So, we've had a few months to let the frisson of exploring deep space wash over us.  Last year, Civilization: Beyond Earth took the series in a whole new direction by asking players not to rewrite history, but to explore what the future holds for the citizens of a planet whose resources are quickly dwindling.  At least, that's what a textbook would tell you.  Really, it's an excuse to plop down on an unexplored planet and 4X some alien scum.

When I was very young, I would visit my aunt's house a few times a year, excited to see my cousins whom owned the latest consoles and games. During one of these visits, I found one of my cousins engrossed in some sort of strategy game, though it was tough for my adolescent mind to determine the exact details. This was my first introduction...