High: Superb value
Huge amount of new features
Enhances every aspect of the game

Low: The interface is getting convoluted


If there happens to be some debate out there as to whether or not Civilization IV is one of the greatest games of all time, then the recently released expansion pack, Beyond the Sword, should finally end the argument. Beyond the Sword is one of the finest add-ons ever produced, bestowing the player with countless new features, enhancements, units, gameplay and tactics that elevate Civilization IV to something akin to god-like status. When played in conjunction with the Warlords pack and now Beyond the Sword, there is simply no better strategy game that has ever been created. You know those "Desert Island" questions that are posed from time to time, wherein you need to pick one game that would accompany you in to exile? For me, Civilization is that game.

The New Stuff
There's simply too much new content on offer in Beyond the Sword to cover everything here, so I'll focus on the big additions. The most significant new element is the overhaul of espionage. No longer a footnote in terms of gameplay, espionage is now integrated in to your overall economy, allowing you to toggle how many espionage points you accrue from your cities, which detracts from your monetary income. Now your spies have some cool things to do if you gather enough points; fun stuff like poisoning the water supply of a city, disrupting production lines and instigating revolts. Espionage is a fantastic way to cause problems for your enemies, especially if you're softening them up for an imminent attack. No better feeling than successfully initiating a rebellion and following that up with a surprise attack. Of course, espionage cuts both ways and the AI uses it quite extensively, so don't consider yourself immune. In one marathon session I played, one of the AI was sparing no expense in poisoning the water supplies of every major city I ruled, making my citizens sick and depleting my overall population. What makes this great and annoying all at once is that it's all done anonymously and leads to a lot of suspicion and paranoia.

Beyond the Sword also introduces a ton of new units for just about every era the game covers, though the overall emphasis in on the mid and late game. I've had quite a lot of fun with just one of the new elements, the Privateer ship. This is a combat unit that can sail the seas without the burden of a country flag announcing its origin. This means you can attack any ship you see without initiating a war, a great way to upend shipping lanes and frustrate opponents with trade embargoes without the finger ever being pointed at your government. In effect, it's government-supported sea piracy that doesn't have a blame game and it makes for some awesome strategy and underhanded tactics. Another great addition is the Anti-Tank Infantry, a welcome inclusion considering how many tanks infest the game world once production starts, so now players have a proper defense to deal with the situation.
Another new addition that significantly alters previous gameplay is the Apostolic Palace, a UN HQ of sorts, though it's available in the early stages of the game. Having an Apostolic Palace in your country allows you to pass resolutions and engage in limited diplomacy, though the effectiveness of all this is usually centered around religious affiliations, which strengthens the overall religious component of the game.

Corporations make an appearance in the late game and work in way similar to religion, spreading your influence to competing countries while enjoying the lucrative economic benefits. Corporations are tough to get as they are considered Wonders and can only be founded by a Great Person and even then certain resource demands need to be met, so gaining access to one usually requires some trade and deals with your opponents. What's interesting about Corporations is that you can plop one down in a competing country and nail them with a sizable economic hit, wherein the host county shoulders a lot of the maintenance fees while you sit back and reap the rewards. Having the AI plant a Corporation in your country will ultimately force your hand to find a way to offset the burden by screwing someone else.

Beyond the Sword also introduces random events that aren't quite as random as the name suggests, as all potential events that occur are based on what you happening to be doing at any given time. While there's the usual plane crashes and such that are really just blips on your historic radar, other events are more focused on religious tension between nations, forcing you to make tough decisions that will have a long-lasting impact on the game.

The Greatest Strategy Game Ever

I don't think there was much doubt that Civilization IV was one of the greatest strategy games of all time, but Beyond the Sword removes all doubt, placing this franchise on a pedestal where it stands alone. With its expanded Epic Game, 12 new scenarios, tons of mods from the community, 10 new civilizations, 16 new leaders, corporations, espionage, random events, 5 new wonders, enhanced space victory, Apostolic Palace diplomacy and enhanced AI, this is the best $29 you'll spend all year. Though there's nothing here that will convert people to Civilization who didn't have an interest before, long-time fans will be richly rewarded. Civilization IV, along with it two expansion packs, stands tall as a digital masterpiece.

Game Info Center

Affiliates   Links

Eternal Boards Latest Post