Destructoid and GamesRadar Articles - Steampunk coverage

[Pouakai]

http://www.destructoid.com/preview-steam-and-spirituality-in-civ-v-gods-kings-227203.phtml
http://www.gamesradar.com/civilization-v-gods-kings-preview-hands-steampunk-scenario/

What's a videogame without a little fabrication, though? Firaxis has decided to have a little fun with the series and add the "Empires of the Smokey Skies" scenario. No, it's not about the American automotive industry, but rather an alternate take on the centuries proceeding the renaissance -- as is the case with most steam punk.

This scenario gives players a new look to not only their cities and towns, but also their military units. Be prepared to utilize giant, iron-wheeled tanks that blow the nuts and bolts off of other steam-powered behemoths. My personal favorite is the sky fortress, a giant dirigible that acts as an aircraft carrier, sending a squad a biplanes to wreak havoc on those silly enough to challenge it. Imagine turning a bunch of Wright Brothers planes into weapons ... freakin' sweet.

A new technology tree is also open for players to customize. While the majority of it did seem like aesthetic redressing, such cleverly replacing computer advancement with "Difference Engine," some nifty and interesting additions have been made. Like Tesla coils? Well, Gods & Kings lets you have plenty of them. For those who aim to win under technological conditions, the tree all culminates to the "Grand Idea." Overall, fans of cyberpunk should be very happy with the tribute that Firaxis pay with this particular scenario

The goal of this mode is different than traditional Civilization V – instead of racing towards completing one of the win conditions, the different Steam Barons (that's actually what the leaders are called, by the way) need to beat the others in three of five conditions for five turns in order to be granted control of the League of Empires (we’re not making this up). That means it’s a race on multiple fronts to have the most land and airships; control the most Wonders, own the highest producing city; have the most social policies; or acquire the most grossing gold.

Even more surprising is the inclusion of new units. Firaxis opted to go the extra mile with Empires of the Smokey Skies, creating a large amount of new steampunk tanks, airships, and buildings to fit in-line with the alternate reality. We saw some ground units that looked like there were right out of an artists’ sketchbook, and sky fortresses loaded with biplanes that made our deepest steampunk dreams a reality. This is likely the most comprehensive scenario in Civilization history, and it stands toe-to-toe with some of the better full-blown modifications. It's the full package

Spies can also rig elections, bleed an enemy of resources via the art of sabotage

Airship aircraft carrier.

There are two types of "Landship", and two types of Airship, and one appears to be a biplane aircraft carrier (hence the number to the right of the icon).

If they were embarked, they would have the embarkation icon shape.

And here we get a sneak peek of the Swedish civ.
(Stockholm and Helsinki seem no longer to be city states, wonder what will replace them...)
And it's neat to see Gustav having his own portrait on the wall!

I have to say, the scenario looks neat, original and exciting. Now just have to wait for 19th June.

Update: The Verge provides a Smoky Skies leaderscreen
http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012...punk-land-and-airships-in-civ-vs-smokey-skies

Note the new aircraft type being produced in Dortmund.

That's some very strong firelight then. As an artist I'd have to say the apples turning that particular shade of orange seems unrealistic.

Anyway, the 1UP.com video has Sweden's national anthem, but it's based on the instrumental version, not the one with lyrics:

Link to video.

 

[Eagle Pursuit]

Spies can also rig elections, bleed an enemy of resources via the art of sabotage

 

[AriochIV]

Airship aircraft carrier.

 

[GeoModder]

Looks like land units switch to a dirigible graphic too when floating offshore.

 

[MadDjinn]

Looks like land units switch to a dirigible graphic too when floating offshore.

those aren't land units.

Those are air units that seem to be not embarked, but movable on the water hexes.

(the grey ones are likely the Air ships, with the orange ones being 'Sky Fortresses')

 

[AriochIV]

There are two types of "Landship", and two types of Airship, and one appears to be a biplane aircraft carrier (hence the number to the right of the icon).

If they were embarked, they would have the embarkation icon shape.

 

[Fern]

And here we get a sneak peek of the Swedish civ.
(Stockholm and Helsinki seem no longer to be city states, wonder what will replace them...)
And it's neat to see Gustav having his own portrait on the wall!

I have to say, the scenario looks neat, original and exciting. Now just have to wait for 19th June.

 

[GeoModder]

The devil's in the details. I hadn't even spotted the difference between those 2 types of land units.

 

[shaglio]

And it's neat to see Gustav having his own portrait on the wall!

Does anybody know who the female portrait is? Or is it simply his wife?

 

[bpower]

The steampunk stuff is really making me excited about the renascence scenario. My impression has been that the Renascense was the major focus of the expansion and steampunk was just an extra. That and Beach's love of games set in the Renascense has me thinking it gonna blow our tiny minds.

 

[Pouakai]

Update: The Verge provides a Smoky Skies leaderscreen
http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012...punk-land-and-airships-in-civ-vs-smokey-skies

 

[MadDjinn]

Update: The Verge provides a Smoky Skies leaderscreen
http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012...punk-land-and-airships-in-civ-vs-smokey-skies

That looks like an updated foreign advisor (wearing a suit). Or did 'she' wear one before (they're always off for me...)

 

[JaGarLo]

It seems that the leaderscreens in the scenario won't be animated...

Such a shame. :/

 

[Pouakai]

Check my images, that's a modern Foreign Advisor in the game files that wasn't working. Previously it was just ancient

 

[AriochIV]

Note the new aircraft type being produced in Dortmund.

 

[Uberfrog]

Does anybody know who the female portrait is? Or is it simply his wife?

The scarf and dress look awfully similar to Maria Theresa's:

Spoiler :

I reckon it's Maria's concept art, with the head hidden for the protection of those sensitive to anachronisms.

 

[Eagle Pursuit]

The scarf and dress look awfully similar to Maria Theresa's:

Spoiler :

I reckon it's Maria's concept art, with the head hidden for the protection of those sensitive to anachronisms.

LOL. I did take a notion to that when I saw it, but I didn't bother to go take another look at MT to compare. That is awefully darned similar. Some kind of Easter Egg perhaps?

 

[Morningcalm]

Oranges in the Sweden leaderscreen? Why oranges? Wonder where they got the background idea from too....

 

[snipperrabbit!!]

It may just be apples !

 

[Morningcalm]

Orange colored apples though? Hmmmm....