Civilization 7 emerges as a notable evolution within the grand strategy genre, presenting a fresh take that diverges from its immediate predecessor, Civilization 6. This latest installment, developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, introduces a streamlined approach that prioritizes accessibility and pacing, particularly in multiplayer settings. However, this shift may leave some long-time fans longing for the intricate depth and mechanical variety that characterized earlier titles in the series.
What is it? A 4X turn-based strategy game in which you guide an empire through the course of human history.
Expect to pay: /£60
Steam Deck: Verified
Link: Official site
Since its inception over three decades ago, the Civilization series has captivated players with its unique blend of history and strategy. Each title has evolved, reflecting the complexities of human civilization through a turn-based format. While earlier entries focused on revolutionizing gameplay, recent iterations have leaned towards reimagining existing systems. Civilization 5 introduced tactical warfare through de-stacked units, while Civilization 6 expanded city management across multiple tiles. Yet, the latest installment appears to prioritize brevity, trimming several major systems, which may alter the experience for dedicated fans.
New age
One of the most striking innovations in Civilization 7 is the introduction of Age transitions. Players now maintain a single leader throughout the game, while their civilization evolves through three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each transition skips several hundred years, allowing players to select a new civilization specific to that era. For example, one might start with Egypt in Antiquity, progress to the Normans during the Exploration Age, and eventually lead the United States in the Modern Era. Each civilization comes with unique units, bonuses, and civic trees, some of which can be carried over as ‘Traditions’ into the next era.
This age transition mechanism, however, is not without its challenges. As players approach the end of an Age, their civilization faces a crisis—be it a plague or barbarian invasion—leading to its eventual collapse. Players then select a new civilization to build upon the foundations of the previous one, creating a cycle that feels reminiscent of roguelike mechanics, where progress in one era influences the next.
Problems of modernity
Each new Age introduces fresh game systems. For instance, religion is only introduced in the Exploration Age, along with the concept of ‘Distant Lands,’ which unlocks new luxury resources. By the Modern Age, these luxuries transform from exotic commodities to common resources, integrated into factories for enhanced bonuses. The introduction of ideologies such as fascism, democracy, and communism adds layers of complexity, yet the Modern Age itself feels less focused compared to its predecessors.
Getting resourceful
The traditional citizen management system has been replaced with slottable resources, allowing players to allocate resources to cities for growth or production boosts. While this system streamlines resource management, it can become overwhelming in the late game with numerous icons to manage. Additionally, the ability to rapidly adjust resource distribution has been limited, reducing the thrill of strategic decision-making during critical moments.
International relations
Diplomacy in Civilization 7 has undergone significant changes, often feeling transactional and lacking the character that defined previous interactions. The vibrant personalities of leaders have been toned down, and the once dynamic bargaining system has been simplified. Resources are now automatically acquired through trade routes, diminishing the strategic leverage players previously enjoyed.
A looming legacy
Despite its shortcomings, Civilization 7 offers a compelling experience, particularly in its pacing and streamlined gameplay. The art style builds on the grounded aesthetic of Civilization 5, and while the UI could benefit from enhancements, the game maintains a captivating flow. However, the simplification of complex systems such as religion, diplomacy, and espionage raises questions about the richness of the historical journey players embark upon.
In essence, Civilization 7 represents a reaction to the complexity of its predecessor, offering a sleeker and more accessible experience. While it addresses some longstanding issues, the reduction of depth in various systems may leave veterans feeling that the game’s legacy has been compromised. The journey through history, while engaging, may not feel as rewarding as in earlier iterations of this legendary series.
