Build your empire from the ground up
Sid Meier's Civilization VII is the latest installment in Firaxis Games' acclaimed strategy game series, setting a new benchmark for 4X games. This game offers an immersive and complex gameplay experience with upgraded game mechanics that veterans of previous titles, such as Civilization V and Civilization IV, are familiar with.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII showcases all-new features ranging from new locations, leader selections, and three distinct eras: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. The leaders now aren’t required to match their respective civilizations unlike in Civilization V — and you can pair any of them at the start of your chosen campaign.
A grander experience
In Sid Meier's Civilization VII, players can lead one of many legendary leaders from history and put them into another era, each with unique abilities and bonuses that influence aspects of gameplay. The game provides a deep experience where every decision, from city planning to diplomatic relations, can significantly affect your empire's growth and prosperity — as it now climaxes with crisis events, which require you to adopt more policies.
Other significant changes in this installment include the following: settlers now build towns instead of cities — and town productions are converted into gold; which players can use to purchase buildings and units. Towns can only turn into cities by spending more, which increases with the number of cities you already control. In addition, military units now build fortifications upon command. Only new Commander units earn XP and can be promoted.
Updates and changes in the game
There are also several miscellaneous improvements, such as improved religious influence mechanics and the very much welcomed navigable river functions. This iteration’s graphics are stunning, with beautifully rendered cities that bring the historical settings to life. The map is more detailed and expansive, offering rich environments to explore and conquer — so you’ll need some powerful hardware to run the game. Furthermore, the improved AI offers a more challenging and unpredictable experience.
While the game introduces new features, some changes have sparked concern. The removal of the one unit per tile system and the introduction of "Ages" with limited civilization choices disrupt the classic Civ formula. The AI implementation is also frowned upon, potentially impacting strategic depth and long-term engagement. Some players find the new art style less appealing, and the always-online requirement due to Denuvo anti-piracy software has drawn significant criticism.
Important highlights during its release
On the other hand, shortly after its release, Firaxis Games rolled out Patch 1.0.1, which addressed several issues. This update adjusted the user interface and refined tooltips to enhance gameplay. One of the notable points of discussion among players has been the absence of the Hot Seat multiplayer mode, a long-standing feature in the franchise since 2005 that allows multiple players to take turns on a single device. Responding to this, Firaxis confirmed that the feature will be reinstated in a future update.
In addition to updates for the main game, the game is also expanding into virtual reality. A dedicated VR version is set to launch. This adaptation will feature a board game-style presentation that can be projected into a player's real-world space using Quest's passthrough cameras or displayed in a virtual museum setting. Players can seamlessly switch between these modes, and the multiplayer experience will introduce digital representations of leaders sitting around a virtual table.
Moreover, several editions are available as well. The Standard Edition includes the base game, while the Deluxe Edition offers additional civilizations, leaders, and cosmetic enhancements. The Founders Edition builds on the Deluxe package with more in-game content and customizations. Meanwhile, the PC-exclusive Collector’s Edition includes all Founders Edition content and physical collectibles, such as a commemorative challenge coin, a figurine, and a decorative clock. However, the game is not without flaws. To play this game, you need a powerful operating system.
A small, but significant patch
This patch addresses late-game performance drops and improves stability across all platforms except Nintendo Switch. Other fixes include UI updates, resource adjustments (Sugar), and resolving issues with icons and adjacency arrows. A larger update with more improvements is planned for early June. Switch players will receive this patch, combined with the June update, which will also improve the game’s performance for the console.
A riveting and immersive game
Sid Meier's Civilization VII pushes the boundaries of the 4X genre with its innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and expanded gameplay options. While some changes have been met with criticism, such as the removal of classic features and the always-online requirement, it still delivers a rich strategy experience. With future updates, including the return of Hot Seat mode and a VR adaptation, it continues to evolve, promising an exciting journey for both new and veteran players.
