Review of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7

Since its debut in 1991, the Sid Meier’s Civilization series has been a cornerstone of the 4X gaming genre, inspiring many games over the years, though none have truly matched it. With nearly ten years of content rolling out for Sid Meier’s Civilization 6, Firaxis is now ready to unveil the long-awaited Sid Meier’s Civilization 7.

In keeping with the essence of previous entries, Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 challenges players to lead a nation through various historical eras, striving for supremacy. While this familiar turn-based strategy will appeal to series veterans, there’s a refreshing twist to explore. The game introduces significant changes, like separating civilizations and leaders and simplifying into three distinct ages. Although players might need some time to adjust, the bold new elements make it a fun strategy adventure destined for growth over many years.

From the get-go in Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, players will notice substantial changes to the game’s design. Previously, players chose a historical nation led by a leader they’d guide through time, each civilization offering unique benefits and strategic requirements. This tradition continues, but with a twist: leaders are now separate from the civilizations themselves, and players will command three different civilizations in a single game.

When starting, players decide on a historical leader to play as throughout. These leaders possess distinct abilities and aren’t strictly tied to nations. Alongside famous figures like Catherine the Great and Napoleon, new faces such as Harriet Tubman and Machiavelli join the fray. As is tradition, more historical figures are set to be included via DLC. After choosing their leader, players select a starting civilization, each with its own perks and drawbacks. The game even offers optimal combinations, though players are free to make their own pairings. As they progress through the three ages, they’ll transition to new civilizations, bringing fresh abilities, units, and wonders, ensuring a dynamic experience.

While this novel approach contrasts older titles, it creates an incredibly engaging experience. Players need to rethink strategies, test new wonders and units, and experiment with a variety of abilities. Some civilizations require specific tasks in the previous age for unlocking, such as building multiple cities, adding a strategic layer. Should tasks remain incomplete, several strong civilizations remain available.

Firaxis has dramatically altered the age system in Sid Meier’s Civilization 7. The game is now divided into three distinct ages, each with unique mechanics. It begins with the Antiquity Age, where players establish civilizations and meet neighbors, setting the stage for what’s to come. After about 150-200 turns, the game shifts to the Exploration Age, emphasizing exploration and expansion akin to historical eras.

During the Exploration Age, vast new territories become accessible, offering fresh resources and civilizations to discover. Players can establish new cities and gather exotic resources with little restriction, as the loyalty system from Civilization 6 is removed. The final phase, the Modern Age, is when competition intensifies, marking the end of expansion. Here, players bolster armies, fortify cities, and gear up for potential World Wars, mandatory for achieving Military victory.

With each age transition, the game essentially resets. Players retain their cities and units, but select new civilizations, tech, and civic trees while adapting to new city-states. This mechanic not only provides a chance for lower-ranking players to catch up but also requires dominant players to recalibrate strategies with new capabilities. Additionally, some buildings change, and age-specific Wonders become available.

While this restart might seem inconvenient, players are rewarded based on their previous age’s performance. Accumulated points from accomplishments and navigating Legacy Paths can be spent on special abilities or enhancements, offering a slight edge. These choices can be pivotal for success.

The age system introduces a fresh and enjoyable dynamic, but it’s not flawless. For instance, only players starting on the same continent benefit fully from the Exploration Age’s distant lands mechanics, as the original continent isn’t considered distant. Firaxis is aware of this and planning adjustments, but for now, it impacts the game’s immersion. Moreover, the ages can make games proceed rapidly, so players might opt for longer game settings.

Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 introduces numerous changes, some subtly noticed by players. Leaders now enjoy upgrades via the Attribute system, earning points for achieving tasks across six areas: Cultural, Diplomatic, Economic, Expansionist, Militaristic, and Scientific, allowing deeper customization.

Warfare receives a major overhaul too. Instead of maneuvering individual units, players deploy commanders who can hold up to six units, coordinating their efforts for enhanced battlefield bonuses. This innovative approach simplifies unit management and enhances strategic depth as commanders level up.

Other enticing changes include revamped city-state negotiations, easier-to-manage newly settled cities, updated diplomacy, a return to realistic art, and more. Veterans will recognize core mechanics yet find it a distinct experience from any previous title.

Despite Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 offering four familiar victory types—Culture, Military, Science, and Economic—the paths to achieve these are revamped. Progression now aligns with the new Legacy Paths, segmented into multiple steps, earn Legacy Points, and unveil special Golden Ages upon completion.

The system outlines win strategies through specific tasks, but these can be mundane, potentially diminishing the victory’s impact. For instance, achieving the Culture victory might be as simple as accumulating 15 artifacts and completing the World’s Fair. Despite pre-existing tasks, a focus on these can make victories less rewarding. Lead Designer Ed Beach has mentioned that they’re adjusting victory conditions, striving for enhancements.

Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 delivers an exceptional experience for both franchise aficionados and newcomers. Its captivating turn-based mechanics, fascinating civilizations, and rich historical exploration stand out, despite some rough edges. Like its predecessors, improvements will likely emerge through patches and DLCs. Long-time fans and first-timers alike might find it exactly what they’ve been anticipating in a strategy game.