re: Civilization: Beyond Earth

So I have played it for about 6ish hours over the last two nights.

I am a huge fan of civ 4 and 5 for context.

So far, I am really liking it. It's close enough to civ that I don't feel overwhelmed, but different enough that I feel a little lost (in a good way).
It's like driving in a part of America that you have never seen before, but it's still 'Merica so you feel comfortable.

Specifics-
Aliens are MUCH tougher than barbarians. Had to restart my first game because I assumed they were the same. Also much more varied.

Tech tree is no longer linear. I LOVE this. This was one of my biggest gripes about the old civ games. A lot more freedom here.

As someone mentioned you get a lot more control over what your nation-state is like (more pre-game set up). I have only played ARC so far, but I can see this as a big improvement.

The whole affinity thing is new and different. I don't completely understand it, but so far it seems like it give different paths for players to follow. More choice = good imho. Each affinity also gives you a different way to win the game (commune with the planet, bring earthlings to new planet, go back home and dominate earth with your new super cool teched out bodies).

Unit upgrades are...different. Some are a result of tech, but a lot are from "leveling up" your affinity.

Haven't won yet, but I "think" I have a domination victory in hand with ARC (greedy americans), Superiority affinity, and the military unit start.

Spying is basically the same.

There is this PIA miasma that covers a lot of the planet. It damages you if you end a unit's turn in it.

Trade seems to be a much bigger deal.

Culture seems pretty basic and I don't see a cultural victory option (but maybe I am missing something).

So, if you like Civ you will probably like this. I think I will like it more. I know I am going to be playing this a lot.