6. Alpha Centauri (1999)

In space no one can hear you scream… or strategize.

This was the first game to take the Civilization formula beyond earth. The whole thing starts were many Civilization games end: when your spaceship reaches Alpha Centauri. So it’s humans trying to colonize an alien world this time. It was highly regarded at the time, what with its good sci-fi history, ability to manipulate terrain to your heart’s content and deep technology tree.

Alpha Centauri was the worst selling game of the franchise though, maybe because things felt so alien. A technology named “Sentient Resonance” obviously did not resonate with players as much as “The Wheel”. Its complex gameplay was not for everyone then, but the later Civilization Beyond Earth managed to offer a more accessible experience, without reaching the heights of Alpha Centauri though.