Civ4 BTS Review on PC.IGN: 8.9/10

[Thunderfall]

PC.IGN has published a detailed review of Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword written by Steve Butts. He believes the expansion energizes an already lively strategy game and that players won't be able to put it down for months due to the large amount of content.

A few things he doesn't like include the corporations system ("doesn't seem to make much sense"), late game performance problems, espionage system on Marathon speed ("too effective"), and no Nimoy for the new tech quotes.

Below is the breakdown by rating category:

• 9.0 - Presentation
  Tons of new content that nicely complement the game's current strategies.
• 8.0 - Graphics
  The new assets are rendered well and fit the style of the game nicely. Some of the icons could be improved.
• 7.0 - Sound
  Nimoy!
• 8.5 - Gameplay
  The espionage and new combat options alone are worth the price of admission. Corporations need work.
• 9.5 - Lasting Appeal
  A tougher AI and more strategies options extend the life of the game considerably. Scenarios and mods are interesting diversions.
• 8.9 - Great
  OVERALL
  (out of 10 / not an average)

 

[Dutch Canuck]

I read this review and it is obviously a more thorough and better written review than the poor job published by Gamespot.

PC.IGN review:
Gamespot review:

 

[Seapeople]

The AI isn't just better at war strategy, they get many units to appear out of nowhere. When i play on levels below Noble i want to be able to romp to victory umkay! They took our jobs!!!

 

[JvdWielen]

Great! Rating number for me is 9,4. Al scenarios are nice. I have al played for testing. Mabe a expansion disk 3 for future time and more planets like as test of time civilization?

 

[crossmr]

I have to agree on the sound. I was really disappointed Nimoy wasn't doing the techs in this one.

 

[JvdWielen]

Big great news. Beyond the sword is possible to playing with smart map and visa smart map. I have no problem with these. I have al these testing with thew second expansion disk. Only wat you do is make a copy from your smart map to plublic map in Beyond the Sword.
It work good.