One quirky new feature is the appearance of random events. They’re presented as nothing more than simple text boxes that pop up to inform you of all manner of natural and unnatural happenings. A twister may damage some farm lands and you’re given multiple choices of, say, spending cash to repair it or letting the crops fail and suffering a hit in food production. A neighboring civilization could suffer a similar fate and one of your choices could be to help them out - it’ll cost you but will boost your relationship with them.

Of the other additions, the predictable new civilizations - seven in total, replete with unique units and buildings - will guarantee many hours play, even if it’s just to try them out. The Babylonians and the Holy Roman Empire are strong, whilst the seafaring Dutch make the most of the new naval improvements, especially on a Terra or Old/New World map. Of all the new military units, it’s Paratroopers that open up play the most, their 10-tile airdrop range allowing for more sophisticated operations.

Rounding out BtS is a selection of mods and scenarios. Some are the best of the mod scene, others are Firaxis’s designs. Sadly for Firaxis, it’s the already existing mods that shine - the excellent fantasy-set Fall from Heaven, the intriguing, history-following Rhye’s and Fall of Civilizations, and WWII: The Road to War. Of Firaxis’ efforts, only one looks to do what Warlords did with its scenarios and focus on new features - corporate lesson Crossroads of the World.

So, what to think of Beyond the Sword? As an expansion it’s patchy, in more than one sense. The new elements it adds feel more like a patch than a genuine expansion whilst the mods are hit and miss - and you can already get the best ones for nothing.