Civilization VII Launch: A Step Backwards in Progress?

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Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, £59.99)

Verdict: Less civilised

Launching a fresh addition to the 34-year-old Civilization series is always quite significant. It’s more than just an occurrence; it’s a landmark in the gaming world.

But it’s also a kind of diminution.

Following numerous years of enjoying the original Civilization, witnessing its evolution through various expansions, new playable nations, and diverse gameplay options, another installment arrives, stripping away much of what has been built before and starting anew once more.

In the case of Civilization VII, there’s a distinct sense of both loss and gain, which seems especially poignant compared to past releases. Unlike any other Civilization game before it, I found myself yearning for the original version to remain unchanged.

While Civilization VII isn’t outright poor, its core gameplay – advancing a civilization throughout history by outmaneuvering less powerful civilizations – still holds an engaging appeal.

And its upgraded graphics are beautiful.

As an enthusiast, I’ve come across some truly triumphant inventions that have significantly reshaped my perspective. One such innovation is the division of history into three distinct eras, which necessitates embracing a new cultural landscape each time an era transitions. This fresh outlook adds a thrilling twist to an otherwise predictable journey through the annals of time.

No, it’s more that Civ VII has been simplified to the point of… overcomplexity.

Originally, all information about cities, structures, and people was just a simple click away. Now, it seems to have been tucked away in layers of submenus. Though the interface appears more streamlined, I find myself navigating through a maze, making the process considerably more cumbersome.

Essentially, it appears that games similar to Civilization, like Humankind from 2021 and Ara: History Untold from the previous year, are no longer seen as mere contenders; instead, they seem poised to ascend to their rightful positions as future rulers.

If Civilization — or history, in fact — has taught us anything, it’s that dynasties fall.

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2025-02-14 03:19