Sid Meier's Civilization Beyond Earth concept should not face the Reaper

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For years, Sid Meier's Civilization franchise was one of the biggest names in the strategy genre. Since 1991, players have had six drastically different mainline experiences, with a seventh arriving this year. Moreover, there was an abundance of them Sid Meier's Civilization spin-off that took the franchise to entirely new locations. But while it was great to see, one of these spin-offs still has a lot to offer the brand if given the chance.

Released in 2014, Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth tried to take the franchise into the sci-fi world for a whole new type of adventure. It may have met with positive reviews, but the title ended up flat with viewers and only received one expansion pack. The studio hasn't really looked back since. But while the experience may have been flawed, the actual concept is worth re-examining. With some modifications and changes, Outside Earth it can be a fantastic experience for fans of the series.

Civilization 7 Naval

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Sid Meier's civilization should not leave Earth

Beyond Earth was a flawed but fun experience

Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth was intended as a way for players to see what happened after they won a scientific victory Sid Meier's Civilization 5. Instead of going through history, they would have to make their way on a mysterious unknown planet. This meant that the basic formula was significantly different from what had gone before. Barbarians have been replaced by aliens, victory conditions have been reworked, and the tech tree is unlike anything players have seen before.

While the concept was unique, it wasn't really what attracted players Civilization franchise. Players want to explore history, fight as iconic leaders, and experience more realistic environments. There is a market for sci-fi strategy games, but it didn't seem like it Sid Meier's Civilization fans were told the market. The studio would expand this with a single DLC known as A rising tide before quickly transitioning to Sid Meier's Civilization 6 instead. And since then, another sci-fi outing has not been attempted.

Firaxis may want to consider exploring the concept further

So far, there is no indication that Firaxis plans to visit again Outside Earth concept in any form. The closest was in 2015 Sid Meier's Starshipswhich gives players control of a fleet in the same universe as Outside Earth. However, the game was met with mixed reviews as many found it to be quite lackluster. Since then, the studio has seemingly abandoned any future sci-fi adventures in favor of expanding the main line. But it might want to consider diving into it again.

With a few changes and improvements, a Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth can lead to a fantastic strategic adventure. Players can take on an iconic civilization, explore the stars as told, and progress through a new form of history. There would still be aliens, unique planets, and other galactic factions. But he could still retain that heart and charm at his core Civilization franchise with a brand new lens. If done well enough, it could even spawn a new sub-series for players to flock to in between the mainline entries.

Whether Firaxis will ever attempt sci-fi remains to be seen Civilization or another spin-off in general. Right now, the studio is focusing on shipping Sid Meier's Civilization 7 and expanding it with countless post-launch updates and DLC. Hopefully, once it's done, the studio will decide to take another risk again. Even if it's a smaller scale game, sci-fi Civilization the game could shine.

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