But while scenarios like Fall from Heaven still show signs of the original Civ IV gameplay, with city and unit-building aplenty, others - like the sci-fi themed scenario, Afterworld - play like a completely new game. This X-Com-styled scenario throws you into space with a band of mechs sporting creepy tentacles where their arms and legs should be.

Its turn-based control scheme for combat and UI are all that remain from the Civ IV experience in this scenario. The direction that you face affects your line of sight, meaning that you’ll need to carefully consider each step you take as you proceed through the fog-of-war covered wastelands in search of a mysterious data source.

Zombie-like aliens stand between your team of slimy mechs and their pursuit of knowledge. On top of that, their devilishly efficient AI will make quick work of you if you don’t make every move count. Leave your troops spread apart and disorganized, and the enemy will gang up on each of your party members individually, tearing them to shreds.

But that’s not to say that the hardest of hardcore Civ fans will be left without the traditional content you’d expect from an expansion. Expect 26 new units, 18 new buildings, 16 leaders, 10 civilizations, and 5 new wonders will be available in BtS. And scenarios like Charlemagne will feed their fix for more - somewhat - historically-based action.

BtS will also introduce corporations into the core gameplay mechanic. With the right technology and great people, you can spawn businesses that provide various bonuses in exchange for upkeep. In an interesting take on free trade and globalization, you can even spread your businesses to weaker nations, forcing them to pay the upkeep for your corporation while you reap in the benefits.

With so many derivative add-ons for other sim/strategy titles flooding the field, the decision to release so many unique scenarios, in addition to the standard traditional content you’d expect from an expansion, is a breath of fresh air. If your box of the original Civilization IV has been collecting dust, keep your eye out for Beyond the Sword when it ships in July. In the meantime, click on the Images and Movies tabs above for a sneak peak at the game.