“Technology is like a fish: the longer it stays on the shelf, the less desirable it becomes.” As your civilization progresses into the age of gunpowder and beyond, you would be wise to heed those words, spoken by former IBM computer scientist Andrew Heller. For example, your scientists might develop Beyond the Sword’s new advanced flight technology, enabling the construction of helicopter gunships and jet fighters, but a rival empire could be one step ahead with stealth technology, allowing the creation of deadly destroyers and bombers that can evade detection. Suddenly your shiny new toys may not seem so exciting.

Then again, advancing your military technology could just be a ploy on your part, as you scheme to control the world via Sid’s Sushi Co., one of seven businesses available through the new corporation technology. As you establish Sid’s Sushi franchises in cities around the world, you’ll realize food and culture bonuses, as well as extra gold.

In addition, establishing a corporation leads your civilization to the assembly line technology, which enables construction of several buildings, including the Pentagon, a World Wonder that increases your overall Culture score. Earn Legendary Culture status for three of your cities and you’ll secure a cultural victory, leaving those stealth destroyers and bombers to sulk in their ports and hangars.

New Wrinkles
Beyond the Sword focuses heavily — but not exclusively — on new technologies, units, and buildings meant for Civilization IV’s later stages, when most empires have abandoned swords and horses for guns and tanks. Send airships soaring on bombing runs and reconnaissance missions. Use Sid’s Sushi executives to establish franchises in new cities. Build Moai Statues, like the ones that dot Easter Island, and increase the likelihood of a Great Prophet appearing and adding bonuses to your production and gold supply.

Just when you think victory is within your grasp — or at least within the next few turns — one of the expansion pack’s dozens of special events, such as an earthquake or a diplomatic marriage, may knock your plans awry. They’re split into two types, occurrences and quests: the former consist of one-time incidents that you must react to immediately, while the latter give you goals that result in rewards if achieved. Multiple civilizations may receive the same quest, however, so only the first one to complete it earns the prize. You can disable events, if you want.

You can also choose to begin a new game with its civilizations further along their paths, although you won’t be able to attack any opponents for the first 10 turns. However, you’re free to try out Beyond the Sword’s espionage system, which allows you to undertake missions involving everything from gathering information about another civilization to sabotaging their infrastructure, inciting a revolt, or even stealing their technology.

That’s certainly another way to leap ahead of that rival who just developed stealth technology. Just be careful they don’t try to kill your spy or engage in counter-espionage that doubles the cost of your missions for 10 turns. But you knew there would be wrinkles in the details; they’re one of Civilization IV’s hallmarks, and that’s why you enjoy a deep strategy game. apple