Sid Meier's Civilization 7 Review: What Sid Meier's Seventh Civilization Is Like

Table of Contents:

• Why Firaxis Decided to Reinvent the Series
• How Leader and Civilization Selection Works
• How the Updated Age System Works
• What's Not Working as Intended in Civilization 7
• What's Wrong with Civilization 7's Presentation
• What Else in the Series Have Been Reworked in the Seventh Part
• Will the Game Get a Second Chance to Please Fans?

Why Firaxis decided to reinvent the series

The game "Civilization" is deservedly recognized as one of the key games in the genre 4X strategy games. Not only did it popularize the genre, but it also introduced the famous "One More Move" mantra, which keeps players playing late into the night. This engaging blend of strategy, resource management, and diplomacy makes Civilization a unique experience that appeals to both new and experienced players.

In light of the criticism leveled at Civilization 7, it's worth remembering that Sid Meier's series has never been perfect. The main drawback of the gameplay is that the longer a game of Civilization gets, the less engaging it becomes. This aspect can negatively affect the overall impression of the gameplay and reduces interest in further developments.

Developers are actively discussing existing problems in the gaming industry. Soren Johnson, former development director of the third and fourth parts of the Civilization series at Firaxis, devoted significant attention to this topic in the postmortem of his strategy game Old World. He identified the key factors that influence the development of games and their perception by players.

• Abundance of micromanagement. The main goal of the player in Civilization is to create the most successful empire; this is easiest if your state is constantly growing. At each stage, you create (or capture) more and more cities and units. With each turn, you need to give more and more orders - and soon you are pressing dozens of buttons just to end the turn.
• Stagnation of gameplay. Although you regularly unlock new technologies, buildings, and mechanics, the game offers no new challenges. On the contrary, over time, your empire becomes increasingly stable and prosperous; there are no longer any serious challenges, so you can only perform routine actions until you achieve victory.
• Victory Conditions. The path to victory in Civilization must be chosen from the very beginning; later it will be too late, and this greatly limits the room for maneuver.

Over time, after an exciting start to the game, when the player begins to build their first cities and search for the optimal strategy, the game loses its ability to offer interesting conditions for making meaningful decisions. The player's empire eventually becomes an unwieldy entity that requires significant micromanagement. This leads to players being faced with routine tasks, which reduces the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. It's important that the game retains elements of strategy and offers new challenges, allowing players to focus on the more meaningful aspects of managing their empire rather than the minutiae.

Many players fail to reach the endgame in Civilization 6, which is causing some concern. Ed Beach, the game's lead designer, noted that more than half of players abandon games. This is an unfortunate situation for one of the most popular games in the series. The reasons for this behavior can be varied, including gameplay difficulties, lack of interest in the end goal, or simply rethinking the time spent playing. Developers should address these factors to improve the player experience and reduce the completion rate.

In recent years, various 4X strategy games have been actively exploring new approaches to improve gameplay and address the genre's shortcomings. Humankind introduced a system of rotating states between eras, allowing players to adapt to changing conditions and historical events. Old World, in turn, took a similar path to Crusader Kings: in this game, old leaders give way to their heirs, and the plot is enriched with random events, adding an element of unpredictability and depth. These innovations make games more engaging and contribute to the creation of unique game stories, which attracts the attention of both new and experienced players.

Now Firaxis has begun to address the issues raised by previous Civilization games, and the results are both promising and disappointing.

How Leader and Civilization Selection Works

Let's start with one of the most discussed aspects of Civilization 7, one that is both integral to the gameplay and a source of much debate among fans of the series. This aspect is directly related to another key element of the game, making it even more important to understanding the overall concept of Civilization 7.

Civilization has always allowed players to assume the role of famous historical leaders like Peter the Great and lead their people to prosperity throughout the centuries. The new installment, Civilization 7, retains that concept, but introduces a significant transformation in gameplay. Players will not only manage resources and develop their civilizations, but also face new challenges and opportunities that will change the perception of strategy and historical progression. Civilization 7 promises innovative mechanics that will make each game session unique and exciting, offering a deeper dive into the world of history and civilization development.

During last year's presentation, Ed Beach and the Firaxis design team emphasized two key gameplay concepts for the seventh installment. The first is that "history is multilayered," and the second is that "nothing in history is inevitable." Each civilization has a lifespan, and outstanding leaders could have risen to leadership positions in other states had their fates unfolded differently, in another time, or in another territory. These ideas create a unique dynamic in gameplay, allowing players to explore alternative historical scenarios and make decisions that can radically alter the course of events.

The changes to the leader selection mechanics have two key aspects. First, players can now select both a leader and a nation separately. The game recommends that Octavian Augustus is most suitable for leading Ancient Rome, but players can also choose other nations, such as Persia or Greece, to lead him. This opens up new strategic possibilities and variety in gameplay.

Controlling a single empire from ancient times to the modern era is impossible. With the advent of a new era, you will need to choose a different civilization to lead.

Clearly, the Firaxis team was inspired by the idea from Humankind. However, they didn't simply copy the concept; they made some changes. For example, Augustus, who ended the Classical Era, can lead both the "canonical" Spain and the Hawaiians if the player builds two cities on island tiles. This adds depth to gameplay and variety to strategy, allowing players to make unique decisions and adapt to different conditions.

In the new game, leaders not only have unique bonuses but also their own skill trees. As you play, you earn Heritage Points, which allow you to unlock various useful perks, such as increased research efficiency or faster construction of World Wonders. These mechanics add depth to strategy and allow players to tailor their approach to the game, opening up new possibilities for developing their civilization.

The seventh installment of the game introduces a metaprogression similar to that in Age of Empires 4. Players earn rewards for completing certain tasks, such as "Build a city next to a volcano." These rewards are unique items that provide small bonuses, such as additional skill points for a leader or increased sight range for scouts. This system not only allows players to improve their skills but also adds an element of strategy and planning to the gameplay.

In the seventh installment, rulers have effectively lost their status as representatives of their nations, and states have faded into the background. Throughout the entire game, I only briefly wondered which nation each ruler controls in this era. However, in my opinion, this does not undermine the spirit of the series.

Rulers have always occupied a central place in the Civilization game. Players assume their roles, trade with them, and wage war with them. Nations in this context serve more as a historical backdrop, which does not always correspond to reality. For example, the Tatar-Mongols in the game can create a democratic society of the future, while the Egyptians can build the Hermitage. This approach allows players to explore alternative historical scenarios and opens up new possibilities for strategy and interaction.

In Civilization, there are no significant differences between nations that would allow for full-fledged role-playing of different nations. Instead, the abilities of each nation guide players toward specific strategies. This creates unique game situations and forces players to adapt their approaches depending on their chosen civilization. Players should consider the strengths and weaknesses of nations to optimally apply tactics and achieve victory.

Charlemagne leading the Khmers doesn't disrupt the spirit of the Civilization series. This game actually explores alternative historical scenarios rather than strictly following real events. Recall curiosities such as Mahatma Gandhi threatening nuclear weapons. Thus, the new part, with the motto "Nothing is inevitable," fits harmoniously into the overall concept, continuing the tradition of unexpected and interesting twists.

Changing states in terms of gameplay brings significant advantages. This mechanic effectively diversifies the monotony of the late stages of the game and allows you to adapt tactics depending on the development of the party. If you failed to build a trading empire in Antiquity, you can choose a cultural state and organize exhibitions of relics in the next era, which will open up new opportunities for achieving victory. This approach promotes a more dynamic gameplay and helps players find new strategies to successfully complete the game.

In this section, we examine the second controversial aspect of Civilization 7, which is arguably the source of the game's main problems.

How the updated era system works

The release version of Civilization 7 features three eras: Classical, Exploration, and Modern. While fewer in number than in the first game, each era has a more complex structure and mechanics, making gameplay more engaging and multifaceted. Players will delve deeper into strategy, exploring the unique capabilities of each era and adapting their tactics to achieve victory.

Firaxis, striving to add variety to gameplay, turned each historical period into a unique mini-game. This becomes evident when exploring the technology and social institutions branches, which vary in each era. For example, in Classical History, players can master the construction of basic bridges, but to obtain more advanced structures, they will have to wait until the Age of Exploration. A similar approach is also applied to the study of social institutions, which makes each era interesting and diverse.

The game’s developers took the first step towards revolutionary changes, seeking to break the party into separate Chapters. This innovation significantly transforms the traditional Civilization gameplay, introducing both positive and negative aspects. These changes open up new strategies and opportunities for players, but can also pose some challenges in adapting to the updated mechanics.

Each era in Civilization 7 offers unique victory conditions. Currently, players have four main paths to leadership: military, scientific, cultural, and economic. Each of these paths offers its own strategies and tactics, allowing players to choose the appropriate playstyle to achieve the highest results.

Each historical era requires victory by completing various objectives. In the Antiquity era, success requires building temples, while in the Age of Exploration, the emphasis shifts to collecting relics and displaying them in city temples. Completing these objectives earns Legacy Points. Completing all the objectives will allow you to activate a powerful Golden Age boost, significantly increasing your chances of victory.

Firaxis previously implemented Golden Age mechanics in the Rise and Fall expansion for the sixth game. In this expansion, players completed various objectives to accumulate Era Points and advance to a Golden Age at the start of a new era. However, in the previous game, Ages and victory conditions functioned independently. New mechanics add depth to gameplay and allow players to strategically plan their actions to achieve success in the game.

The seventh installment of the game bridged the gap between mechanics, combining them into a single system. Now players intuitively understand that to achieve victory in the final Age, it makes sense to strive for a Golden Age in the previous two. This innovation gave the Civilization games clear intermediate goals, which significantly enlivened the gameplay and improved dynamism.

Now you don't just take 500 steps towards an undefined goal on the horizon—you have clear tasks that need to be accomplished here and now. The Ages have become more individualized. In the Antiquity, you take your first steps in a limited world consisting of a starting continent or an island archipelago. In the Age of Exploration, you create a religion and fight for distant lands across the ocean. In Modernity, rapid modernization begins: you build railways, develop satellites, and create nuclear technologies. Each of these eras offers unique opportunities and challenges, shaping your experience and strategies in the game.

Civilization has always offered a diverse gameplay experience, but it is now organized into three clearly defined eras. This addition also helps address balance issues by eliminating situations where one player might be in Antiquity while another has already industrialized. This gives players a more balanced experience and the opportunity to focus on developing their civilizations at each stage of the game.

To enhance the game's suspense, Firaxis has implemented the Crisis and Empire Collapse mechanics. These mechanics present players with challenging challenges that make Civilization 7 more tense and engaging. Crises require players to think strategically and make complex decisions, adding depth to the gameplay and increasing engagement.

What's Not Working as Intended in Civilization 7

Crises occur as follows: when the Era counter reaches 70 percent, your empire begins to experience serious difficulties, and you have the opportunity to implement a Crisis Policy. At this point, it's important to understand what's happening in your system and what steps need to be taken to stabilize the situation. Proper use of the crisis course can help not only overcome difficulties, but also create new opportunities for the development and strengthening of the position of your empire.

These are debuffs depending on the historical era. In the Antiquity era, your empire will begin to crumble due to its excessive scale: the population satisfaction level in cities will decrease. In the Age of Exploration, overcrowded cities will face epidemics, and the destruction of feudal institutions will lead to the loss of influence and financial resources.

According to the plot, these catastrophes lead to the collapse of the empire, and a new state eventually arises from its ruins. All cities except the capital revert to small settlements. Sovereign states regain their independence, transforming into autonomous cities. The old military units disappear, and in their place you get only a few combat squads for defense.

The game turns out to be more exciting than it might seem at first glance. Crises don't allow you to relax: even with leadership, you must constantly resolve new problems in managing the state. Restarts serve as a salvation from excessive micromanagement: as soon as it seems that the number of units, alliances, conflicts, and actions per turn is becoming unbearable, a new era begins, providing an opportunity to take a breather.

As you play, it becomes obvious why players dislike such systems. Crises arise unexpectedly: just one moment your empire was thriving, and then an epidemic breaks out, wiping out the population of entire cities. These abrupt changes cause dissatisfaction and frustration, disrupting the usual flow of the game and undermining players' strategic plans.

Modern realities pose new challenges to civilization, which is often mentioned in various messages. However, in the gameplay, there are no clear indications that your state is heading in the wrong direction. Suddenly, as if a switch has been flipped, problems befall you that require immediate solutions.

Unforeseen events sometimes happen in life, and it would be useful if games had the ability to predict future disasters. This would add a new level of strategy and planning, allowing players to more effectively respond to emerging threats and minimize the consequences. The ability to anticipate problems in gameplay can significantly improve the gaming experience and make it more engaging.

Eras sometimes end unexpectedly and absurdly. For example, at the end of one era, you may be immersed in intense military action, and the next moment peace suddenly comes, and the soldiers return home. Such dramatic changes highlight the unpredictability of the historical process and show how quickly the fate of peoples and countries changes. It is important to understand that such transitions can have a significant impact on the further development of society and its cultural traditions.

The development of events in the game, with new peoples replacing old civilizations, is consistent with the game's logic. This is justified by the fact that newcomers are not interested in continuing old conflicts. However, from a gameplay perspective, such an abrupt transition may seem unnatural. It is important to consider that such changes can affect players' perception of the storyline and the overall dynamics of the game. Therefore, developers must carefully consider the mechanisms for changing civilizations to maintain user interest and engagement.

Merchants are faced with the need to constantly adapt to changes in the market. Each new era requires them to master new trading methods. Although the basic principle of exchanging money for goods remains unchanged, market mechanisms evolve. This is due to changes in consumer preferences, technological progress, and economic conditions. Therefore, it is important for traders to not only remember the basic principles but also be prepared to learn and implement new strategies in order to successfully compete in today's market.

The transition between eras could have been smoother. For example, players could have been given the opportunity to continue wars started in the previous era, while offering significant bonuses for concluding a peace agreement. It would also have made sense to retain traders from previous eras, but reduce their bonuses until the player researched new technologies. There are many ways to improve this process and make it more comfortable for players.

The abrupt transition between eras is just one part of a more complex problem that affects many aspects of the game.

What's wrong with Civilization 7's presentation

The seventh version of the Civilization game leaves many questions about its mechanics. The gameplay feels like the developers at Firaxis spent significant time developing complex gameplay systems, but then hesitated to present these mechanics to players at the last minute. This leads to a lack of understanding of the gameplay and can make it difficult to master the new features. Improving the presentation of information and explaining key aspects of the game would be a significant step in improving the usability and engagement of players.

The transition of countries between eras could have been perceived more positively if the developers had offered a more creative approach to this process. Instead, players are told that their empire, having successfully overcome many challenges, suddenly collapses, and they must start from scratch again. This approach can cause frustration and reduce interest in the game.

You won't have to start from scratch: all your settlements will remain as towns, and you'll retain your leader progression, army commanders, and Heritage Point bonuses. This will give you a strong start to the new chapter, and the game doesn't reset your achievements. However, the developers haven't done a good job of explaining this to players.

Civilization 7 faces serious problems in the presentation of its mechanics. Players struggle to understand how various elements of the game function because it doesn't provide enough information about its systems. This makes it difficult to immerse themselves in the gameplay and understand the strategies needed to succeed. Better explanations of mechanics would be a major step towards creating a more intuitive experience for users.

It took me ten hours to realize that in the new game you can make a city-state your liege lord, even though there's no hint in the game itself. I also still haven't figured out why in some situations I get a penalty to my units' combat strength if I start a war first, while in others I get a debuff when another leader attacks me. These aspects require further study to better understand the game's mechanics.

Perhaps it's possible to find a section in the interface with information about the origins of various effects, but why not present this information in a more understandable format? Simplifying access to information will make the interface more convenient and intuitive for users. Clear and accessible explanations will help better understand the functionality and capabilities of the system, which in turn will increase user satisfaction.

First of all, this complaint concerns not only the tutorials, but also the game interface. The interface of the seventh part of "Civilization" is criticized by most players, and this is entirely justified. It combines numerous problems that complicate the gameplay and negatively affect the overall experience. Improving the interface is an important aspect that requires the developers' attention to increase the usability and functionality of the game.

The text is not informative enough. If you want to understand why your city is not achieving a high level of satisfaction, be prepared to work with Excel spreadsheets. This tool will offer you numerous columns in which to search for relevant data. To identify the reasons for low satisfaction, it is important to carefully analyze the figures and facts presented in these tables.

Civilization features a city redevelopment mechanic that allows you to demolish existing buildings and construct new ones in their place. However, it's not always clear what resources will be lost as a result of demolition. The game only provides general information about the income per tile, without specifying the specific losses. This can make it difficult to plan and approach city development strategically.

The construction window does not provide information about buildings being demolished, not indicating whether they are obsolete or relevant for the current era. This information is important for players, as it allows them to effectively plan their actions and make informed decisions. Improving this functionality will make the construction process more informative and convenient.

Unlike the sixth part, in the current version, buildings of different types are not highlighted in separate colors. All buildings now merge into a monotonous mass, which creates a less diverse visual series and reduces the level of individuality of each object.

The current version of the game lacks useful features. Scouts no longer have the ability to automatically research, making it difficult to obtain information. Furthermore, the technology and civics screen lacks the option to select entire branches for research, forcing you to click through each technology individually. These changes negatively impact the usability and effectiveness of gameplay.

The game sometimes creates obstacles to success. After enabling progress tracking for one victory, you may notice that it turns off immediately after reaching another milestone. This forces you to return to the menu and enable it again.

The developers' logic is understandable. The seventh part of "Civilization" was the first in the series to be released simultaneously on PC and consoles. The designers aimed to simplify controls, adapting the game to all platforms. This solution allowed us to minimize the number of buttons on the screen, which improves the user experience and makes the game more accessible to a wider audience.

However, they ultimately achieved the opposite effect. Civilization 7 often feels like a complex mechanism that requires extensive diagnostics and disassembly whenever any problem arises. This creates the impression that even minor issues require in-depth analysis and intervention, which can complicate the process and reduce the overall usability.

The interface often evokes negative emotions due to its unattractive design. Blurred leader portraits, small fonts on large buttons, and sloppy icons create the impression that all these elements were haphazardly assembled from low-quality mobile apps. This visual clutter hinders perception and reduces usability, which negatively impacts the overall user experience. Improving the interface design can significantly increase its attractiveness and functionality.

While there are strategy games with less successful interfaces than Civilization 7, it's worth noting that we live in an era where games like Crusader Kings set the bar high. However, the Civilization series has always been distinguished by high-quality presentation and thoughtful design. This makes it attractive to players who value not only gameplay but also visuals.

Remember the stylish Art Deco interface in Civilization 5. And remember how in Civilization 6, important achievements of your people were recorded on a sheet of parchment? The new version of the game lacks this level of visual polish and presentation. This shortcoming can detract from the overall experience and reduce the engagement of players who value aesthetics. Developing a more thoughtful interface and attractive graphics could significantly improve the user experience and make the game more memorable.

Civilization 7 doesn’t feel like a full-fledged $70 blockbuster from a well-known studio. Rather, it resembles an Early Access clone of Civilization that requires at least several months of refinement. The game feels unfinished and requires significant improvements to meet player expectations.

What other elements of the series were reworked in the seventh part

Civilization 7 does have many elements that were simplified, and these changes have a positive impact on the gameplay. Simplifying some mechanics made the game more accessible for beginners, while maintaining the depth of strategy for experienced players. This balance allows the game to be enjoyed by a wider audience, improving the overall experience and engagement with the world of Civilization.

The series' gameplay was in need of an update, as numerous mechanics had accumulated, creating unnecessary micromanagement. Firaxis' designers finally decided to take a look and remove redundant elements. Some changes brought a sense of long-awaited relief. In particular, in the seventh installment, workers, who previously had to be moved from one field to another to build up the outskirts of cities, have disappeared. Now, as your city's population grows, you simply select a tile to place a new mine or farm, significantly simplifying management and making gameplay more intuitive. These changes significantly improve the overall gaming experience and allow you to focus on the strategic aspects of the game, rather than routine actions.

Diplomacy in the new game has become more sophisticated and strategically important. Unlike the fifth part of "Civilization", where the resource "influence points" was used exclusively for voting at the World Congress, in the new version they are necessary for performing all diplomatic actions, including joint projects. Interestingly, influence points are spent before another leader accepts your proposal, which adds an extra layer of strategy and requires more careful planning of your actions.

Diplomacy begins to be perceived as a real tool, and not just a way to extract additional resources and gold. You can no longer endlessly propose various deals to other leaders in search of the best option. Instead, you must make conscious choices: determine with whom to establish friendly relations, with whom to enter into conflicts, and with whom, if possible, to remain neutral. This approach makes the process of interaction more strategic and meaningful.

Influence points are required to establish suzerainty over a city-state in Civilization 7. The game returned to the fundamentals established in the fifth part of the series, abandoning the complex envoy mechanic used in the sixth version. This change simplifies interactions with city-states and makes strategic management more intuitive for players.

Independent city-states have undergone significant changes. They are now classified as neutral or hostile. Hostile city-states fulfill the role of barbarians, which were not present in Civilization 7. This change adds a new layer of strategy to the game and requires players to more carefully approach their interactions with these settlements.

In the new game, the barbarian and city-state mechanics have been significantly improved, which has a positive impact on gameplay. Previously, these elements largely overlapped, functioning independently. Firaxis previously attempted to combine these mechanics in the "Barbarian Clans" mode for Civilization 6, where barbarian camps eventually transformed into independent settlements. In the new game, this fusion is realized more fully, which allows for a deeper integration of barbarian elements into the overall game structure and diversification of the strategic options for players.

Some fans may be disappointed that they can no longer play as conquistadors. However, the new city-state mechanics feel significantly more thoughtful and cohesive from a gameplay perspective. This system offers players new strategies and opportunities, which in turn enriches the overall gameplay experience. Importantly, such changes can attract new players and make the gameplay more varied and engaging.

The designers applied a method of combining elements with similar functions when reimagining various game systems. Army and navy commanders are no longer simple bonuses but full-fledged combat units. They can not only distribute buffs, but also issue orders and carry up to six combat units. Governments no longer serve as slots for policies, but are transformed into celebrations that periodically provide a significant boost for fifteen turns. This approach significantly enriched the gameplay, adding new strategic elements and opportunities for players.

The game features small story branches that add interest to the gameplay. While these branches don't have the depth of Crusader Kings, they offer players various options that can lead to valuable items or bonus resources. These elements give the game additional room for maneuver and allow for varied strategies, making the gaming experience more engaging.

Firaxis has masterfully reduced unnecessary details while preserving and even enhancing key gameplay elements. Despite the fact that the developers have eliminated some mechanics, such as the World Congress, the new version of Civilization is not a simple game. On the contrary, it offers a deep and engaging gameplay experience that appeals to both experienced players and newcomers.

When it’s at its best, Civilization 7 resembles not only other 4X strategy games but also tabletop engine-builders. Seemingly simple mechanics form complex gameplay that requires the player to harmoniously combine various tactics. This interplay of elements creates unique strategies and immerses the player in a world of deep analysis and planning, making the game exciting and engaging for all fans of the genre.

Civilization 7 is a captivating strategy game that arguably even surpasses its predecessor in terms of excitement. While there are some shortcomings, they quickly fade away against the wealth of gameplay possibilities that open up with a deeper understanding of the game. Players will be able to immerse themselves in a unique experience, exploring new mechanics and strategies, making every game unique and engaging.

Many players stop playing the game before it has a chance to show its best qualities. This leads to an incomplete perception of the gameplay and an underestimation of its potential.

Will the game get a second chance to please fans?

While this may seem unexpected, there is a positive aspect. Civilization 7, despite the discontent of some players, is not an example like the situation with Cyberpunk 2077, when important game mechanics are not functioning or completely missing at the time of release.

The seventh part of the Civilization game is a reliable project with a solid foundation that is capable of deeply engaging players even in its current state. It features a variety of engaging and innovative mechanics that Firaxis has successfully adapted, borrowing the best ideas from its peers in the genre. This game offers a unique experience of strategic thinking and civilization management, which makes it attractive to both new players and series veterans.

Civilization 7 successfully addresses many of the classic issues inherent in previous games in the series. While there are certain shortcomings, protracted play and predictability are not among them. The game features a rotating civilization, a new era system, and optimized mechanics with modern concepts. These changes ensure dynamic gameplay that sometimes maintains tension until the very end of the game, making the game exciting and unpredictable.

Despite a simple interface, the new game in the Civilization series has an impressive aesthetic. The cities created by the developers truly resemble detailed dioramas, adding depth to the gameplay. The fog of war effect, represented by black inverted hexagons, gives the game a stylish and unique visual touch. This game combines both artistic appeal and strategic complexity, making it appealing to a wide audience.

The soundtrack by Jeff Knorr and Roland Rizzo deserves special mention: it demonstrates the composers' highest quality and skill, as always. Their music adds depth and atmosphere, enriching the overall experience.

Firaxis' work requires considerable effort. For now, Civilization 7 remains a crude product that doesn't justify its $70 price tag. I have already outlined my comments regarding the interface and the presentation of the narrative, but this seventh part has many other shortcomings that require attention.

Civilization 7 clearly needs more customization options. The maximum map size is limited to standard parameters, which does not allow players to tailor the game to their preferences. In addition, the ability to rename your own cities is missing, although this feature was available in the first version of Civilization. Such restrictions can reduce player interest in the game and limit their creativity. The developers should consider adding more flexible settings to improve the gaming experience and satisfy the requests of fans of the series.

The leaderboard needs to be expanded to include classic characters of the series. Playing as Machiavelli is certainly exciting, but the absence of figures like Gandhi and Julius Caesar makes the gameplay less diverse. In addition, the artificial intelligence needs to be improved. Although it's nice when bots hand over cities to me under a peace treaty, even if I didn't attack them, I still want to fight more strategically minded opponents.

Firaxis has experience releasing unfinished games and then refining them, as was the case with Civilization 5 and Civilization 6. These games also launched with bugs, missing mechanics, and underdeveloped artificial intelligence. However, after improvements and expansions, both games became some of the most popular in the series. This experience inspires hope that the current project can also undergo a similar process and achieve a high level of quality.

This is not a compliment to the studio: after many years of work, one would expect projects to be released with high quality from the very beginning. However, it also suggests that the seventh part of Civilization should not be written off just yet.

Firaxis is actively developing the new game, and significant patches are expected in March that will fix key interface issues and add the necessary options for match customization. If development continues on the current path, the new Civilization could become another outstanding installment in this renowned series within a year.

I hope that's exactly what happens. Civilization 7 introduces many interesting ideas and mechanics that deserve players' attention. These innovations have the potential to significantly enrich the gameplay and provide new strategies for civilization development. Players will be able to dive deeper into the world of Civilization and enjoy the unique opportunities the game offers.

Read also:

Civilization 7 Review Bombing: Reasons for Fan Disappointment and Positive Aspects

Civilization 7 has faced a lot of negative reviews from fans of the series, who were expecting significant changes and improvements. The main complaints center on the lack of innovations that could refresh the gameplay. Many players note that the game did not live up to their expectations and did not offer the level of strategic depth they were accustomed to.

However, despite the criticism, Civilization 7 has a number of positive aspects. The graphics and visuals have been significantly improved, making the gameplay more engaging. Additionally, the mechanics of management and interaction with other civilizations have become more intuitive, which may attract new players.

It is important to note that while some innovations do not meet the expectations of long-time fans, the game still offers a fascinating experience for strategy enthusiasts. The possibilities for development and empire building remain interesting, and the variety of factions and historical figures allows players to experiment with different strategies.

Thus, although Civilization 7 has faced criticism, the game still offers plenty of opportunities for engaging gameplay and can attract both old and new fans of the series.