2K and Firaxis Games have been hard at work preparing to expand their space themed strategy opus with Rising Tide, an expansion focused on expanding victory options and colonizing the seas of the alien worlds that were first encountered in Civilization: Beyond Earth. There are new hybrid units, volcanic worlds still in their earliest formations, frozen worlds going through an ice age, and dynamic leader traits that are gained through gameplay. These traits will help with the expanded diplomacy inherent to the expansion. That new system is expanded upon in the new trailer 2K put out this morning, along with examples of all the sea buildings that will eventually be crushed by some overaggressive warmonger.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcw7Zg8KwjM
Civilization games always seem to hit their stride after an expansion pack or two have been released. Beyond Earth didn't blow anyone away last October, but the idea of Civ in space is still very appealing. A year after release, it might finally be time to blast off as Rising Tide is set to debut on October 9th of 2015. In anticipation of that, the game will be available to play for free all weekend starting today. Those that are convinced by their demo will be able to purchase the game for half off, as well as pick up the expansion for a significant discount.
Quick Take
I've never been someone who could devote a lot of time to Civilization games. I love them, but I love them so much that a single game can become an obsession that eats days at a time, and suddenly I've been awake for 48 hours and I'm still fighting barbarians with a giant mech in the tutorial. For those with better time management skills, Rising Tide seems to smartly expand the base game, and I hope it brings some much needed character along with it.Have you ventured into the stars with Beyond Earth? Are you still going turn by turn in Civ 5? Or do you prefer the light strategy of something like Defense Grid? Sound off in the comments below, and I'll be on the lookout for those barbarians. Just in case.
