Civ IV expands with Beyond the Sword

2K Games has blown the lid off Beyond the Sword, a second expansion for Civilization IV which is due to release in July.

Beyond the Sword focuses on time periods post the invention of gunpowder and features 12 scenarios that have been created by Firaxis and members of the Civ community. In addition, 16 new leaders, five new wonders, and a variety of new units are included.

2K Games has said the expansion ushers in the largest amount of expansion content in the history of the Civilization franchise, hitting us with a monster list of key features:

• Expanded Epic Game: Firaxis Games delivers a massive increase in new units, buildings, and technologies to the epic game with additional focus on the late-game time periods.
• New Game Scenarios: The expansion will deliver 12 new scenarios, many containing themes never before included in the Civilization series, custom designed by the team at Firaxis and select members of the Civ Fan Community.
• New Civilizations: The expansion pack includes ten new civilizations, such as Portugal, Babylon and Netherlands and their associated unique units and buildings.