Joystiq impressions: Civilization: Beyond the Sword
Firaxis flat out says that Civilization IV's expansion, Beyond the Sword, is so huge, that it's actually more like Civilization IV.V (4.5). Much of the information was already known. The regular game looks fine, they're adding more non-military options and corporations in the game have a similar effect as religion. They also introduce spys which act in a similar way to diplomats in the original Civilization.
What they did show off which was interesting was the scenarios. Unlike the previous Civ expansion Warlords,Beyond the Sword has a whole outer space scenario with completely new graphics and a alien-style game called Afterworld. The expansion comes with many different scenarios that don't really change the game as much as they are completely different games just using the Civ engine as a springboard..
The actual Civ IV game looks like it's going to get some fresh air by allowing players to start later in the game if they want to experience the new content which is designed to make the end of the game more exciting and not feel like you're just pushing through it. Let's face it, most people know whether they can win or lose by the time the B.C. to A.D. switch happens. Beyond the Sword is expected to give peaceful players (an ironic) fighting chance to win the game. The game will release July 23 and it just looks like anybody still playing Civ IV might find the game worth getting, especially if it cleans up the end of the game.
