Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword - hands-on

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Latest expansion spices things up with sci-fi and fantasy themed scenarios

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.