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. Miskin
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    Having spent more than 20,000 hours in Civ1, Col. Civ2, AC, Civ: CTP, Civ3, Civ4, Civ4: Col, Civ5, I still find Civ: BE interesting and good fun to play. The game world feels fresh and the art beautiful. I very much liked the changes to the tech tree, the affinities and the interactive environment, which acts almost like a faction.. I am sure, there is a lot of room for improvements,Having spent more than 20,000 hours in Civ1, Col. Civ2, AC, Civ: CTP, Civ3, Civ4, Civ4: Col, Civ5, I still find Civ: BE interesting and good fun to play. The game world feels fresh and the art beautiful. I very much liked the changes to the tech tree, the affinities and the interactive environment, which acts almost like a faction.. I am sure, there is a lot of room for improvements, which will come over time, as they did for Civ5.

    I have only 8h played, so what I write here is mostly my first impression. There are a couple of balance issues, and some minor bugs. Frankly, this game is in a much better state than Civ5 has been upon its release, which somehow got better reception from the fans. Therefore, I cannot understand, what is all this noise about. Saying this, yes, I have also tried Endless Legend, which I also liked very much. Overall I think CIV: BE is a superior product.

    I wholeheartedly recommend the game to all CIV and TBS fans. If I had to score I would have rated an 8.5/10. I give it a 10, as gesture of support to my all-time favourite game, because it's not rated fairly.    … Expand
  2. bwheatley
    Mar 8, 2015
    10
    This game really scratches an itch that i needed to get scratched. I enjoyed the spiritual successor to alpha Centauri. I'd give this game a chance for folks on the fence.
  3. Dimppa
    Oct 25, 2014
    10
    Civ BE is not worth 10 but nor is it 6. i think it's good game even great, "you can't advance through ages" What did you expect? everyone forgetting what computer is after that leave spaceship?
  4. 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.
  5. r4phstryker
    Oct 30, 2014
    10
    One more turn,one more turn...one more turn! This game need more contents and patchs,but i got better things to do instead of ♥♥♥♥♥ing about a decent game at launch.
  6. 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
  7. loppstalker
    Nov 3, 2014
    10
    Lopp likes Beyond Earth. Lopp enjoys playing the ARC and making spies. Lots of spies for Lopp. Lopp works on gaining the shinies. Lopp likes shinies..
  8. legus
    Nov 2, 2014
    10
    Это ШИН, господа! Лучше цивы, а маминых неосиляторов не слушайте. Пять раз за вечер свои деньги отбивает!
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Macwho11
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    Great game play of old, nice graphics, great soundtrack to go with the theme, sure feels like CIV 5 (Which there is nothing at all wrong with). Love the touch of quests to make everyone's game feel different. Give it more time to get use to I think will see more better reviews.

    Love 4X games
  13. tronster
    Oct 25, 2014
    10
    New tech web, affinity system, quests, unit upgrade trees, covert ops, virtues tree, and the classic addictive civ game play, but now in space! Time to play until "one more turn" becomes 4am in the morning. (Bonus: Great community, MODs already appearing less than 24 hours after release.)
  14. Zamioku
    Oct 25, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't understand why everyone keeps comparing this game with Civ 5 and saying that it's just not as good.
    Personally I think it's a brilliant game in it's own, but if you want to compare it to Civ 5 then I can say without a doubt that it's a much smaller game (less civs, fewer mechanics, fewer specializations) but much better thought out and adapted.
    The aliens are a constant, REAL threat, they are diverse and the rewards for killing them are much more meaningful (due to the quests) unlike the wimpy barbarians of Civ who were just waiting to be wiped out.
    The upgrades, virtues, affinities and all of their effects are all very clear and very visible. There is no second guessing, or wondering as to the effects of my specialization, as in Civ 5 and this gives me a feeling that the game is much more solid.
    There is so much to be said why Beyond Earth is so much better and innovative than Civ 5, but I would rather players take this game separately so they can fully enjoy and graps it's unique concepts.    … Expand
  15. Zagbok
    Oct 25, 2014
    10
    wow just wow, if you did not like the other civ games, go away. If you did like them you will love this. The paths you can take the choices before you enter the game. Wow I enjoyed having more decisions that shapes you people into more than just people some times. The game is not alpha Centauri it is beyond earth.
  16. singetak
    Oct 29, 2014
    10
    Honestly i like it a lot. I like the thing about the quests, about starting weak against the alien which is fair as it is a new alien world. I like the favor point thingy which is also something new.The thing with the upgrade i see much smoother than the idea of creating your unit in alpha century because i remember back when i played Alpha century i used to hate the idea of having a lotHonestly i like it a lot. I like the thing about the quests, about starting weak against the alien which is fair as it is a new alien world. I like the favor point thingy which is also something new.The thing with the upgrade i see much smoother than the idea of creating your unit in alpha century because i remember back when i played Alpha century i used to hate the idea of having a lot of units type and names.… Expand
  17. Evilmonky
    Oct 30, 2014
    10
    Huge Civ fan since Civ1, Alpha Centuri is an all time classic and favourite of mine. This is my first metacritic review, had to say something after my first full play through on epic, what an adventure. Its been years since I have been so totally engrossed in a game. Never has a civ game been as customisable or have so many paths to victory. Alpha tried at this and succeeded but beyondHuge Civ fan since Civ1, Alpha Centuri is an all time classic and favourite of mine. This is my first metacritic review, had to say something after my first full play through on epic, what an adventure. Its been years since I have been so totally engrossed in a game. Never has a civ game been as customisable or have so many paths to victory. Alpha tried at this and succeeded but beyond earth takes it to a different level. It truly is about survival on a hostile planet,. how u survive and adapt to your environment is totally down to you. Trade, espionage and diplomacy have never been as well executed in a civ game it was incredible manipulating other races to bend to my will. I guess the civ 5 trolls are being very vocal in these reviews, but the simplified civ model is how it should be and how it started, personal opinion I guess. Multiplayer is very fluid with so little micromanagement required.… Expand
  18. brunoconde
    Dec 6, 2014
    10
    As a Civilization fan (since the first version), I think this is a great game. Civ V is very simplified, true, and Beyond Earth looks like a well-fashioned mod. But it really looks like the title I was looking for, after finishing a Civ V game. Fills that emptiness that we feel after finishing a Civ V game. Very good game. I just Hope the guys from Firaxis keep enhancing it.
  19. KalikoKat
    Dec 23, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game, some differences from Civ V, replaces the tech tree with a web so that you don't have to worry about being ahead of other civs in researching, adds affinities, love it.… Expand
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. MrTim165
    Oct 25, 2014
    9
    I personally think Firaxis has done a great job with this Civilization game. The new (and old) system really make it something more than Civ V was, or to me at least. I also really dig the futuristic aesthetic, I love how you're now building an alternate future instead of an alt history.

    On itself, it's a phenomenal game. Great 4X with some really interesting systems. But since it's    I personally think Firaxis has done a great job with this Civilization game. The new (and old) system really make it something more than Civ V was, or to me at least. I also really dig the futuristic aesthetic, I love how you're now building an alternate future instead of an alt history.

    On itself, it's a phenomenal game. Great 4X with some really interesting systems. But since it's another game in the long lineup of other civ games, we're gonna have to compare it to Civ V. Whether or not it's better than Civ V is debatable. They're very similar but slightly different. Some may think Civ V was better, others may think Beyond Earth is better. You're gonna have to look for yourself to see if you like it or not. I personally love it!    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. Rahlekk
    Oct 24, 2014
    9
    A great continuation for the series; the saying "don't fix what isn't broken" applies very well here, as Beyond Earth takes what was amazing from Civilization V and applies it into a new world, or even, a new universe. Gone are barbarians in favor of interesting aliens, with worlds that are extremely lifelike. If you liked Civilization V or any before it, you will love Beyond Earth withoutA great continuation for the series; the saying "don't fix what isn't broken" applies very well here, as Beyond Earth takes what was amazing from Civilization V and applies it into a new world, or even, a new universe. Gone are barbarians in favor of interesting aliens, with worlds that are extremely lifelike. If you liked Civilization V or any before it, you will love Beyond Earth without a doubt. (I also think the user score for this game is quite lower than it deserves.)… Expand
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »