Sid Meier's Starships Turn-Based Strategy Game Announced for iPad, PC, Mac

While we're still reeling from the complexity of the turn-based strategy game that was Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth, a new game has been announced in the same universe. Entitled Sid Meier's Starships, it will arrive on PC, Mac, and iPad.

The game will have you commandeer a squad of starships as you explore the galaxy while protecting planets and building a planetary federation. Along the way you'll get your hands on technology that's squarely in the realm of science fiction, and take part in turn-based combat that the series is known for as well customise a massive roster of ships.

"When designing Starships, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the next chapter in the story of Civilization: Beyond Earth," Meier said to Gamespot. "What happens after we colonize our new home and eventually build starships to take to the stars? What has become of our long-lost brothers and sisters from the planet Earth?"

"My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration."

What's interesting is that 2K Games, the publisher of the series, has hinted that if you own Starships and Beyond Earth, there will have some form of cross-connectivity for you to take advantage of. Though no specifics were mentioned, it would be safe to assume it would augment both games in one way or another.

Although there's no information on pricing or details of an Android variant, Sid Meier's Starships is expected in early 2015.