

    -More mixed affinity unit upgrades or units, more units for pure routes to compensate.
    additional Planet ecosystem types.
    -A couple more sponsors
    -A scenario with a sentient planet.
    -A few more wonders    … Expand
  2. RocKeR999
    Mar 12, 2015
    9
    I am new on Civilization so when I read all the comments about playing Civilization V and forget about Civilization Beyond Earth, that's what I did.
    I had a really great time playing Civilization V. However I wanted to try this one too, now I cannot stop playing Beyond Earth.
    Beyond Earth has improved a lot of little features that the previous version had and I considered to be flaws,    I am new on Civilization so when I read all the comments about playing Civilization V and forget about Civilization Beyond Earth, that's what I did.
    I had a really great time playing Civilization V. However I wanted to try this one too, now I cannot stop playing Beyond Earth.
    Beyond Earth has improved a lot of little features that the previous version had and I considered to be flaws, such as evolving all your units at the same time, and allowing you to choose how to focus your game play instead of one boring tech tree that everyone must follow.
    If Civilization V became so popular after so many expansions, I can just imagine how great Civilization Beyond Earth will be in the future after a couple of expansions.    … Expand
  3. zombiechan
    Oct 30, 2014
    8
    Really enjoyable game and I think a decent mix of Alpha Centauri and Civ 5. I actually do enjoy some of the new mechanics and the new scene for a Civ game. The affinity system is a nice feature and adds a new conflict with you and other factions.

    The aliens are interesting, so I feel the AI is a tad dumb. But I do enjoy that there's a creature called a Siege Worm and if you sent some    Really enjoyable game and I think a decent mix of Alpha Centauri and Civ 5. I actually do enjoy some of the new mechanics and the new scene for a Civ game. The affinity system is a nice feature and adds a new conflict with you and other factions.

    The aliens are interesting, so I feel the AI is a tad dumb. But I do enjoy that there's a creature called a Siege Worm and if you sent some low level soldiers at it, they're going to die.

    I think the biggest issues I have with the game is the AI and placing the satellite seem poorly thought out.    … Expand
  4. REKT
    Oct 24, 2014
    9
    A great addition to the civ games.

    Different enough from civ 5 to be a new game but similar enough that you can pick it up fairly quickly. Genuinely don't get all the hate. Aliens behave very different o barbarians, affinities basically turn 8 factions into 21, tech web is great, orbital layer is fun. You WILL have to play differently to how you have been playing civ 5 to win this    A great addition to the civ games.

    Different enough from civ 5 to be a new game but similar enough that you can pick it up fairly quickly.

    Genuinely don't get all the hate. Aliens behave very different o barbarians, affinities basically turn 8 factions into 21, tech web is great, orbital layer is fun. You WILL have to play differently to how you have been playing civ 5 to win this game, tried and tested strategies from the older civ games simply won't work with the aliens and affinities. I think this is a big plus.

    The is also room for DLC in places I can see expanding the game but not needing it. For example adding an extra affinity. I can't however find somewhere that content has been removed to allow for DLC like in civ 5. This is good.    … Expand
  5. Muro
    Oct 24, 2014
    8
    Different enough from Civ 5 to not feel like an add-on, but still similar enough to make it feel familiar to Civ gamers. So with that in mind if you like Civ 5 you will probably like this, and if you don't then you probably won't.

    I won't list every change and the things I think are better or worse in this game but here are just a few. And I will be comparing this to both Civ 5 and    Different enough from Civ 5 to not feel like an add-on, but still similar enough to make it feel familiar to Civ gamers. So with that in mind if you like Civ 5 you will probably like this, and if you don't then you probably won't.

    I won't list every change and the things I think are better or worse in this game but here are just a few. And I will be comparing this to both Civ 5 and Alpha Centauri, you have been warned.

    Tech Web feels fun to explore. In Civ 5 by the end you had everything, all the techs fell in to place. In Beyond they don't. You have to make hard choices about what tech you want and what you don't. I feel this gave more flavour to my civilisation.

    Alien Life Forms are and aren't barbarians at the same time. In Civ 5 Barbarians were an aggressive annoyance, they turned up and tried to kidnap your workers and wreck your tile improvements. In Beyond the aliens are the dominant species, you are the aggressive annoyance turning up trying to steal the resources from their nests. And how you treat these native inhabitants determines if they decide to try and crush you out of existence.

    Units I felt were a bit weak in terms of their variety. I knew that I wasn't going to get an Alpha Centauri level of customising but I still feel more could have been done.

    Quests are enjoyable as they give some sense of your civilisation making decisions and shaping the way it wants to be. However sometimes I felt that these decisions came a little to often.

    Apart from that, Virtues are the new Social policies, Affinities are the new ideology, and the orbital layer works a bit like great people providing buffs to whole areas or temporary enhancements.

    Overall I am loving this game, it's not perfect, but I am sure I will once again sink hundreds of hours in to a Civilization game.    … Expand
  6. SherlockHolmess
    Feb 22, 2015
    9
    Wow i cant understand the many dislikes... sure it is no Alpha Centauri but first of all it's personal taste and second Alpha Centauri looks ugly.
    I don't compare this game to AC at all, i for myself started to become addicted aftr the very first round.
    The gaphics and soundscapes are beautiful. Trade routes, quests, outposts, aliens, make this game really exciting, the military battles    Wow i cant understand the many dislikes... sure it is no Alpha Centauri but first of all it's personal taste and second Alpha Centauri looks ugly.
    I don't compare this game to AC at all, i for myself started to become addicted aftr the very first round.
    The gaphics and soundscapes are beautiful. Trade routes, quests, outposts, aliens, make this game really exciting, the military battles are good thinked through but can be a bit annoying.
    The worms at the beginning have a very bad AI, and are very map dependent. But it happened only once that 3 worms attacked all cities of only me not the other player and the game was pretty much over for me then.
    Also the interface when leaving a city screen could be a bit faster, the "x" at the bottom is annoying.
    Also the tutorial is a bit sluggish und there's no campaign...

    But well these are just needles in the haystack. The game is great overall and you can spend lots of time with it. For me it's the best civilization at all, since i really enjoy the new setting on those planets and the graphics are so much more beautiful compared to it's predecessors.    … Expand
  7. wtfskilz
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    okay I really have to make a comment because after reading some of these comments although they made me laugh until my sides hurt, they are doing this game an injustice.
    Like warhorse complaining how it takes mid game or end game to kill an alien siege worm, dude your so wrong you can do it on I think it was turn 20-30, as long as your two squares away with a ranged char you can hit it    okay I really have to make a comment because after reading some of these comments although they made me laugh until my sides hurt, they are doing this game an injustice.
    Like warhorse complaining how it takes mid game or end game to kill an alien siege worm, dude your so wrong you can do it on I think it was turn 20-30, as long as your two squares away with a ranged char you can hit it over and over until it's dead and get your quest reward..
    Miasma benefits aliens not good for humans. you can easily clean it up in early to mid game all around your cities with orbital launches. the additional aspect adds a strategy on your movements. is it worth it to go straight through? I will loose 20HP on this path! the other path will take 2 more turns!
    Movements in the sea are very strategic as well, you will find yourself mostly in shallow water avoiding the Alien Krakens I found my self following trade routes or units I cared less about to test the route before going into the deep ocean and many other times I just went the long way, there defiantly is a Huge risk Huge reward factor that you can find in this game compared to the last.
    This game also has no lack of options, your options have options. I love the added special ops, it's another fun Variable that makes it feel like your really running a real country. For example I took out a minor power, most of the superpowers started to despise me and like 3 turns later there were covert spies in 3 of my major cities, I had to take my agent and get him working on Homeland security because of the unpopular political mistake I had made.
    The game performance is excellent even if you only have and AMD CPU/GPU you can play at max graphics and Vertical SYNC, when the map is full of stuff and DX11 has issues hitting above 40FPS I switch the API to Mantle and I'm back to 60FPS    … Expand
  8. HyperDuck
    Oct 24, 2014
    9
    It's pretty similar to Civ V, of course this is up to the individual whether they like it or not. Personally I love Civ BE, they changed enough in the game to make it feel familiar but at the same time different. I was wearing about buying this game due to the circle-jerk about it being too much of a Civ 5 clone. But after actually playing myself and developing my own opinion I have comeIt's pretty similar to Civ V, of course this is up to the individual whether they like it or not. Personally I love Civ BE, they changed enough in the game to make it feel familiar but at the same time different. I was wearing about buying this game due to the circle-jerk about it being too much of a Civ 5 clone. But after actually playing myself and developing my own opinion I have come to the conclusion that this game is actually pretty damn great.

    I give it an 8.5 out of 10. (Rounded up to 9 since you can't do half scores on Metacritic)    … Expand
  9. Tikvaw
    Oct 24, 2014
    8
    Very nicely done. Not as good as Alpha Centauri, especially concerning lore and faction philosophy.
    But overall nice game, worth the price and I'm pretty sure it will receive a lot of improvements over time.
  10. BigDegs29
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    This is basically Civilization V with some improvements, and some drawbacks.

    Improvements: -Trades barbarians for more versatile aliens. -Trade routes are improved (but needs a mod to remove the annoyance factor). -Very much prefer the skill web to the old tree. -Very much prefer the virtue system to the social policy trees. -Spying is actually useful. -Affinities add a dimension    This is basically Civilization V with some improvements, and some drawbacks.

    Improvements:
    -Trades barbarians for more versatile aliens.
    -Trade routes are improved (but needs a mod to remove the annoyance factor).
    -Very much prefer the skill web to the old tree.
    -Very much prefer the virtue system to the social policy trees.
    -Spying is actually useful.
    -Affinities add a dimension to gameplay.

    Drawbacks:
    -Few civilizations (er, sponsors) to choose from; DLC anyone?
    -Sponsor perks seem unbalanced to me.
    -You'd think they'd incorporate some of the great mods from CIV:V, but no.
    -Similar enough to CIV:V that fatigue settles in a little too quickly.

    I'm giving it a 9/10 because that's what I would give CIV:V. Because it's basically on the same level. I don't give penalties for not fixing what aint broke.    … Expand
  11. dyspeptic
    Oct 27, 2014
    8
    Last Played: Oct 2014

    PROS: + Espionage is completely reworked + Better units accessed through an "affinity" rather than tech system + Ranged units remain important throughout the game + Visual style is quite nice + Tech web allows you to ignore certain techs CONS: - Diplo is still weak, featuring only the inclusion of "favors" for when the AI demands something for nothing - Only one    Last Played: Oct 2014

    PROS: + Espionage is completely reworked + Better units accessed through an "affinity" rather than tech system + Ranged units remain important throughout the game + Visual style is quite nice + Tech web allows you to ignore certain techs

    CONS: - Diplo is still weak, featuring only the inclusion of "favors" for when the AI demands something for nothing - Only one navy and one air unit? Come on! - Only the might and growth virtue/policies seem worthwhile

    Review: I admire the risks taken with this game, and I see a lot of things that I like, as well as things that need refining, and things that should have changed, but didn't. Espionage is much better than before, having been completely reworked into a system where agents cannot access missions above the total "action limit" in the city, which increases as successful missions occur, decreasing when your enemy places an agent in the same city. Another positive change is the way higher-tier units are accessed-through the non-essential "leaves" which grant "affinity" points in the tech web. You could achieve some goals without ever levelling your unit types. Annoyingly, however, the good promotions of the past are ditched in favor of a flat 10% bonus every time the unit levels--the good promotions are now embodied by a choice which affects all units of that type on level up. One thing that was greatly improved, however was the continuing significance of ranged units (which no one built past crossbows unless they had the "improved range" perk). This is critical in SMBE because there are fewer unit types and only three factions--you need all the unit diversification you can get. EDIT: There are also unique affinity units which are unlocked at higher affinities (7+) though they are pretty much all land units.

    Other changes include the nice visual style (even the harshest critics acknowledge it looks different) and the ability to totally ignore techs in the web--I think it would be difficult to finish with every tech like one could before.

    There are some serious issues, however. The AI still regularly demands trade deals (even when they have poor relations and will reject the deal they suggested) and offers only "favors" (although I guess offering anything in return is a new feature). Furthermore, the "warmonger" feature is broken--I destroyed one outpost (not a city) and for the rest of the game I was a warmonger to every other player, leading to several 100+ turn cold wars. Speaking of annoying enemy factions, Franco-Iberia seems a bit broken, as they tend to interrupt every turn with a hate message. Wonders are accessed through tech, so it isn't clear why this should be, but it is.

    Further weaknesses include the further diminished air and navy (if I see these in an expansion I am going to be extremely mad--this better have been an accidental oversight and not a money-maker); and the unbalanced virtues (only might and growth get points when I play, health is poorly addressed by other trees).

    Basically, there are good and bad things about the game. I like it overall and I will keep playing it (hence the positive score), but Firaxis needs to patch up some holes (including missing/absurdly long unit animations and unit image superposition in the "specialize unit view" window) if they want more than just fans to like the game.    … Expand
  12. BlitzStein
    Jan 15, 2015
    8
    They accomplished the promise of a linux version. This is a good game. A little deceiving coming from the Civ saga, but we hope they will add space and other things on future expansions.
  13. henzu
    Oct 25, 2014
    9
    First of all, this IS a basically CiV 5 in another planet. And no, this is not a re-skin or DLC. There is alot of differences and alot that had stay the same. Which is why there is alot of whining(including here). Most just contradictory them self's or other ppl that didn't like the game. I would say the change isn't as much as Civ 4 to Civ 5, but most of the change I like. Also I findFirst of all, this IS a basically CiV 5 in another planet. And no, this is not a re-skin or DLC. There is alot of differences and alot that had stay the same. Which is why there is alot of whining(including here). Most just contradictory them self's or other ppl that didn't like the game. I would say the change isn't as much as Civ 4 to Civ 5, but most of the change I like. Also I find alot of stuff that ppl are whining about, are just because they are too lazy to use tutorial and read manual...
    The bad stuff first:
    1. Planet customization are limited, which is a odd design choice.
    2. The Leaders seem lack of personality, which is actually not odd, because we all know those leaders "normal" civilization" from history books. But I do find most of these leaders are not so aggressive(if your army is weak in CiV5 even the pacifist will attack you).
    3) UI need more work, it not as clear as CiV5. Also some

    The good:
    1.Aliens. They are not just re-skin Barbarian. They make the start of the game feel totally different then CiV. Best new idea!
    2.The new Science web. Finally there are more then just 2-3way(CiV1-5) to moving forward in science.
    3.Health. A good balancing idea to force player not to build a huge "settlers" army at start.    … Expand
  14. deadlockedworld
    Oct 24, 2014
    8
    Summary: It's really more like Civ 5 and a half. (but I rate Civ 5 a 10)

    I'm only a few hours in, but so far it's really not very different from Civ 5. It feels like they reskinned it, added some new graphics, and a few new ideas. *The interface is ulta-modern, and a little more clunky and difficult to use than Civ 5. *The diplomacy is exactly like Civ 5 except the leaders are less    Summary: It's really more like Civ 5 and a half. (but I rate Civ 5 a 10)

    I'm only a few hours in, but so far it's really not very different from Civ 5. It feels like they reskinned it, added some new graphics, and a few new ideas.
    *The interface is ulta-modern, and a little more clunky and difficult to use than Civ 5.
    *The diplomacy is exactly like Civ 5 except the leaders are less interesting.
    *City states are the same. Barbarians are now aliens.
    *Only thing that is really new is the culture/specialization options. They are interesting and will take some time to explore.

    Verdict:
    If you are a die-hard fan go ahead and buy it. If you have put less than a couple hundred hours into Civ you should wait for the first expansion pack.

    Other:
    These future humans are f-ing boring. The special moments in Civ V are when you get nuked by Ghandi, or slapped in the face by Catherine the Great-- that doesnt work with these bland future leaders.

    Please make the first expansion pack have REAL ALIENS.
    Isn't that the entire point of space civilization? (Want to make this different and better? Include a Cylon/Borg/Zerg invasion mode in the expansion pack -- last person to be overrun/assimilated wins. That would make this fun and a lot different from Civ V.)    … Expand
  15. jakebenntt
    Nov 3, 2014
    9
    Aliens, EPIC. Expeditions, EPIC. Tech web, EPIC. Only problem with it is the repetitive quest system. Otherwise, could call it a civ 5 remake, WITH TONS MORE CONTENT AND A MUCH BETTER, NOT CIV 5 SYSTEM!
  16. Tick
    Nov 30, 2014
    9
    I give this game a 9/10. I do this after reading all the reviews, and I disagree with them and will say why.

    Why I disagree: People wanted an entirely different game? Like Alpha Centuari was to Civilization? Everyone I know hated Alpha Centuari. It differentiated itself from Civ too much, and over-all was meh. Then when they make a extra-planetary Civ and keep many of the mechanics    I give this game a 9/10. I do this after reading all the reviews, and I disagree with them and will say why.

    Why I disagree: People wanted an entirely different game? Like Alpha Centuari was to Civilization? Everyone I know hated Alpha Centuari. It differentiated itself from Civ too much, and over-all was meh.

    Then when they make a extra-planetary Civ and keep many of the mechanics that worked VERY well people complain... Can't make people happy I guess.

    Review:

    Graphics: I'm happy with them. I like them. They are an improvement over Civ V, and keep graphics that work well. Now on some planets It can be a bit tough to differentiate Tundra and plains at a glance, but it's an alien world and the terrain, flora and fauna are different than that of earth. It just makes sense.

    Sound: Again, I like the sound. It's a slight improvement over Civ V. Less traditional music but that's the case, it's the future and you left tradition behind.

    Game Mechanics: (the big part)

    1) Cities. LOVE THEM. Build buildings, then get a choice of customization on their function/abilities through a choice. Perfect! I can play differently, plan out what I want to. The Unit customization based on what you do and how you do it is great. I can make an army designed to kill other units or attack cities, heal quickly etc.

    I like the new espionage functions. It's an improvement over Civ V's. The Level gain is also better, and if you're in the lead there is actually something your Spies can do. Especially since Technology isn't linear anymore, it's a web.

    The Tech Web: Love it. Linear tech isn't realistic the future, decisions, Values, Philosophy, Play-style all should and can play a part in how you advance. Once I got used to it, I say it's the best part of the game.

    Diplomacy: Meh. It's the same as Civ V except you can trade with people who have nothing to give to you with "favours" I can trade Titanium I'm not using and don't plan on using for a while to Civ's that may or may not need it for Favours. I can effectively bank them for later. I do like this. In Civ games I usually ignore diplomacy, not because It's a bad feature, but because I could care less about my opponents. I play to crush them not work with them. For my play-styles I just wish some of the phrases the AI used in the screen were more varied and different than Civ V when I refuse 100% of the time to aid them in war, and I always refuse all requests to stop settling near them etc.

    I'm sure there are people who play civ, and by the comments I can see it, that like diplomacy... I find that it's the same as liking the garnish in a 6 course meal. I don't play to interact diplomatically with AI's. I toss them and their wants/needs aside.

    War, movement, is all the same as CIv V but with the added unit complexity. And I like this. Resources are a little hard to figure out at first. I know what Wheat does, but what about Chitin? Or Fibre? all it takes is a few games to get this as 2nd nature. A

    Alien Life: They could have done a bit better job of taking advantage of this, and it's why this game gets a 9 and not a 10. You can kill the roaming aliens but still 'preserve' Life on the planet and that makes sense. Some life is hostile, you deal with it, and the rest isn't. As tech advances I'd have liked to see alien life not interrupt your use of a tile for resources, or even try to attack you, and they get small (graphic wise) and become part of the background animations. Or you can keep killing them.

    I like the ideology of Purity, supremacy and harmony. I also like how virtues replace several key racial bonuses or wonder bonuses of Civ V that were mandatory and you needed to RUSH to have a given play-style.

    Wonders: they are there, just a tad hidden, and when you look for them on the tech tree you're uncertain if it is or not until you figure it out and just remember it. They also could have done a bit more art-work on the wonders graphics... they are all whiteboxed...

    Overall this is a great game. Some SIMPLE fixes they should put in and then this game is a 10/10.    … Expand
  17. Selek
    Oct 24, 2014
    9
    Really enjoying it. Lots of new stuff here: Affinities, tech web, a cool system that requires scouts to excavate and then return to base (not auto-wander), new trade route system, revamped social policies, quests, satellites, interesting victory conditions. It's not perfect -- I wish there were some sort of Culture victory, and I'm still not a huge fan of the social policy thing -- butReally enjoying it. Lots of new stuff here: Affinities, tech web, a cool system that requires scouts to excavate and then return to base (not auto-wander), new trade route system, revamped social policies, quests, satellites, interesting victory conditions. It's not perfect -- I wish there were some sort of Culture victory, and I'm still not a huge fan of the social policy thing -- but it's much more compelling than I expected.… Expand
  18. asuratyr
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    Seriously...everyone keeps **** about this game with it being "a reskinned civ V" and so on.......i sort of expected this tho. For me this game is a fun throwback at civ V with just enough new features to keep it interesting.

    What is good, doesn't need to be replaced.
  19. Kaspar
    Oct 28, 2014
    8
    A great game in the Civ series, feels like Civ V but has enough new content and mechanics to stand by itself.

    It has both more and less re-playability than Civ V, the quest system makes every game different, but the limited choices in virtues, affinities and Civilizations can make each new game a bit too familiar. But it offers some new and interesting things, and future DLCs and    A great game in the Civ series, feels like Civ V but has enough new content and mechanics to stand by itself.

    It has both more and less re-playability than Civ V, the quest system makes every game different, but the limited choices in virtues, affinities and Civilizations can make each new game a bit too familiar.

    But it offers some new and interesting things, and future DLCs and patches hopefully will add more variety to an already very good game.    … Expand
  20. gatheck
    Nov 15, 2014
    9
    It's not Civilization V and it's not Alpha Centauri, when you realize that you'll love this game :) But first you have to play several games, not turns! And I'm sure that this game will become better and better.
  21. secludedsfx
    Oct 24, 2014
    9
    This game sticks to most of the great features of Civ V that we've come to know and love but shakes it up in an interesting way which makes the game feel fresh.

    If you've ever been interested in a game where the Civilization franchise is set in space then this is for you.
  22. Flawl3s
    Oct 26, 2014
    8
    No, Beyond Earth is not just a reskin of Civ 5, sure it's not the spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri, that we all hoped it would be, but it is solid, as much interesting, addictive Sid Meier's title. And we all should remember that Firaxis is known for fixing their games with expansion packs. (just as they did with Civ 5)
    It is a very solid title, which will just get better as time    No, Beyond Earth is not just a reskin of Civ 5, sure it's not the spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri, that we all hoped it would be, but it is solid, as much interesting, addictive Sid Meier's title. And we all should remember that Firaxis is known for fixing their games with expansion packs. (just as they did with Civ 5)
    It is a very solid title, which will just get better as time goes on, buy it now if you are a Civ fan, or just strategy fan in general, otherwise wait for some sales or expansions.    … Expand
  23. ghandimcfarland
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    I am loving every minute of Civilization: Beyond Earth! Honestly, it changes just enough to give a fresh experience while still remaining true to the series. The art and music are atmospheric and wonderful and the writing is superb! (I've spent hours browsing the Civilpedia. Reading about every tech you research and thing you build really fleshes out the narrative which draws influenceI am loving every minute of Civilization: Beyond Earth! Honestly, it changes just enough to give a fresh experience while still remaining true to the series. The art and music are atmospheric and wonderful and the writing is superb! (I've spent hours browsing the Civilpedia. Reading about every tech you research and thing you build really fleshes out the narrative which draws influence from both popular and classic sci-fi; Everything from Asimov and Dune to Battlestar Galactica.)
    On the gameplay front, after 2 full games I would wager that Civ:BE is already more balanced than Civ:BNW and knowing Firaxis we can expect plenty of patches to fine tune and improve everything. Wonders aren't as important and neither are the City State equivalents which are welcome changes. The affinity system is not only intriguing, but also removes a lot of the tedium from maintaining the military.
    On launch day I've noticed a few minor bugs but again, Firaxis is known for fixing their games post-launch. With how complex Civ:BE is, I'm actually surprised it works so well. I could see people being a bit overwhelmed at the new "tech web" but take heart; It comes some handy filters and quickly becomes second nature and the non-linear progression gives players a lot of freedom to develop their own strategies and customize their Civilization.
    Ultimately, Civilization has always been much more than a strategy game. It has always told a story and Civ:BE successfully shifts genres from History to Sci-fi while still keeping the exciting and optimistic flavor that is and will always be Civ. It is addicting, intelligent and beautiful.    … Expand
  24. Theryan4476
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    This game is a great even though it may look like a Civilization V remake it carries a ton more replay-ability with the new tech-web. Also the units can be upgraded throughout a play-through. Also the whole so-if atmosphere is amazing, it's a nice change of pace since most of their games are history based.
  25. Vetinari34
    Oct 26, 2014
    9
    The people that have rated the game low appear to have rated it low largely because it reuses the gameplay of Civilization 5. Alpha Centauri is one of the greatest games of all time, but its basic gameplay is terrible in comparison to that of Beyond Earth. Over time, Firaxis has molded and polished the civilization experience into the well oiled machine that can be found in this game.The people that have rated the game low appear to have rated it low largely because it reuses the gameplay of Civilization 5. Alpha Centauri is one of the greatest games of all time, but its basic gameplay is terrible in comparison to that of Beyond Earth. Over time, Firaxis has molded and polished the civilization experience into the well oiled machine that can be found in this game. With the freedom of the tech web, affinities, and virtues, every game played is going to be a completely different experience.

    What is lacking that I miss from Alpha Centauri is the voice acting and the wonder videos. While The voice actors for Beyond Earth are great, only one is used to voice the quotes for all of the technologies, affinities, and wonders. In Alpha Centauri, each voice actor voiced their own character's quotes for everything, and it made you really love and care about each character, and the people they were leading. Also, that each wonder had its own cgi video just added to the immersion of the game. I really miss that level of captivation that Alpha Centauri brought to the table. Also, mind worm boils were far more frightening a concept to me than siege worms ever will be. ;)

    This game truly is a culmination of Firaxis' experiences with turned-based strategy. It really brings together the best gameplay aspects of all its predecessors, and adds a few more wonderfully freeing tools. I have over 400 hours logged in Civ V, and I plan to have much more than that logged in Beyond Earth. I cannot wait to see how the DLC will shape this already polished gem.    … Expand
  26. betts_corey
    Oct 30, 2014
    8
    Gamers seem to be baby's who want everything tailor fit to their very specific desires and if they are disappointed in one area, the game sucks, and the developer became's vilified as money grabbers. This is a pretty good game. There are some features I wish were added in, but they weren't there. Instead of berating the thing like a miserable selfish brat, I'll say there are a lot of goodGamers seem to be baby's who want everything tailor fit to their very specific desires and if they are disappointed in one area, the game sucks, and the developer became's vilified as money grabbers. This is a pretty good game. There are some features I wish were added in, but they weren't there. Instead of berating the thing like a miserable selfish brat, I'll say there are a lot of good qualities that make this game enjoyable. One of the more exciting civ games I've played, but there is room for new features. Will you enjoy it? Probably. Will it get better with time? Definitely.… Expand
  27. Zirconiumfist
    Oct 26, 2014
    8
    Is it a revolutionary new take on the classic Civilization series? No. However it presents enough new features and ideas to make it well worth your time and money. I love the Affinity upgrade system, it allows each game to feel different despite the relatively small number of "Civilizations" (sponsors). True the diplomatic interactions are much the same, and the voice over for the leadersIs it a revolutionary new take on the classic Civilization series? No. However it presents enough new features and ideas to make it well worth your time and money. I love the Affinity upgrade system, it allows each game to feel different despite the relatively small number of "Civilizations" (sponsors). True the diplomatic interactions are much the same, and the voice over for the leaders is a bit limited and repetitive, (though I like how their appearance changes as they become more strongly aligned with an affinity) but the covert-ops has been simplified and offers a variety of exciting operations (like summoning alien siege worms). I like the non-linear tech web, it allows you to reach "ultimate" techs and units much faster than in previous Civ games, but the five possible victories still take a few hundred turns to achieve. So far I've only completed two games and my biggest disappointment is the victory screen. No stats, no world overview, no ranking,just "you win" and it exits to the main menu. I feel like a mod will cover this in the near future, but I don't understand why Firaxis would omit that feature. Overall, a great turn based strategy that largely improves the solid Civ 5 base mechanics but still has room to improve. I can only hope that future DLCs and patches will actually atone for the silly mistakes and questionable design choices.… Expand
  28. flametail
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    Yes, It is like Civ 5, but this one seems more refined, possibly the reasons for almost having the same engine is to make it familiar; for civilization veterans.
  29. mazz0
    Oct 28, 2014
    8
    The aesthetic style takes a little getting used to, but having played /almost/ one full playthrough I already prefer this game to Civ V. It's invokes that feeling of "must get that area of land there" that Civ V lacked for me.
  30. AkVr
    Nov 4, 2014
    9
    I must say i misjudged this game when i first played.Then i gave it a few tries.I dont know why it is so easy to get the wrong impression about it but if you play a while you will realize that it is a good game.Maybe the A.I needs some polishing and the Leaders.Diplomacy is not interesting at all,But i am sure Firaxis is already working to fix a few things with an expansion and add some more.
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Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best PC Game of 2014
21
#21 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 78 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 78
  3. Negative: 1 out of 78
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2015
    90
    Cancel all your plans and fill up the fridge, because once you launch Beyond Earth you will not want to leave your home. [13/2014, p.46]
  2. Worth Playing
    Dec 23, 2014
    85
    Passive AI and lackluster online support from the community isn't enough to make Civilization: Beyond Earth a total wash. If you've enjoyed the series over the years, you'll likely spend many hours with this entry as well.
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  3. Games Master UK
    Dec 21, 2014
    80
    Prepare for tech tree troubles, but the amount to discover and overall quality wins out. [Christmas 2014, p.64]
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