Then I will not pay attention to some of the comments from people who expected a completely different game (as a reminder there are many 'Civilization' in the title!), So this is a spatial mode Civilization Science Fiction and even quite what we should expect.
Big changes and important points in the game even if it is surely not an exhaustive list:
- The aliens (NPC) are more dangerous than many or the few barbarian tribes that could be found in other Civilizations (+ aggressive and powerful early on and even possible Towards sands reminiscent of Dune, without speaking Marine creatures are a bit like "One Piece" for those who know or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ... that can destroy in 1 hit, and "Miasma" - sort of alien fog on many box that can be hurt or heal ...)
- Civilizations here are groupings of several nations who will then try to settle down and live with the other on a new planet a bit hostile (typical example: the African Alliance Franco-Iberian ...)
- A new system "affinity" that lets you choose evolutions depending on what you want to do (3 different directions as Harmony, landed Supremacy, ..) and suddenly develop specific units (eg Harmony giving access mixing units for extra terrestrial creatures 'local' - even a mini ref Dune, other robots fighting ...).. This is your progress in one of these branches, or more, allowing you to evolve your base units to higher versions often with choice of style bonus + 1PM or 30-40% in such bonus ...
- Alliances with other civilizations or neutral stations mentioned taking a more "CAPITAL" importance here contrary to what I read sometimes: some needed resources are available in the neighbor (or quantity), you will have to play with your affinities and other criteria for success to remain allied with some to trade or have the free-way ... or go to war if it is not they who attack before.
- A possibility to send satellites with various functions adding to the traditional units (eg energy supply, help the defense attacking see ...)
- And among other a few criteria that can be chosen early in the game to have some benefits for your faction (see resources as a bonus, explore or have units of soldiers from the beginning, and / or have a bigger choice for the location of the first outpost-city ...)
- A new quest system, including automatic some that let you select for your bonus CIV regularly or buildings that really give the impression of "progress"
Note that at the beginning you'll stay with the 3-4 base units (which include the major types) I find a moment, but that to stay longer on equal (or more with drooling aliens somewhat belligerent). There has always Culture as espionage and of course ... that offers new possibilities.
This game is a delight with a difficulty chosen a little above average. Not to mention the reduction of Amazon price, do not hesitate if you want a strategy game background of SF, or want to be out of place (but not a completely different game) to 'antique' Civilizations :)