Sid Meier's Starships once again takes to the stars
Sid Meier is a name that is quickly associated with turn-based strategy and world building games, most of which take place on our beloved planet Earth. But after Civilization: Beyond Earth, itself seen as a "spiritual successor" of Sid Meier's own Alpha Centauri run, the acclaimed game designer seems to be turning his gaze skyward once more. Firaxis has just announced what is bound to be its next hit title, Starships, which unambiguously revolves around the development of your own star fleet and, perhaps, the formation of your own interstellar federation.
While some might readily draw parallels between Starships and Civilization: Beyond Earth, there are distinct and subtle differences. Indeed, both are turn-based strategy games with a more sci-fi bent than Meier's usual historical flair. Both also take place in an age after a successful period of space exploration. In a sense, Starships can be seen as a sequel to Beyond Earth, asking the question of "what's next?"
Colonizing other planets, a scenario that plays out in Beyond Earth, isn't without its problems. The trailer below seems to hint at that situation, though it doesn't mention whether the problems stem from external threats or from internal dispute. Needless to say, starships need to be built and deployed in order to reach these other locations. Perhaps, in time, a federation will also be established to better coordinate and protect these disparate and distant settlements.
That description perhaps holds clues to Starships' gameplay, which is pretty much the same turn-based strategy mechanic that Sid Meier's games are well known for, except that take place in the vast expanse of space instead of on land (or water). Fans of some Star Trek games like Armada might feel right at home here. Though details are still slim, 2K Games, who will be co-publishing Starships with Firaxis, mentions dynamically generated maps.
Sid Meier's Starships is scheduled to hit shelves early 2015, for the PC, Mac, and iPad. No word yet on Linux or Android versions. There is also some talk that Starships and Civilization: Beyond Earth will offer some cross-connectivity features for players who own both titles, though no specifics have been mentioned yet.
SOURCE: GameSpot