Publisher 2K and developer Firaxis Games have announced a new Sid Meier title, set in the same universe as the most recent saga in the Civilization series - Civilization: Beyond Earth.
Simply named Starships, Meier’s latest escapade is scheduled for release sometime in 2015 as a digital download for PC, Mac, and iOS devices (iPad, specifically). The player will lead a fleet of starships as they embark on a new journey of exploration, colonization, and protect planets and their civilizations. It sounds as though it’s Meier’s take on Star Trek (though as a Trekkie myself, I hope that’s not really the case).
“When designing Starships, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the next chapter in the story of Civilization: Beyond Earth,” Meier explained in a press release sent out yesterday night. “What happens after we colonize our new home and eventually build starships to take to the stars? What has become of our long-lost brothers and sisters from the planet Earth? My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration.”
Starships will require players to build a planetary federation by exploring the galaxy, expanding the federation’s influence and domain, researching futuristic technologies to advance science, and engage in turn-based, deep space tactical combat with a large array of customizable starships. It all sounds a little reminiscent of Spore‘s end game to us, with a smattering of the kind of 4X gameplay seen in titles like Sword of the Stars and Endless Space.
Apparently, players who also own Beyond Earth will see some unlocked features and links between the two games, though these haven’t been detailed. Color us intrigued.
In Starships, each new campaign will feature its own distinct galaxy strategy map with dynamically-generated missions that should increase replay value. Typical 4X-stuff then, but with Meier at the helm, we’re expecting the same blend of depth and compulsive one-more-turn gameplay that the industry legend is best known for.
Let’s just hope we don’t get our arses kicked by Space Ghandi.
According to 2k President Christoph Hartmann, “Sid has been a leader in the strategy and PC gaming market for more than 30 years. After successfully launching an experience touching upon mankind’s history on Earth, fans will now see how Sid has used the Civilization: Beyond Earth universe to deliver his own unique style of strategic gaming.”
Check out the first batch of screenshots/ concept art and the announcement trailer below.
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