Civilization 7’s Early Reviews Suggest A Divisive Experience

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Live reviews for Civilization VII have been published, and this latest installment in the series is causing quite a stir among critics. It’s a 4X turn-based strategy game that offers a comfortable base for veterans of the franchise, as you select a renowned figure from history to lead your civilization, grow your empire across different epochs, and strive to achieve various societal benchmarks throughout the journey.

In a new twist, developer Firaxis alters the usual formula significantly, with modifications ranging from significant to potentially contentious for long-time series enthusiasts. Important to mention is that all these reviews were conducted on PC, which is often regarded as the optimal platform for traditional 4X strategy games like this one. However, it’s uncertain how well the game will adapt to consoles, given that it’s also slated for release on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

In his review for Civilization VII at TopMob, Jason Rodriguez pointed out that Firaxis has implemented significant modifications, with a major one being the way you move through different historical periods. Many of these new elements are appreciated as they address issues from previous games and enhance campaign’s dynamism. However, some design choices might stir controversy, particularly among longtime fans, since these mechanics can influence player’s ability to shape certain outcomes.

The response from various sources has been varied, and on Metacritic, a sibling site of TopMob, Civilization VII has a metascore of 79 based on 32 reviews. Some reviewers have commended Firaxis for the significant improvements made to the game’s mechanics, while others have noted that the game can be challenging and often tedious. For a more detailed perspective, you can read the reviews below to understand what critics think so far.

  • Game: Civilization VII
  • Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
  • Release date: February 11
  • Metascore: 79

TopMob — 80

In my experience playing Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, the “one more turn” aspect remains as captivating as ever, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying many parts of my gaming sessions. Various aspects, such as diplomacy, espionage, crises, and combat, effectively address long-standing concerns. On the other hand, Legacy Paths and narrative events provide engaging paths for progress throughout the ages.

However, as someone who has witnessed the greatness that previous series installments have achieved, the base Civilization VII experience could still benefit from some refinements, particularly during critical era transitions. Nevertheless, the advancements this series has made over time—whether it’s the debate between square tiles and hexes, the “one unit per tile” controversy, or city-planning with districts—have generally been positive, ultimately improving the gameplay experience.

[Jason Rodriguez’s Full Review]

VGC — 5/5

Civilization VII dares to introduce significant modifications to its established formula, while still preserving the elements that have made the series renowned. Bid farewell to your leisure hours, as from PC to handheld devices, every waking instant could be devoured by the allure of just one more turn.” – Jordan Middler [Full review]

Windows Central — 4.5/5

In essence, Civilization VII introduces significant improvements to the game’s mid- and end-game dynamics, streamlines the map, and offers a wider range of strategic options than ever before. While there may be adjustments to victory conditions and unit balance as developers gather feedback and data, the game is currently in excellent shape – a rarity among AAA titles. Despite concerns about pricing and DLC, Civilization VII looks poised to remain the premier platform for world domination for years to come. [Full review] – Cale Hunt

VG247 — 4/5

In Alex Donaldson’s words, “There’s a hint of concession for the game to reach a broader audience, but I’m okay with that compromise if it delivers. It does. I’m satisfied. With roughly a thousand hours spent on Civilization 4, 5, and 6 combined, I’m eager to contribute more time to the seventh installment. Some of this will occur over time as the game evolves and broadens, following the usual Civilization pattern. However, the main point is that the base here is solid. The iconic struggle for an extra turn, eternally recurring, remains intact.

GamesRadar — 4/5

Civilization VII is an innovative strategy game that appeals to both beginners and experienced players. While some aspects like diplomacy and ages could use improvement, numerous small improvements and Firaxis’ biggest risk in addressing the monotony of extended campaigns have been successful.” – Andrew Brown [Full review]

IGN — 70

In “Civilization VII,” the effort to streamline and simplify this iconic 4X series seems overly aggressive, especially regarding the interface. The interface is disappointingly inefficient at supplying me with essential gameplay information or even helping me comprehend what’s happening sometimes, which can be frustrating. However, it does offer enhanced warfare and diplomacy, a touch of narrative style, and generally stunning graphics and sound, so it continues to provide compelling reasons for me to keep clicking one more turn late into the night. It’s reasonable to assume that with Firaxis’s traditional speed of patches and expansions, it can polish its new ideas and develop into everything it should be. While the current version is still enjoyable, it also represents a larger step back for the series than we typically expect when a new era begins.

Eurogamer — 40

Civilization VII is visually appealing and meticulously designed, and I recognized a familiar tune from Colonization. The AI turns are remarkably swift, and its user interface holds promise for addressing some of my concerns. Its overall design generally works, and strategy enthusiasts who enjoy city optimization might find it particularly appealing. However, the game’s lack of personality is concerning, and the number of bothersome quirks and oversights is surprising, given the series’ reputation. It’s a game that’s dull and contradictory in nature, failing to demonstrate mastery of the 4X genre. Rather than claiming the throne, it leaves it vacant since its very first hour. [Review by Sin Vega]

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2025-02-03 18:39